First is a built environment professional with degrees in architecture, urban planning, and narrative design who recently completed Imperial College's sustainability leadership programme. She has over 19 years of experience working in architecture, experiential design, policy and strategy, business development, and research and development.

First's strategic approach is to link three central themes: people, place, and story, while also incorporating sustainable design principles early on to ensure the project's legacy. She manages projects of varying sizes and scopes, with values ranging from £10,000 to £10 million. Deliver projects from start to finish, with a primary focus on RIBA stages 0–3.

She is committed to sustainability through her practice of delivering policy design and implementation, as well as extensive studies and research. In 2023, First launched a sustainability peer review initiative, Design Disclosure, for SME architects as a driver to advance the industry's attempt to become carbon-positive.

First is also the founder of HER Coffee in Hackney. First transformed HER from a humble cafe to a coffee product sold in 50 independent stores across London, including Selfridges. Which resulted in seed funding from Pentland VC. HER Coffee collaborated with brands like Courier, Killik & Co, and Apartment at London Fashion Week.