People Behind the Places: Maddie Woodhead, Architect

At AEW, great places are created by great people. Our diverse team of built environment professionals bring a wealth of experience, expertise and personality to every project we deliver. 

In our series People behind the places, we sit down with a different member of the team to understand their role, some of the projects that have defined their career and a bit more about them. 

This month, we’re speaking to Maddie Woodhead, Architect. 

Tell us about your role 

I’m an architect working across a few different sectors, which means no two days are ever the same. I often joke that my job is like playing professional Tetris because so much of it is about making lots of different pieces fit together! 

One day I might be working on a masterplan, the next visiting a live construction site or speaking with a planning authority. I really enjoy that variety and the challenge that comes with finding practical solutions. 

Alongside my project work, I’m also part of AEW’s EDI Champions group and the marketing focus group. I’ve always enjoyed getting involved in this side of the business, contributing where I can and helping to create an inclusive, positive workplace for everyone.    

What do you think is the key to being a good architect? 

I’ve found that being adaptable and flexible goes a long way. 

Architecture involves such a wide variety of tasks, projects and people that you have to be comfortable switching between different ways of thinking. Whether you’re sketching out an early feasibility study, coordinating with consultants or  getting into the detail of specifying finishes, every day brings something different. It’s one of the best parts of the job and also one of the things that makes it an interesting challenge. 

What inspired you to pursue a career in architecture? 

I’d love to say there was one particular building that inspired me, but that wasn’t really the case. 

I was initially drawn to architecture because it combines a mix of creative and logical thinking. But by the end of my undergraduate degree at the University of Liverpool, I’d realised that the human side of it was what interested me most. 

I became fascinated by how buildings and places influence people’s health, wellbeing and behaviour, and how good design can genuinely improve people’s everyday lives.  

During my master’s degree at Manchester School of Architecture, I spent a lot of time exploring issues like levelling up, ageing communities and deprivation, looking at how architecture can make a real difference to people’s day-to-day whilst also creating great spaces. 

What’s the project you’re most proud of working on at AEW? 

Project-wise, it has to be Cheadle Eco Park. 

It’s a timber-framed industrial development targeting BREEAM Outstanding, which is something quite unusual for the sector. I’ve been involved with the project since early 2023, so seeing it take shape now it’s on site is incredibly rewarding. 

The scale of the timber structure is quite special and it’s exciting to be part of a project that’s pushing expectations around sustainability within industrial development. 

Outside of project work, I’m proud of my time co-chairing AEW’s EDI Champions group with Eleanor Strange. Together with the Champions, we’ve introduced a range of practical initiatives that are now part of everyday life in the practice, including an inclusive design handbook, a programme promoting inclusion-focused events and resources, and a “Working With Me” guide that helps colleagues understand each other’s preferred working styles and communication needs. It’s been great to see these resources in use! 

Why AEW? 

Without question, it’s the people. 

Architecture can sometimes be quite a competitive industry, but AEW has a genuinely supportive culture where everyone wants to see each other succeed.  

I joined AEW over five years ago as a Part 1 Architectural Assistant and qualified as an architect last year. Throughout that journey I’ve received an incredible amount of support, and now I really enjoy helping work experience students and those at the beginning of their own careers. 

It’s nice to have come full circle and be able to give back in the same way others helped me. 

What are your passions outside of work? 

I love cooking, though I’m pretty terrible at baking! I’m not one for following recipes, the fun for me is in experimenting and figuring out what works. 

Outside the kitchen, my partner and I have been renovating a Victorian terrace, which has kept us busy for quite a while. Once that’s finally finished, I’m hoping to get back into running. 

I completed a marathon a few years ago, but my next goal is to take on an ultramarathon. It might sound a bit mad, but I like having a new challenge to work towards. Plus, ultramarathons seem to come with far more snack stops than regular marathons, so it feels like a win-win!