Director, Architect
I only ever wanted to be an Architect and to design exciting and interesting buildings, spaces and places. Following graduation I worked for award winning practices mainly designing large scale education projects. In 2011 Thinking Buildings was set up with James. Ten plus years later, the business is vibrant, secure and sustainable, delivering high quality architecture and well thought out buildings. I lead our Education Team and I remain heavily involved in the early design stages of our school projects. Alongside this I have a strong interest in low energy design, timber and oak framed construction and I am a RIBA Part 3 examiner.
I'm a keen sportsperson - my friends would call me competitive. I once played Rugby to a high level - the only thing I wanted to do more than being an Architect. I remain sporty but it is safe to say that I have gained more injuries than trophies in recent years. I spend my spare time coaching youth football which I find amazingly rewarding, fun and meaningful. I love travelling and having adventures with my family, and I like a beer or two...
Director
I've always been fascinated by design in all things, including buildings and how things work. After spending 14 years working for a number of architectural practices in 2011 Darren and I broke away to set up Thinking Buildings. This coincided with a slow down in the construction sector and when my wife and I were expecting our first child. Maybe a mad decision, but more than 10 years later we're still here and thriving.
As well as the normal stuff, such as spending time with family I spend much of my time, along with my family and friends involved in vintage vehicles and specifically steam engines. We can often be found on the roads of Derbyshire, Staffordshire, and sometimes further afield on our family steam engine cruising at around 5 miles per hour. It's fair to say we get a mixture of reactions, thankfully mostly positive, but often confusion and surprise.
Associate Architect
My favourite part of working in architecture is getting to collaborate with clients and other professionals to help bring their ideas to life.
I have a lot of outside creative interests, including pottery, upholstery, textiles and interior design, but most of all ice cream!
Associate Architect
Being a bit of a people pleaser, I’m only happy when delivering spaces that exceed our clients dreams and aspirations. Having a passion for good design and sound project delivery, it was my father who put me on the path of Architecture where I could put my technical drawing skills to use.
When not working, I simply enjoy making the most of life, whether that be travelling and seeing / experiencing new things, out in the countryside hiking, on the slopes skiing or back home doing some DIY. When I do eventually stop, I can be found kicking back with a beer in the hot tub watching Formula 1.
Architect & Certified Passive House Designer
I enjoy the role of architect as we are able to help our clients on a journey, from establishing the brief and following the design process through to completion. I am also passionate improving existing education buildings to create better learning environments, and about energy efficient and sustainable architecture, the latter leading me to complete my Passivhaus Accredited Designer qualification in 2021.
Outside of architecture I enjoy spending time with my family and exploring new places. I enjoy playing football and netball, and often go running and cycling with my friends.
Architectural Assistant
Architecture became my passion when I began to draw house plans and build them with lego. I have since begun to combine this passion with my love of history. Historic buildings always make more interesting projects and it is important to me that we try to understand the best ways to change them.
I love to draw and I occasionally paint. I have recently put my architectural skills to the test by starting a house refurbishment with a couple of friends from university. I also used to enjoy quizzes (before Alex started to beat me every week at the company quiz)
Architectural Technologist
My love for Architecture began at a young age, I could always be found playing on any 3D design software I could get my hands on. Coming from a construction background as a family, understanding how things work has always been important to me, lending itself to a Technologist role. I enjoy the challenging and ever developing nature of the architecture alongside getting stuck into new exciting projects.
Outside of work I am a keen foodie and enjoy spending time away with friends and exploring new places. I’ve recently taken up yoga which is much harder than it looks!
Architectural Assistant and BIM Manager
I enjoy learning new skills, developing ideas and seeing projects come to life from sketch schemes to 3D models.
In my spare time I like to read for pleasure. I have found a hobby in snowboarding and go as often as I can to the snowdomes. I also enjoy music and films, seeing the latest releases whenever possible and spending time with my family.
Architectural Assistant
Construction and design have always been fascinating to me. The notion of what is drawn and detailed on paper, then coming to life, is what drew me to architecture.
I am a keen drawer; I always find myself sketching everywhere I travel, at home and abroad. I also enjoy watching or playing sports, and playing snooker at the pub.
Office Manager
I have a range of experience from working within diverse fields of administration. My mission is to make the team as effective as possible by offering support and freeing up their time to focus on project work.
When I’m not a taxi for my rapidly growing son, the water is my happy place. I took up sea swimming during lockdown, which is wonderful, but very cold!! I also love the arts and culture, attending exhibitions, theatrical productions and films whenever possible.
