I'm Laura Scalco, an ARB-qualified architect with a multidisciplinary practice spanning community, hospitality, and cultural projects. I specialize in early-stage concept design (RIBA 1–3) and translate complex briefs into compelling spatial and material narratives that work at every project stage. With international training across the UK, Portugal, and France, I combine design rigour with creative adaptability to deliver contextually responsive, architecturally considered outcomes. I excel at client-facing communication and visual storytelling, and I bring a strong aesthetic sensibility to every project.

Laura Scalco

PRO

I'm Laura Scalco, an ARB-qualified architect with a multidisciplinary practice spanning community, hospitality, and cultural projects. I specialize in early-stage concept design (RIBA 1–3) and translate complex briefs into compelling spatial and material narratives that work at every project stage. With international training across the UK, Portugal, and France, I combine design rigour with creative adaptability to deliver contextually responsive, architecturally considered outcomes. I excel at client-facing communication and visual storytelling, and I bring a strong aesthetic sensibility to every project.

Available to hire

I’m Laura Scalco, an ARB-qualified architect with a multidisciplinary practice spanning community, hospitality, and cultural projects. I specialize in early-stage concept design (RIBA 1–3) and translate complex briefs into compelling spatial and material narratives that work at every project stage.

With international training across the UK, Portugal, and France, I combine design rigour with creative adaptability to deliver contextually responsive, architecturally considered outcomes. I excel at client-facing communication and visual storytelling, and I bring a strong aesthetic sensibility to every project.

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Language

Portuguese
Fluent
Spanish; Castilian
Fluent
English
Fluent
French
Fluent
Italian
Intermediate

Work Experience

Architect at IF_DO
March 1, 2023 - March 1, 2026
- Worked across all RIBA stages on two award-winning community retrofit projects (Eagle House and Observer Building rooftop, Hastings) for charity client. Observer Building received the Pineapple Award and was featured in AJ, RIBA Journal, and national design press. - Developed design proposals and feasibility studies (RIBA 1–3) for community buildings, sports facilities, urban realm, and hospitality projects across Built Environment Trust, National Trust, 5+ local authorities, and private clients, producing planning drawings, massing models, and Design and Access Statements that progressed schemes to planning submission. - Developed interior layouts and material strategies for café and community building fit-outs, specifying finishes, coordinating technical schedules (doors, ironmongery, sanitaryware), and liaising with suppliers and manufacturers. Designed custom joinery elements for exhibition spaces. - Designed and facilitated 10+ co-design workshops across multiple projects, including North England's largest regeneration scheme (Collyhurst), establishing participatory methods that gave residents genuine agency in shaping the built environment. Led engagement strategy for Liverpool Residential Design Guide, synthesising input from 200+ residents and stakeholders into design policy formally adopted by Liverpool City Council. - Crafted project narratives, design visuals, and presentations for 15+ competitive bids, that supported successful appointments across public and third-sector commissions. - Coordinated multidisciplinary teams across RIBA stages, supervising Part I assistants on technical production, leading client presentations, and integrating consultant input. - Directed architectural photography shoots and staged completed buildings for publication, producing written and visual communications.
Editor & Art Director at MacMag
January 1, 2021 - January 1, 2022
Selected as one of four editors for a 40+ year legacy architecture magazine, defining the annual editorial theme, curatorial direction, and contributor selection. Led end-to-end production of the printed publication, writing and editing architectural criticism, conducting practitioner interviews, and art-directing layout and visual identity. Secured funding and sponsorships to deliver the publication, bridging academic discourse and built work for practitioners, students, and institutions.
Design Editor at DDW
January 1, 2022 - Present
Supported architectural and interior design development (RIBA 1–4) on high-end residential projects, contributing to spatial planning, layouts, circulation strategies, and Design and Access Statements. Produced AutoCAD drawings, SketchUp/Rhino models, and renderings; conducted material research and mood boards for interior finishes and detailing.
Social Media Manager at Prompsit
January 1, 2021 - January 1, 2022
Designed and managed social media strategy and content for architecture projects, supporting bid development and public engagement.
Architectural Assistant at Axis Mason
January 1, 2019 - January 1, 2020
Supported architectural and interior design development (RIBA 1–4) on projects, contributing to spatial planning, layouts, circulation strategies, and Design and Access Statements. Produced AutoCAD drawings, SketchUp/Rhino models, and renderings; conducted material research and interior detailing; coordinated technical schedules and supplier inputs.
Design Editor at Prompsit
January 1, 2022 - Present
Design editor for DDW 2022 and ongoing, overseeing editorial direction, content curation, and publishing workflows.
Social Media Manager at Axis Mason
January 1, 2019 - December 31, 2020
Managed social media presence and contributed to communications for architectural projects; supported marketing and public engagement efforts across multiple channels.

Education

Bachelor of Architecture at Glasgow School of Art
September 1, 2016 - June 1, 2022
Master of Architecture at Glasgow School of Art
September 1, 2022 - February 1, 2023
ERASMUS Exchange (Architecture) at Universidade do Porto
September 1, 2021 - February 1, 2022
Part 3 Architectural Qualification at University of Westminster
September 1, 2024 - September 1, 2025
Master in Architecture at The Glasgow School of Art
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2023
Master’s in Architecture at Universidade do Porto (Erasmus)
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2022
Bachelor of Architecture at École Nationale d’Architecture Paris- Belleville (Erasmus)
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2019
Bachelor of Architecture at École Nationale d’Architecture Paris- Belleville
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2019
Master in Architecture at Universidade do Porto (Erasmus)
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2022
Master in Architecture at The Glasgow School of Art
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2023
Qualification as Architect (Part 3) at University of Westminster
January 1, 2024 - January 1, 2025

Qualifications

Part 3 Architect Qualification
January 1, 2024 - January 1, 2025
Pineapple Award - Observer Building (Honourable Mention)
January 1, 2025 - February 23, 2026
Glasgow School of Art Sustainability Prize
January 1, 2022 - February 23, 2026
Axis Mason Student Sponsorship Grant
January 1, 2022 - February 23, 2026

Industry Experience

Real Estate & Construction, Non-Profit Organization, Professional Services, Media & Entertainment, Government, Travel & Hospitality
    paper OB Rooftop

    Winner of the 2025 Pineapple Awards, The Observer Building is a community-led retrofit and redevelopment of a former printing press in Hastings, realised by IF_DO’s for Hastings Commons Neighbourhood Ventures.