Principal Architect, Design and Architecture, UK
I always wanted to study and practice architecture. It’s very rewarding to define the brief with a client, develop the initial concept ideas into a design and then watch the project come to life as bricks and mortar. Our challenge is problem-solving to find innovative and efficient solutions to meet and exceed the client's requirements.
I would urge anyone thinking about getting into architecture to find out as much as they can first and get some work experience before dedicating their studies to it. It’s hugely rewarding and interesting but it's hard work. Above all else, you need to have drive and determination to succeed. If you have the right attitude you’ll do well. You get out of the job what you put in.
The construction industry is transitioning away from using paper documents and 2D graphical information to collaborative, integrated methods of project delivery using digital information and 3D models. Over the next five years I see a trend for delivering projects using digital tools and the power of cloud computing for design and analysis and an increasing use of robotic manufacturing off and on-site. Harnessing new technology will be essential to fill the future skills shortages that are forecast in the industry.
I love watching rugby at club and international level, I’ve followed Leicester in the Premiership and European Cup for years and remember when their shirt numbers were letters of the alphabet. At an international level I follow France, being half French. I also love listening to music and standing in mud at rock festivals, but whenever the weather permits, my passion is barbecuing; even at Christmas when we invariably run out of space in the oven.