Rachel Colbert

Rachel joined the practice as an Associate in Aug 2021, having relocated back to Belfast from Edinburgh. Rachel lived in Edinburgh for 22 years, having left Belfast in 1999 to study Architecture at Edinburgh University. Much of her architectural career was spent at Comprehensive Design Architects where she was fortunate to be involved in a number of city centre projects across a variety of sectors including hotel and leisure, residential, commercial and office. Award winning mixed-use development 6 St Andrew Square development in Edinburgh is one such project that Rachel led as Associate.

With a strong portfolio involving large scale and complex delivery projects, Rachel also has key experience in the refurbishment and extension of existing buildings, several of which were listed, in sensitive and logistically restrictive sites. The range of projects throughout Rachel’s architectural career has helped develop a valuable knowledge of technical design and sensitive detailing, whilst understanding commercial sensitivities under both traditional and Design & Build Contracts. Since joining TODD Architects, Rachel has led The Loft Lines development in Belfast, which will deliver 778No Build-to-rent and social / affordable housing apartments, an exciting addition to the Titanic Quarter area. Rachel is also involved in a number of TODD projects of varying scale and complexity across Northern Ireland, covering residential, office and hotel sectors with a mix of refurbishment and new-build briefs.

Within the office, Rachel leads the ‘Communications Task Group’, directing the issue of the practice TODD Newsletter and hosting regular ‘Friday Forum’ sessions across the studios. Rachel also played a role in developing the TODD ‘Pool strategy’ to help with efficient and agile resourcing and takes part in mentoring colleagues who are developing their technical design skills.

Rachel’s work ethics prioritises clear and open communication with clients, contractors and the design team to ensure that the design development and delivery process is a collaborative, co-ordinated one, resulting in a successful outcome for client and end user.

As a valued member of the team, Rachel’s substantial input to the practice within a short period of time led to her appointment as Associate Director in 2023.