Gabrielle Omar, Star of BBC'S The Apprentice, Helps Launch The Changing Face of British Architecture Exhibition

Star of BBC's The Apprentice and co-Founder of architectural practice Lolli and Square, Gabrielle Omar was on hand to help launch The Changing Face of British Architecture exhibition on Wednesday 10 October, at The Architecture Centre in Bristol. The exhibition runs until 16 December.

Gabrielle discussed her current campaign, 'Tea with an Architect', which she hopes will help to change public perceptions of the profession. Gabrielle is keen to provide an insight into what it is architects actually do, believing that architecture needs to be recognised as an essential element of the construction process.

Part of The Architecture Centre's 'Brit Arch' season, The Changing Face of British Architecture exhibition is a fitting platform for Gabrielle's campaign, as it challenges perceptions of how architecture is practised and what it means to different people.

Rob Gregory, Programme Manager at The Architecture Centre said: "The way architecture is viewed is changing, and not everyone is always completely clear on what an architect's role actually is.

"An architect isn't just the person that designs buildings by drawing plans – an architect also has to be part politician and part entrepreneur, often liaising with planning officials, dealing with building regulations and  and helping with business plans and issues of viability. Gabrielle's campaign and The Changing Face of British Architecture are well suited – both examine different ways of looking at architecture."

The exhibition features two photographic commissions. The first by Timothy Soar captures the face of the profession and includes 40 striking black and white images of the nation's leading design professionals. The images are accompanied by short biographies by Isabel Allen.

By contrast, Frances Gard presents a sample of Bristol's many non-architect pioneers who help to shape the architecture of the city we share, shot in large colour format on location in Bristol. Both groups of faces are given a voice, with two audio loops providing a commentary on the practice and the product of British architecture today.

Both commissions are brought to life with exclusive audio interviews by Rob Gregory.

Visit www.architecturecentre.co.uk for more details.