Rachel joined Orms as an architect in 2017 and now leads the in-house sustainability team, conducting comprehensive reviews for all projects to ensure environmental design principles are embedded throughout our work. She currently leads significant projects including 124 Theobalds Road and 33 Jermyn Street, while delivering enhanced circular economy scope for material reuse and materials passports on 22-24 Southwark Bridge Road. Her expertise extends beyond practice; she serves as sustainability expert on Tower Hamlets and Watford Design Review Panels and is an active member of the UKGBC circular economy forum and the 20th Century Society committee.
What does ultrapractical mean to you? Ultrapractical sustainability means creating tangible pathways from environmental theory to architectural reality. Since 2022, I have led the UK Material Passport Working Group, securing research funding to develop a UK policy paper launched in January 2024. This work builds on my earlier contributions leading the Architect as Leader research in 2020 and Orms' first sustainability research project with Grosvenor Estate. Through continuous research and practical application, I ensure our practice maintains its position as an industry leader in sustainable design—developing innovative approaches that deliver measurable environmental benefits whilst enhancing spatial quality and user experience across diverse project types.