Connection | Entrepreneurship | Collaboration
Co-founding for sustainable growth in creative practice, placemaking and architecture to foster positive change
Since 2011, I have co-founded and grown multiple successful enterprises in architecture, creative practice, and placemaking. These ventures support global networks of artists, collaborators, and creative practitioners, fostering positive change.
Currently:
Creative Director | Architect, New Practice
RIAS Council Member & Trustee
Glasgow Urban Design Panel Member
Director, Many Studios CIC
Director, KidLit Glasgow CIC
Previously:
Design Studio Tutor, University of Strathclyde. 2016-2018
Creative Director, Pidgin Perfect. 2011-2019
Architectural Assistant, Collective Architecture. 2008-2016
New Practice is a women and LGBTQIA+ led architecture practice
New Practice is led by Becca Thomas (ARB) and Marc Cairns. Our working partnership began as an academic collaboration in 2010 and subsequently delivered projects in the UK and internationally which were awarded the 2012 RSA Gold Medal, 2014 Herald Society Award and 2018 Scottish Quality in Planning Award. Our shared practice is anchored in a commitment to the design and delivery of beautiful, practical places which offer social and environmental sustainability for healthier and happier neighbourhoods.
New Practice works at the forefront of placeshaping practice, ensuring that community-led briefs and shared decision making shape the future of our built environment. We exist to develop the creative capacity of cities and to connect people with the decision making processes that underpin the urban experience. We have an energetic, socially and politically active team who use New Practice as a platform to work meaningfully in their chosen industry.
Many Studios is an independent organisation working globally across the creative industries
Based in the East End of Glasgow, sitting within the historic Barras Market, our 1,000 sqm Creative Hub provides unique workspaces for a community of creatives. The building offers industrious workspaces for all kinds of practices, from visual artists to engineers.
The team is led by Natalia Palombo, Marc Cairns and Becca Thomas. With over 10 years experience of cross-sector practice, Many Studios has a deep understanding of the creative industries, specialising in sustainability in creative business through Technical Mentorship, UK Hub Tours, Focus Groups and Network Building.
We create projects that respond to unique contexts with a focus on community, both local and the interconnected global community. We lead pilots and projects that consider the role that networks play in activism and culture. We work with creative entrepreneurs, creative hubs and businesses in the public and private sector to develop strategies for long-term sustainability in both national and global contexts.
