Sophie Lanigan

Director
Designer, researcher, writer
MA Architecture Association
B.Arch USYD

Sophie Lanigan is the founder of Sophie Lanigan Projects, a studio working across strategic communications, climate adaptation, and public design. Her practice combines architectural thinking, research, and narrative strategy to help organisations communicate with clarity and shape meaningful responses to the environmental and cultural challenges of our time.

She is currently completing a PhD in Architecture at the University of Cambridge, where her research explores oysters, urban seascapes, and the potential of design to mediate rising coastlines. Her background includes an MA in critical theory from the Architectural Association in London and a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Sydney. She has held editorial, curatorial, and advocacy roles throughout her career.

Sophie was previously Editor-in-Chief of UNION magazine, and has led or contributed to projects with institutions including the Australian Institute of Architects, Melbourne Design Week and University of Cambridge. Her work has been recognised with the Byera Hadley Travelling Scholarship, the Henry J Cowan Prize for Architectural Science, the Levy Plumb Fund for the Humanities at Christ’s College, Cambrdige and the Ascham Leadership Scholarship.

She works independently and in collaboration with a network of designers, researchers, and institutions — always guided by curiosity, clarity, and public engagement.

Select Prizes and Scholarships
Levy Plumb Fund for the Humanities at Christ’s College, Cambridge, 2023
Christ’s College Cambridge Award, 2022
Ascham Leadership Scholarship, 2021
Byera Hadley Travelling Scholarship, 2019
Clitheroe Emerging Sculptor Prize, 2017
Henry J Cowan Prize for Architectural Science, 2017

Leadership & Advisory Roles
Convener, City Seminars, University of Cambridge, 2022 - 2023
EmAGN Committee Member, Australian Institute of Architects, 2021
Soane Youth Panel, Sir John Soane Museum London, 2017 - 2018
Treasurer, Sydney University Designers’ Association, 2015 - 2016