Alice Richardson

Alice is a part 2 assistant for EN Architects, a design led, contemporary and quality driven architectural studio in Hove, East Sussex.

As an Undergraduate she achieved the highest design portfolio mark in her final year, with the university awarding a prize for her dissertation, and nominating her as their undergraduate entry for the AJ Student Prize 2019.

As a Postgraduate she achieved joint highest design portfolio mark in her final year and was the university’s joint nominee for the RIBA Silver Medal 2022, and Joint Winner of Will+Partners MArch Prize 2022.

September’s Shifting Tides: A Season of Inspiration and Discovery

As Autumn unfurls, September heralds a time of transition and reflection. With day and night balanced in equal measure, we return to the rhythms of work and school, setting our intentions for the months ahead. While the coming months may be occupied by Halloween, Bonfire Night, and the inevitable Christmas preparations, September, for many, remains a month rich with inspiration and creativity.

In the world of arts and academia, this season has always signalled new beginnings—new studios, new projects, and the first site visits of the year. Having grown up in Lewes, I’ve long associated September with Artwave, the vibrant visual arts festival that has become a staple of the South East. Now in its 31st year, Artwave showcases the work of artists and makers across various venues—studios, private homes, galleries, and more—primarily on September weekends. It’s a unique opportunity to connect with creatives and gain access to spaces typically closed to the public.

Equally captivating is the national Heritage Open Days festival, a celebration of history and culture that also takes place this month. In years past, I’ve explored Roedean School and The Old Police Cells Museum in Brighton, The Rusty House in Lewes, and the Coastguard Cottages near Seaford. Many of these sites are open again this year, offering a rare glimpse inside buildings usually admired only from the outside. Both Artwave and Heritage Open Days are free to attend, making them excellent occasions to immerse yourself in local heritage and artistry.

On a more architectural note, the RIBA Sussex branch continues to engage the community with events and tours of local building projects. Last month, they offered a fascinating tour of the Moda Hove Central project, providing insight into a new development at its early stages. This month, they’re hosting a behind-the-scenes tour of the iconic Brighton Hippodrome, where participants can learn about the ongoing restoration efforts ahead of its much-anticipated reopening.

For those of us who have spent years in academia—myself included, having recently completed a Masters in Architecture at Brighton University—September is synonymous with learning and research. This year, the Buildings Lime Forum at Brighton University will delve into the use of lime in both traditional and modern practices. Meanwhile, for a more leisurely pursuit, the webinar ‘Timber all the way – The Black and White Building’ offers an insightful look at Waugh Thistleton’s ambition to design central London’s tallest mass timber office structure, and how they are advancing the use of timber in a post-Grenfell world.

Finally, as we bid farewell to summer, why not join the RIBA Sussex Branch and Women in Construction Sussex for their Summer Social? The event features a tour of the Sussex Yacht Club, followed by a BBQ and music—a perfect opportunity to mingle with industry professionals in a relaxed, scenic setting, all while exploring yet another architectural gem.