This talk is part of MoA’s Alternative Careers in Architecture series, that discusses the way architects are disrupting other industries, as well as the knowledge and skills that architectural training can bring to other professional spheres. This session will feature Caroline Cole, the founder and director of Colander.
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So how did Caroline Cole, who started out on a career as an architect, end up where she is today, running a firm that sits on the interface between consultants and their clients – working with both and helping each interact with the other?
This talk will explain how an eclectic career has enabled Caroline to inspire many of the UK’s most successful architectural practices to develop their businesses, and enabled her to work alongside some of the most influential developers and building owners, helping to formulate their approach to architecture.

Drawing on anecdotes and observations that chart a personal view of the changing role of architects, this talk will consider the importance of four main themes:
1. Interdisciplinary working
2. Fairness
3. A belief that good design adds value to world we live in
4. Honesty founded in logic and reason

About the speaker:
Caroline read architecture at New Hall, Cambridge and during her professional life has worked both as a design consultant and as a client commissioning design professionals. She works with architects, landscape architects, designers and consulting engineers, helping them develop and run effective creative businesses. She also works with clients to identify the best design teams for their projects.

Through Colander, she pioneered the concept of benchmarking for the architectural profession and, building on her commitment to integrated design, has set up Equilibrium Network a group of senior and influential inter-disciplinary women working across the built environment.