Golden Key Academy graduate Elizabeth O’Hara discusses her experience learning to become a London built environment tour guide

Why did you apply for the Golden Key Academy and what were you hoping to achieve in terms of personal and professional development?

I have worked in housing for a long time in different capacities, providing legal advice to those who are homeless and in housing need as well as in policy and strategy. More recently I did a course which had modules on the built environment which considered the building themselves rather than the occupants. I felt I was looking at a familiar theme but through different eyes. The course ended but I was curious to know more. I didn't want another academic course, but I did want to continue learning.

In addition I had spent too much time at home since the pandemic and wanted to get out and about and meet new people. When I found the GKA course, it seemed to offer a way to get outdoors, walk London, look at the built environment and understand it better. I was hoping to find something stimulating and fun. Now, having finished the GKA course, I can say it was all of these things and also so much more. 

In what ways has the academy transformed your confidence and ability to lead unique and informative tours of urban environments?

At first I felt acutely aware of not being an architect, planner or a built environment professional. However, I realised very early on that it didn't matter. The course encourages participants to dig deep into their own interests, to draw on the subjects that inspire them. The academy is skilled at fanning into flame whatever it is that you bring to the table. I found the whole process affirming – sharing ideas for walks with others, practising, being encouraged to find a thread, a story you are inspired to tell, an angle that makes it your own.

I came to understand tour guiding as a creative endeavour, not just reciting facts about a place. In that context, it no longer matters whether you are a professional in the field;  you bring yourself and tell the story you choose to tell.  Although I feel I still have so much to learn, I now feel that I have something to say as well as the confidence to say it.   

Part of the course is developing your own unique tour, exploring a neighbourhood or theme of your choice, to feature in the Open House Festival. What inspired the focus of your special Golden Key Academy tour?

My tour covered the area where I live in Westminster. It has some great local stories with national significance. Some of the stories were once well known, but time has passed and I felt they needed to be retold for a new generation. My tour focussed on how ideas and ideologies influence the way in which our built environment develops. I explored how local communities successfully campaigned for and against certain changes with visible legacies in the cityscape. The tour posed the questions of what gets built and who is it for? 

The Golden Key Academy enabled me to stitch together a tour based on my own experience and my interest in housing, politics and campaigning for social justice. 

What parts of the course did you find most useful in preparing your tour?

So much of it was useful, but if I had to pick one thing I would say – for one of the sessions we were put in small groups, given a slice of the city and a theme. We had to create a mini tour, then deliver it. It threw us together, planning, and brainstorming. It was immediately possible to see the different strengths each of us brought to the group as we felt our way. It was fun and a great learning experience. 

A key part of the course is learning together and socialising with a like-minded cohort of fellow course participants. What are your words of wisdom for all those signing up for the 2025 course?

I loved the social element of the course. My cohort was bursting with brilliant people who were happy both to listen and encourage and also to share their particular interests. Nothing was too niche or geeky, everyone was interested! There was loads of good will. 

I would encourage others to make the most of the many and varied tours available to you as part of the course. I went on walking tours and boat tours. I even went to Poundbury for the day on an Open City guided trip. I'd never have done that, had it not been for the course opening me up to the possibility of it. As well as being fun, they are great for observing and noting the ingredients of a lively and stimulating tour. 

Image c. Philip Woolmuth