Bethany Penman

Areas of Expertise

Bethany is a dual-qualified architect and solicitor who works in our Construction & Engineering team. She joined Devonshires in 2025 and advises clients on disputes regarding construction defects, payments, professional negligence, delays and party wall disputes. Bethany has advised on architect’s professional appointments, suspension of services, and provided support on live projects to avoid disputes. Bethany advises across all forms of dispute resolution including adjudication, arbitration and litigation. 

Bethany has a masters degree in Construction Law and Dispute Resolution from King’s College London and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.

Experience

As dual-qualified architect and solicitor Bethany has a having a deep understanding of the construction industry. Bethany has over 5 years’ experience working in the construction industry as an Architectural Assistant and Architect in practices across London. She previously worked for David Morley Architects, RSHP, Curl la Tourelle Head Architecture and HONE Studio; through working for diverse architectural practices, she experienced the design, construction, project management and contract administration of construction projects. The projects she worked on include private client homes, the fit out of commercial units and restaurants, schools and a hotel. 

After completing her degree in Construction Law and Dispute Resolution at King’s College London, Bethany worked as a Legal Advisor for a HLM Architects where she negotiated architect’s professional services appointments as well as advised on the recovery of fees, suspension of services, professional indemnity insurance and disputes occurring on live construction projects.  

Bethany studied architecture at the Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London (BSc and MArch) and the Architectural Association School of Architecture (Part 3).

Education

1. University of Law, LLM Legal Practice (SQE 1&2)
2. King’s College London, 2022, MSc Construction Law and Dispute Resolution
3. Architectural Association School of Architecture, 2018, Professional Practice and Practical Experience Examination (ARB/RIBA Part 3)
4. University of Surrey, 2020, MSc Environmental Psychology
5. University College London (Bartlett School of Architecture), 2017, MArch Architecture
6. University College London (Bartlett School of Architecture), 2014, BSc Architecture

Personal

Bethany is passionate about the built environment and can frequently be found talking to colleagues about some aspect of a building she finds fascinating. 

Outside of the built environment and law, Bethany enjoys spin classes, tending to her garden and houseplants (with varying degrees of success) and going for walks with her family in the nearby forest.

Awards

Bethany was awarded a Career Changer Scholarship by the University of Law.

Professional Memberships

Bethany is a member of the SRA, the Architects Registration Board and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.

Bethany acts is a committee member for the JCT’s Young Professionals Group and the King’s College Construction Law Association.