We're pleased to announce two new appointments to our Employee Ownership Trust: Leanne Tritton as Chair of Trustees, and Alisha Gould as Employee Trustee.

Before introducing them, we want to acknowledge Richard Jones, who has served as Chair of Trustees since the EOT was established in 2017. His contribution over that period has been significant, helping to build the structures and culture of employee ownership that now underpin how the practice operates, and we're grateful for his commitment to that work.

Alisha steps into the Employee Trustee role from Cameron Angus, who served in the position for the past two years. Cameron reflected on his time: "As Orms has grown over the past two years, it has been a real privilege to serve as EOT Trustee and contribute to its continued evolution. The role provides a meaningful opportunity to represent colleagues, influence decisions, and help shape the future of the practice we all share."

Leanne Tritton, Chair of Trustees

Leanne brings a breadth of experience in built environment advocacy that is hard to match. The founder of ING Media, she is also Chair of the London Society, co-founder of Don't Waste Buildings, and a Design Council ambassador, and was awarded an Honorary Fellowship by the RIBA last year in recognition of her contribution to the profession. Alongside this, her own experience of employee ownership gives her a first-hand understanding of the model that will inform her approach to the role. "I have worked with Orms for many years in my capacity as the founder of ING Media. Throughout that time, I have always admired the professionalism of the practice and the consistently high quality of its design work.

More recently, through our own journey with employee ownership, I have come to appreciate just how distinctive the culture of an employee-owned business is. It is unlike any other business structure, and the most effective trustees are those who understand this difference — who bring ambition for the long-term success of the practice, while also recognising that the business ultimately exists for the benefit of its employees rather than external shareholders.

I hope to bring that perspective to my role as an independent trustee, and to play a part in supporting the continued success of the practice for the benefit of the talented people who work here today, and those who will join in the future."

Alisha Gould, Employee Trustee

Alisha joined Orms as a Part 1 assistant and has been with the practice for nearly nine years, qualifying as an architect along the way, and is currently Project Architect on an early-stage scheme on Oxford Street. Her investment in the practice extends well beyond project delivery: she served two years on the Orms Employee Council, led our involvement in Open City's Architecture in Schools programme, and has contributed to both Orms' internal mentoring scheme and the RIBA Future Architects Mentoring Programme — supporting the next generation of architects through their qualification journey and, in doing so, helping to widen access to the profession.

"I'm honoured to have been elected to the Employee Council. Having been part of Orms for nearly nine years, I care deeply about the people that make this place what it is. I'm proud to have the opportunity to represent them and build on the brilliant work of those before me."

The Orms Employee Ownership Trust was established in 2017. It exists to hold shares in the practice on behalf of all employees, ensuring that the long-term interests of the people who work here are represented at the highest level of governance.