On the programme this week is the architect Annalie Riches – one half of the multi-award winning architecture firm Mikhail Riches.
The practice, founded by Annalie and her partner David Mikhail – are known for their considerable track record of beautifully considered housing developments.
Annalie originally studied architecture at Sheffield University before moving to Paris where she found work at RFR, the architecture and engineering practice founded by Peter Rice, Martin Francis and Ian Richie.
After two years Annalie returned to London to continue her studies at North London University, now The Cass School of Architecture, where she studied under Peter St John of Caruso St John Architects (who won the 2016 Stirling Prize).
In 1998 Annalie and two friends Silvia Ullmayer and Barti Garibaldo bought a plot of land and designed and largely self-built their own housing development at Whatcott’s Yard – the site of former garages in North London. The scheme went on to win an RIBA Award and the Architects’ Journal First Building Award.
In 2013, Mikhail Riches won the RIBA’s Award for London Building of the Year for Church Walk in London, where the practice had also acted as client and developer.
In this week’s episode, we talk about learning and working in a foreign language. We find out the challenges and rewards of architects working as developers. And we hear about the practice’s plans for the renovation of the Brutalist Park Hill estate in Sheffield.