Lapratica was formed in 2023 as a bringing together of like minds between Asif Malik and Wendy Charlton. In her role as Operations Director at RCKa, Wendy facilitated the implementation of the practice’s quality, environmental and occupations health and safety management systems to achieve ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001 accreditation in a record six months; Asif was appointed as an ISO advisor and provided invaluable support and guidance to enable this process. Asif and Wendy recognised the potential that their partnership could offer to other architectural practices, bringing a wealth of hands-on experience in all areas of practice and project management as well as business compliance.
Asif Malik
DipArch RIBA ARB MAPM MSc(ProjMan)
With extensive relevant experience gained in architectural practice management, Asif acts as an independent consultant offering professional advice in vital areas of good practice. These are areas which deserve greater attention in the functioning of a professional practice. Architects are passionate about architecture, and at times, vital elements relating to the practicalities of running a good ship are not given adequate regard. These are elements which may be legal obligations, or affect the financial health of the practice, or influence the quality of architectural output.
A registered architect and a qualified project manager, with extensive relevant experience gained in filling this role, Asif can bring a wide range of problem-solving skills in practice matters. These are skills acquired in senior roles held with leading architectural practices, where the primary focus of his role has been in dealing with practice matters. This has included making a wide range of in-house CPD presentations, on topics ranging from architects’ appointments to ISO 9001 / 14001, and from ‘how to work out a fee’ to monitoring of project costs.
Wendy Charlton
BA (Hons.) Dip. Arch. Dip. AP RIBA
Wendy qualified as an architect in 1994, working her way up to the role of project director before becoming a partner at a large commercial practice, then moving into a business development role. She was Operations Director at RCKa for 11 years where she developed her interest in practice management. She was responsible for managing the business side of the practice; finances and invoicing, programming and resourcing, quality management, policy development and standards compliance as well as HR administration. Wendy acts as the client within the office and is enthusiastic and passionate about ensuring the delivering of a high-quality service, leading to client satisfaction, repeat business, healthy fees and prompt payment of invoices – critical to the success of the business. There is no point in being able to design beautiful buildings if the practice is not a profitable and legally compliant business.
Wendy was an RIBA Council member for the London region 2017 – 2020, RIBA Board member 2018 – 2020 and RIBA Vice President for Practice and Profession 2019 – 2021. She is also a board member of Probus Women’s Housing society which provides housing for single professional women.