Helen studied architecture at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne and Oxford Brookes University In 1998 Helen qualified as an architect at the Architectural Association and became a member of the Royal Institute of British Architects in 2000.

Following employment at Edward Hill Partnership in Kensington, working on offices, schools and private residential projects, Helen moved to Brighton in 2000 to work with LA architects ltd.

At LA architects ltd Helen worked on a variety of award winning projects, including the refurbishment and extension of a 1920s theatre, the refurbishment and extension of a private health and fitness club and a new build primary care health facility in Norfolk.

Helen was also responsible for a new build local authority leisure centre with an enabling affordable housing development in central London.

Helen left LA architects ltd in 2011 to concentrate on her own architectural practice, thirty-nine design ltd.