Last Wednesday was the highlight of my social calendar, the Women in Property Christmas Cocktails. Held at the glamourous Epernay Champagne Bar in Manchester it was kindly organised by Sarah Atta, Lexington Communications, and sponsored by First Title. I was delighted to simply attend, rather than organise or even speak. If you were there you might have noticed this little piece in the newsletter...

Long standing WiP committee member and former branch Chairman, Lisa Raynes (pictured above) has stood down from her role within the committee. A branch member for six years and committee member for four years, Lisa has been instrumental in raising the branch’s profile and securing the memorable Beetham Tower event in 2010. Architect Lisa is leaving to concentrate on her new practice, Raynes Architecture which specialises in residential and commercial work.

Branch Chairman Claire Beaumont said: ‘Lisa has been a wonderful asset to the committee and we are genuinely sad that she is stepping down. However we wish her luck with her new venture.’

If you would like to get involved with the branch and join the committee contact branch Chairman Claire Beaumont.

Thank you Claire. I still hope to see you at many future events as an attendee.

Two architecture students have gained invaluable work experience as a result of participating in the Association of Women in Property (WiP) National Student Awards.  In addition to the confidence boost of becoming a finalist, one of the benefits of entering the Awards is the access to firms offering work placements.

A good example is Manchester based Raynes Architecture.  Lisa Raynes, Chairman of Women in Property North West 2009-2011, was invited to judge the 2011 student awards, where she was given a showcase of the best of the North West property students.

Impressed by their talent and enthusiasm, she invited two of the brightest architectural students to join her for work placements during the summer.   Charlotte Robinson is studying Architecture at Manchester School of Architecture and was announced winner of the North West Student Awards this year.  Eleanor Winder is studying Architecture Design Technology at Salford University and is a finalist in the North West Awards.  

Lisa Raynes said,

“The girls are like a shot of espresso!  Their enthusiasm is motivational. I love the intelligent banter offering a completely fresh point of view.  

“They have helped me test my systems, administration, reports and so on, as well as assisting on ‘real life’ schemes, so they have gained valuable experience. I think for all of us it’s a win-win situation.  The WiP Student Awards programme offers real opportunities to students and employers alike – I would encourage other businesses to take a close look at this scheme and the talented group of young women it identifies. There are some real stars of the future.”

Charlotte Robinson said,

“I gained a placement as an Architectural Assistant at Raynes Architecture after winning the North West region Women in Property Student Award. 

“As a relatively small practice, working at Raynes Architecture has allowed me to experience a comprehensive range of responsibilities held by an architect, from meetings with clients to understanding building regulations. I have developed a thorough understanding of project feasibility and a real insight into the building industry, especially interesting working in the current economic climate and understanding the restrictions this may bring.”

Eleanor said:

“During difficult economic times gaining a placement is vital and I am so pleased to have attained it through the WIP Student Awards.  My tutor putting me forward for the Awards in recognition of my work has had a very positive effect.

“Working with Lisa I have been given a lot of responsibility and, due to the work load, I have had to take the initiative on projects assigned to me, making sure deadlines were adhered to. This has given me a good understanding of the RIBA stages and how they are implemented in reality. In this time I have been able to put into practice the theory learnt so far in my two years of study and it really helps to see the principles in action “