As an Executive Architect at Woods Hardwick, no two days look the same for Charlotte Woodbridge. From site visits and client meetings to technical reviews and team calls, her role demands clarity, coordination, and a whole lot of coffee. Here’s a look behind the scenes at her typical day, filled with practical problem-solving, big-picture thinking, and the small details that make all the difference.
9:00 AM – Gearing Up for the Day
My day always kicks off checking my emails and messages, usually a mix of design updates, site queries, and project notes from contractors or consultants. There’s always something to jump on quickly, whether it’s clarifying a detail or answering a technical question. Once I’ve got a handle on priorities, it’s off to the train station, hardhat and high-vis in tow, and out on the road for site visits and meetings.
9:30 AM – Site Visit
Today’s first site visit is all about getting the project back on track. After a pause in construction, I’m here to review the progress so far, address any outstanding issues, and align with the team on a clear strategy to deliver an accelerated programme. It’s a hands-on, collaborative session – walking the site, reviewing key details, and talking through progress with the contractor to keep things moving forward with confidence.
12:00 PM – Refuel & Regroup
Time for a quick pit stop – grab some lunch, refuel and recharge. As I’m out of the office, I also use this time to catch up on emails, return any missed calls, and make sure nothing’s been missed while I’ve been out and about. It’s a brief pause, but it helps reset for the busy afternoon ahead.
1:00 PM – Client Review Meeting
Next up, visiting a client on a separate project to review material samples submitted by the contractor. We compare them against our original control samples to check quality and consistency. It’s a crucial step, making sure every detail aligns with the design intent and stays true to the client’s vision. These tactile, face-to-face moments are where expectations meet reality. They allow us to make confident decisions, avoid costly rework down the line, and ensure the final build delivers on both look and performance.
2:00 PM – Site Visit
On to the next project. This visit is all about checking in on site progress, answering contractor queries, and ensuring the build is moving in the right direction. Direct communication really helps resolve issues fast, we’re focused on delivery, so if a challenge crops up, we tackle it head on. These visits keep the momentum strong and make sure the design is translating accurately into construction.
3:30 PM – Back to the Office
Once I’m back in the office, it’s time to get technical. I dive straight into technical drawing reviews, checking compliance, and ensure the refining design details are both accurate and buildable. It’s a quieter part of the day, but no less critical, every element needs to work in real life, from the structural interface to the materials used. A task that demands careful attention to detail and precision.
4:00 PM – Design Team Call
Next, I join a project call with the full design team. We run through progress, align on coordination, and make sure everything is tracking ahead of tender. These collaborative check-ins keep everyone on the same page, especially when multiple consultants are involved. A chance to bring the whole team together, to ensure we’re all moving in the same direction and delivering a cohesive, coordinated design.
5:00 PM – Wrapping Up
Before finishing for the day, I review the day’s work, make sure all actions are logged, and prep for what’s coming next. There’s always more to do, but when everything’s moving in the right direction, it’s a great feeling.
Final thought…
Charlotte’s role blends technical expertise with hands-on collaboration, ensuring every detail of a project is deliverable and construction-ready. As Executive Architects, we help bring clarity and buildability to complex developments. If your next commercial project needs experienced, detail-driven support, get in touch with the Woods Hardwick team — we’re here to help shape your vision.
