We often refer to ambitious architecture in the studio but what does it mean to us and our work? We took a few minutes to sit down with our Founder and Lead Architect, Ashleigh Clarke, to find out what ambitious architecture means to him.
“Growing up, I was constantly drawing, painting or modelling. Taking inspiration from the world I saw around me and recreating it in a different medium. I’d be watching Tom and Jerry whilst drawing a picture of Tom. Sketching or sculpting. Sometimes I’d sit outside with my paintbox and sketchpad. People would stop and comment, once or twice they even asked if they could buy a painting!
Looking back, I think I was always fascinated by how we turn the ideas in our imagination into a 3-dimensional reality. I was always intensely practical. I need to know how something will work in reality. When I was studying architecture, I would occasionally clash with my tutors because I couldn’t see the point of designing a hanging waterfall or a suspended glass walkway that wasn’t going to be fully achievable, functional and fit-for-purpose, as well as visually beautiful.
I’ve been creating architectural designs for clients for nearly a decade now. I’ve always found that better solutions come from the challenges of the real world – the slope of the land, a height restriction, practical access, or available light.
When I design, I continually test my idea against two key questions – why am I building this and how will it work? Otherwise, how can I honestly answer a client’s question when they say – can we remove that beam? Can that window be floor-to-ceiling?
That means that, when I show you the initial concept drawings and plans, I’m as inspired by them as I hope you are. Because I know we can make them happen and they will be the best.”
