RIAS CPD

Business Seminar: Key to Running a Profitable Practice in 2026

Tuesday 24th Feb 2026, 13.00-16.30pm

Speaker Biographies

Liz Norris - Solicitor, Marsh Commercial

Liz began working in the insurance industry in 2002.  She is a qualified solicitor who obtained over 10 years’ experience in private practice at international insurance law firms specialising in coverage and insurance disputes before joining Marsh.

Her particular work includes managing complex and disputed financial and professional services claims across a breadth of practice areas.  Her particular specialisms include construction, engineering, architects, IFA, Pension administrator, broker, accountant, law firm and healthcare clients.  She also regularly advises professional services clients on their general commercial insurance claims and risk strategies/management.

Vince Nacey – Director, Mirza & Nacey Research Ltd

Biography to be added shortly…  

Zoe Black - Head of Practice, RIAS

Zoe Black is Head of Practice at RIAS. Joining the team just over 2 years ago she has a keen interest in contracts, appointments and ensuring RIAS practices have access to resources to ease the strain of running an architectural business. Previously Zoe worked for a 3D architectural production company managing a team of 3D designers and ensuring architectural detailing was accurately represented in CGI images and interactive videos. This followed from 3D modelling work for an architectural practice whilst subcontracting to provide architectural design, specification and principal designer roles. Zoe began a career as an Architect after graduating with a Masters in Architecture from Edinburgh University, completing her Part 3 at a large Edinburgh Practice and moving offices to gain experience in large commercial projects. This culminated in a number of years steering technical design on parts of the Scottish Parliament. Following more recent self-employed work on small-scale domestic projects she is now content assisting other practices in her role at RIAS.

Steven Harding & Maxene Sommer – Co-directors Goodfellows Communications

Steven Harding & Maxene Sommer are Co-directors at Goodfellow Communications, an expert PR and communications consultancy specialising in architecture, construction, property, interiors and design.

Deborah Kirk - Director, PartB

Deborah is accredited by the RIAS and RIBA as an expert witness and has considerable experience of preparing and assisting in expert reports. She also sits on the RIAS panel of adjudicators and has acted as adjudicator in construction disputes.

Between 2019 and 2021, Deborah was appointed by the ARB as an Independent Inquirer where she was instructed to provide her opinion on various architectural issues to assist the Professional Conduct Committee with regards to matters of unacceptable professional conduct or serious professional incompetence. In 2021, Deborah become an architect member of the Professional Conduct Committee at the ARB and is now part of a panel that considers allegations against architects of unacceptable professional conduct and serious professional incompetence.

In addition to all that, she is also the Senior Examiner and Committee member with APEAS - the Professional Examination Authority for Architecture Students in Scotland.

Dian Small - Founder, The Cultural Architect

Dian Small is the founder of The Cultural Architect™, a practice dedicated to helping leaders make culture visible, intentional, and actionable. A registered RIBA Architect, former RIBA London Regional Director, and certified Cultural Intelligence practitioner, she brings architecture’s systemic and creative thinking into organisational transformation. Dian created the Living IRIE Cultural Transformation System™, a regenerative framework grounded in Innovation, Responsibility, Inclusion, and Equity. Through immersive facilitation, systems mapping, and LEGO® Serious Play®, she helps teams build trust, clarity, and shared understanding. Rooted in her Caribbean heritage, Dian brings warmth and depth to every engagement—empowering organisations to shape cultures where people and ideas can thrive.