Su Brumwell
Su Brumwell is an influential figure in British architecture, known for her role in shaping modern architectural discourse. Born in the United Kingdom, she pursued a career in architecture during a period when the profession was still heavily dominated by men. Her contributions, particularly through her work with Team 4, left a lasting impact on contemporary architectural practices.
Brumwell studied at the Architectural Association School of Architecture in London, an institution renowned for fostering progressive and experimental approaches to design. During her time there, she met Richard Rogers, whom she later married. Their professional and personal relationship played a crucial role in shaping the early years of their careers. In the 1960s, she co-founded Team 4 alongside Rogers, Norman Foster, and Wendy Cheesman. The group quickly gained recognition for its innovative and high-tech approach to architecture, which challenged traditional design norms.
Team 4’s most notable work included the Reliance Controls factory in Swindon, completed in 1967. This project was groundbreaking for its use of lightweight materials, prefabrication techniques, and an emphasis on transparency and flexibility—principles that would later define the high-tech architectural movement. Though Team 4 disbanded shortly after the completion of this project, its influence persisted through the independent careers of its members.
After the dissolution of Team 4, Brumwell played a quieter but no less significant role in supporting and shaping the career of Richard Rogers. The couple had three children, but divorced in the 1970's. She married her second husband, architect John Miller in 1985.
While she did not seek the same level of public recognition as some of her contemporaries, her contributions to architectural discussions and her influence behind the scenes were considerable. She maintained a keen interest in design and was known for her sharp intellect and creative input in architectural debates.
Her personal life was deeply intertwined with architecture. Her marriage to Richard Rogers was both a partnership in life and in design, and together they navigated the rapidly changing architectural landscape of the late twentieth century. Although much of her later work remained in the shadow of her more publicly visible colleagues, her influence on modernist and high-tech architecture remains undeniable.
Brumwell’s legacy is a testament to the impact that architects can have, even if they do not always seek the limelight. Her role in the formation of Team 4 and her contributions to architectural thought continue to be recognised by those who study the evolution of modern British architecture.