Gayle is an architect with over 25 years experience in her field and is founding Director of Gagarin Studio, a progressive architecture practice based in Yorkshire.

She is an advocate for more regional design ambition particularly in towns and rural communities in the North of England; recognising the need to attract and invest in regional economies, engage local communities and employ local skill in the production of places and spaces. Gayle has taught extensively for a number of schools of architecture throughout the UK and continues her role as an academic advisor and external examiner.

Her research and practice explore the creative & sustainable re-use of existing buildings, the practice mantra being ‘the greenest building is the one that’s already there’. Her experience includes the design and delivery of a range of buildings to include the conversion and adaptation of mills, theatre spaces, churches and factory buildings.

More recently Gayle was the lead for a new contemporary country house and estate in rural West Yorkshire; steering the project through national design review – an exemplar project and the first ‘Para 79’ home in West Yorkshire. Gayle is a graduate of the Royal College of Art and has worked for award-winning, international architecture and design practices including Eva Jiricna Architects and HMKM. She has been a Design Council BEE since 2015 and more recently a regional juror for the RIBA Awards. She is also a trustee for a local arts festival and manages a community pocket park.