Russell is a founding director of RCKa architects. The practice has won six Housing Design Awards, the RIBA Journal’s MacEwen Award, and has been twice named Social Value Architect of the Year.

Russell’s research into urban golf courses, grey belt and developing around rural stations have received national media attention, with several appearances on BBC TV and radio talking about his work, and he is currently advising MHCLG on suburban intensification and brownfield policies. He is also chair of Barnet’s Quality Review Panel.