42 Roles in the Built Environment - Real Estate Advisor

"The way I was always told earlier in my career to try and understand my own role in the process is to be the ‘ringleader’. Imagine it’s a circus and you’re the one that’s trying to chaperone and cajole and bring everyone together. And on my best day, I like to think that that’s what I do – that’s what I add to the process" - Nicola Rigby

With over 20 years’ experience, Nicola is a property advisor with specific specialism in regeneration strategy and delivery.

Based in Manchester for most of her career (aside from a brief stint in London), she leads the Avison Young regeneration offer nationally, overseeing a team of 13 people including planners, surveyors, and economists, working for both public and private sector clients.

Nicola has a real passion for delivering meaningful positive change for existing communities – with specialisms in masterplanning and delivery strategy for existing housing estates and existing housing areas.

42 Roles in the Built Environment - Strategic Director of Growth

"We have not seen a drop off in demand for commercial space – take up is still really strong – and, if anything, there is an undersupply – but people use the space differently" - Becca Heron

Becca Heron is the Strategic Director of Growth and Development at Manchester City Council. Formerly Director of Economy and Skills at Wigan Council, Becca’s career has included a number of different public sector roles, including previous positions within both Manchester City Council and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA).

During her time with the GMCA, Becca led on a series of high-profile and complex initiatives, including the development of 2014 Devolution Agreement. At Wigan, she took on the economic development and regeneration brief, playing a pivotal role in bringing key sites forward for development and kickstarting the redevelopment of Wigan town centre.

As Strategic Director of Growth and Development at Manchester City Council, Becca has a key role in the delivery of the ambitions set out in the Our Manchester strategy, leading the city’s recovery following the pandemic, building on the successes of the last two decades to drive inclusive growth that will ensure the city continues to be one of the most exciting destinations in Europe to live, work and play.

42 Roles in the Built Environment - Architect Founder

"Increasingly, all businesses are recognising the need to show and demonstrate what impact they’re having on the environment, and the community. And there are many ways to do that, from reducing a building’s operational carbon footprint, to improving access to amenities. But in addition to those environmental and social benefits, I think it’s important to recognise that ESG brings value to developers – so climate-ready and healthy buildings are much more valuable" - Rachel Haugh

Rachel co-founded SimpsonHaugh Architects in 1987, and has since played an integral role in building the practice’s strong project portfolio and reputation as leading urban and civic design architects. Having studied at the University of Bath, she was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in 2018 by The University of Manchester and in 2021, received the ‘Outstanding Contribution’ Award from the Manchester Society of Architects. Involved in all projects, practice management and strategic direction, Rachel is a strong, intuitive designer, powerful critic, and passionate advocate of the rigorous interrogation essential to maintaining design quality through to completion.