“Growing up, I was constantly drawing, painting or modelling. Taking inspiration from the world I saw around me, outside my window or in a book and recreating it in a different medium. I’d be watching Tom and Jerry and sketching Tom at the same time. 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 head into 3-dimensional reality. I was always intensely practical. I need to know how something will work in reality. Back when I was studying architecture, I would occasionally clash with my tutors because I couldn’t see the point of suggesting a hanging waterfall or a suspended glass walkway to a client that wasn’t going to be fully achievable, functional and fit-for-purpose, not just stunning to look at.
I’ve been creating architectural design 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.”
