2013-03-21 18:18:56 -

Gabrielle Omar, one of the erstwhile stars of The Apprentice, has announced the launch of Tea with an Architect, a nationwide series of events where members of the public can meet architects for a free consultation over a cup of tea.

The initiative was inspired by architect Gabrielle's time on The Apprentice, after which a woman stopped her on the street and remarked what a lovely job architects have "cleaning up those old bones".

Gabrielle said: "In a YouGov survey we commissioned last year, very few members of the public had any idea what architects do. For example, 69% didn't know architects negotiate planning permission, and 86% didn't know we can select, negotiate with and manage all the contractors.

"Tea with an Architect

is a great opportunity for homeowners, house buyers and builders to find out more about what architects can do for them, and benefit from some free advice at the same time".

She added: "We now have over 2000 architects around the country who have agreed to give some of their time to help members of the public with initial questions they may have about a project."


Tea with an Architect sessions are now scheduled to take place in Birmingham, Bath, London, Manchester, Liverpool, Bristol, Plymouth and Exeter over the next two months, with more in the pipeline for the rest of the year. More details can be found on www.teawithanarchitect.com : cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww .. .


Notes to editors:

Gabrielle Omar qualified as an architect in 2008 from the University of Westminster. She worked at Eric Kuhne and Associates before setting up her own architecture practice, Lolli and Square. In 2012, she took part in the BBC programme The Apprentice, lasting until week 10 out of 12 before hearing those timeless words: "Your Fired". Now known as 'Gabrielle Omar and associates', Gabrielle's firm continues to work on high end residential and master planning projects, whilst she personally campaigns and acts as a spokesperson for the architecture profession as well as women architects.

Click here for a photograph of Gabrielle : cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww .. .

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Guthrie on 020-7183-2511or arlo@guth3.net : mailto:arlo@guth3.net