Welcome to the first interview as part of our “Get to Know” series, where we are shining the spotlight on members of the team in various roles across the Practice.

First up is Leo Bourke, who has recently stepped into his new role as Senior Architect.

“As a Senior Architect, I’m now overseeing multiple projects, often larger or more complex schemes, and ensuring they not only meet client expectations, but also align with broader business goals.”

“As a Senior Architect, I’m now overseeing multiple projects, often larger or more complex schemes, and ensuring they not only meet client expectations, but also align with broader business goals.”

“As a Senior Architect, I’m now overseeing multiple projects, often larger or more complex schemes, and ensuring they not only meet client expectations, but also align with broader business goals.”

Well done on your promotion Leo! Can you tell us a little about the differences between the role of an Architect and a Senior Architect?

The transition from Architect to Senior Architect comes with a step up in responsibility, both in terms of project oversight and leadership within the team.

Greater Project Responsibility – As a Senior Architect, I’m now overseeing multiple projects, often larger or more complex schemes, and ensuring they not only meet client expectations, but also align with broader business goals.

Leadership & Mentoring – A big part of the role is supporting both junior and senior colleagues—whether that’s reviewing work, offering technical advice, or helping with professional development.

Technical Oversight & Quality Control – There’s a stronger focus on maintaining design integrity, ensuring compliance with regulations, and keeping up with evolving industry standards.

Business Development – Personally, I want to contribute to the growth of the business by helping to secure new projects, preparing fee proposals and bids, and strengthening client relationships.

At what age did you know architecture was the career for you?

From an early age I’ve always enjoyed drawing and making things, but I never saw architecture as an achievable career when I was in school. That changed when I started at Leeds College of Building at 16 and discovered that the course it offered provided a pathway into architecture; To this day, I still distinctly recall the induction presentation on architecture within contemporary society and the success of LCB alumni. It was at that moment that I knew I wanted to take my first step toward a career in architecture.

If you weren’t an Architect, what do you think you would be doing?

When I first started out, my plan was actually to become a Civil Engineer. So if I wasn’t an Architect, I’d probably still be working in construction in some capacity. It’s hard to imagine myself in a completely different field!

This is probably a really tough question to ask an Architect but what is your favourite building you’ve ever visited and why?

This is a difficult question! However, I visited Rome in 2019, and the Pantheon has to be one of the most impressive buildings I have visited in person in terms of its historical significance, detailing, and engineering of the unreinforced concrete dome – especially considering it was built nearly 2,000 years ago. No photo can do it justice; it’s something that has to be experienced in person.

At what age did you know architecture was the career for you?

From an early age I’ve always enjoyed drawing and making things, but I never saw architecture as an achievable career when I was in school. That changed when I started at Leeds College of Building at 16 and discovered that the course it offered provided a pathway into architecture; To this day, I still distinctly recall the induction presentation on architecture within contemporary society and the success of LCB alumni. It was at that moment that I knew I wanted to take my first step toward a career in architecture.

If you weren’t an Architect, what do you think you would be doing?

When I first started out, my plan was actually to become a Civil Engineer. So if I wasn’t an Architect, I’d probably still be working in construction in some capacity. It’s hard to imagine myself in a completely different field!

This is probably a really tough question to ask an Architect but what is your favourite building you’ve ever visited and why?

This is a difficult question! However, I visited Rome in 2019, and the Pantheon has to be one of the most impressive buildings I have visited in person in terms of its historical significance, detailing, and engineering of the unreinforced concrete dome – especially considering it was built nearly 2,000 years ago. No photo can do it justice; it’s something that has to be experienced in person.

“The best part of my job is seeing ideas and sketches come to life—taking something from a sketch, through design development, and then finally seeing it built is incredibly rewarding and satisfying.”

“The best part of my job is seeing ideas and sketches come to life—taking something from a sketch, through design development, and then finally seeing it built is incredibly rewarding and satisfying.”

How do you unwind when you are not working?

I love to travel, but when I’m not off travelling to new places, I’m usually unwinding at home with my partner, Liv, and our dog, Ralph. We spend a lot of time at the beach, going for walks, and lately, I’ve been training for my first Hyrox in 2025—which has definitely been keeping me busy!