Paul Foster is this month’s exclusive Q&A profile. The Associate Director and Healthcare Lead at Sheffield-based practice Race Cottam Associates (RCA) discusses his current portfolio and shares more about his inspiration together with advice for aspiring architects.

Jean Hanna, Design Director at WWA Studios, has over 30 years’ experience in delivering large-scale projects for new-build and remodelled extra care, retirement housing and general needs housing schemes at a range of urban and rural locations. Here, she answers a few questions about her career and looks back on the path that led her to the position she holds today.

Our homes have long been our castles. And in the last two years, they’ve had to be everything else too. Our homes have also had to work overtime as gyms, office spaces, coffee shops and entertainment destinations. Now, as we emerge back into the world, it’s time to restore our homes to their rightful place. To do that, we’re going to need lots of colour, writes Garry Cohn of COHN Design.

With a master’s degree in architecture, Yorgo Lykouria started his career at Himmel/Bonner, then subsequently moved to Helmut Jahn in Chicago. Following these positions, he started his own multidisciplinary studio, which led to consulting with HOK and finally founding Rainlight Studio, where he is now the Creative Principal.

Whilst undertaking his college studies, Chris Wilkinson’s tutors tried to discourage a career in architecture. After a further year at art college, instinct kicked in, and Chris overlooked his teachers’ deterrent, treading the architectural career path. Today, he sits at the helm of Jo Cowen Architects (JCA). In this Q&A, we talk to Chris and follow his route to landing several positions at some of the country’s most notable architecture firms.