Roxanne joined Orms in 2023 after completing her Architecture BSc at the University of Bath. She brings diverse international experience from practices in Lisbon, Paris, and Brazil, having worked on residential projects ranging from detailed technical drawings to the design of large-scale developments. Currently pursuing her Level 7 Architecture Apprenticeship at London South Bank University, Roxanne is investigating natural building materials and vernacular construction in contemporary contexts. Her work has received recognition through the Ted Happold Commended Prize for Integrated Building Design (2023) and the DKA Prize for digital visualisation, with her architectural hand drawings also featured in D’architectures magazine. What does ultrapractical mean to you?
Working on St Martin's Le Grand, our retrofit design project, has shown me that to be ultrapractical is to respect existing fabric while innovating for future needs. My international experience has taught me that practical solutions derive from an understanding of local contexts and traditional techniques. Through my apprenticeship research into natural building materials, I am exploring how vernacular principles can inform contemporary practice. Ultrapractical design bridges the gap between heritage and sustainability, creating spaces that respond to both environmental challenges and human needs while celebrating the stories embedded in our built environment.