Our Story

Our Founder

Pride Road was set up by Lisa Raynes, an architect with over 20 years and previous member of the RIBA council (2015-18).

Before starting her own practice in 2010, Lisa had worked as an architect for over a decade. In 2009, the recession was well underway and Lisa had been made redundant twice during her career – once while on maternity leave. Although setting up her own practice started as a necessity, it turned out to be the best thing that could have happened.

Pride Road Branding

Work-Life Balance

Lisa set up her first business – Raynes Architecture Ltd – in 2010, specialising in home refurbishments and extensions.

Through her business, Lisa was able to carve out a meaningful architectural career that also allowed her to balance her family life. Working closely with homeowners and people with smaller projects, she found a stream of business that was able to ride out the downturn comfortable, while giving her the chance to help develop properties that truly contributed to people’s lives.

By going against the traditional way of running an architecture practice, Lisa achieved something that many others in her industry long to – a work-life balance that allows her to use her skills, experience, creativity and training in a meaningful way that works around her personal life.

Making a Change

Lisa recognised that a change was needed in the industry.

There were a lot of architects – women and working mums, in particular – who struggled with the inflexible and long working hours of traditional architecture practices. She wanted to help others run their own business and achieve a better work-life balance.

As a result, Lisa rebranded her practice to Pride Road – the architectural practice franchise that helps other trained architects start their own practices with the support of Lisa’s experience and brand.

Happy Clients, Happy Architects

Through Pride Road, Lisa wants to give architects the skills, knowledge and resources needed to build their own successful architecture business, while campaigning to make the profession happier, healthier, more diverse and inclusive.

OUR GROWTH

The Pride Road Franchise has grown from strength to strength, and proved its resilience to uncertain times.

Since its founding, the Pride Road Franchise has grown – with successful territories in the North West and South of England. Our business model has been tested in numerous ways, and each of our territories had successful launches. In recent times, our business model proved resilient during the lockdown and indeed we even became busier – see the story ‘Praise for Pride Road’s online response to lockdown’

Happy Clients, Happy Architects

Download the Franchise Info Sheet

Pride Road is leading the flexible working movement for the architect profession – and you can join us.
Get the ball rolling by downloading the Franchise Info Sheet!

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