Job title: Architect
When did you join Morrison Design? 2017.
How did you get into architecture? I had an interest in construction at school so when I left, I completed a BTEC in Construction at college. My wife thankfully gave me a nudge to consider becoming an architect and from college I went on to study Architecture.
What are you currently working on? Refurbishment of two existing labs at the University of Derby, a Mobility Zone which is part of a government research project, some ongoing projects for Rolls-Royce and a new classroom block for a local school. I am also involved as Principal Designer for several hotel projects.
Which project are you most proud of?
The new Omics Research in Metabolism (FORM) Lab at the University of Derby – the brief was quite minimal, so we took that and developed the designs with the users. We delivered above expectations which is always satisfying when you see a happy client.
Prior to Morrison Design I did a lot of work in the healthcare sector and worked on an extension for Rotherham Hospice. Giving the staff and patients a new space with lots of light and seeing how delighted they were was an achievement.
What do you love most about your job? No two days are ever the same in my job! I’ve recently been working on a few lab projects which may appear to be similar but they’re actually so varied. It definitely keeps me interested!
Where do you get your inspiration? This is the most difficult question. I’m like a magpie, always taking inspiration from other buildings that are great at solving a particular design problem – a novel doorknob on a curved door which has asymmetric spindles at Kedleston Hall or the use of ‘reward and denial’ in the landscape approach to Fountains Abbey. Buildings are all about your experience, how it makes you feel. My best building experience was in a small restaurant on the Rambla de Catalunya in Barcelona, where you entered through a hot, busy kitchen full of large agas to find communal café tables in the rear – full of locals enjoying traditional Spanish food.
What’s it like to work at Morrison Design? It’s a great, friendly team and we all collaborate well with each other. The team here have a lot of artistic flair, paired with simple, structured procedures which work really well for us and for our clients.
Why should clients choose to work with Morrison Design? We give the client more than they expect. They come to us with ideas and we build on them, always going above and beyond to create spaces they love.
And just for fun…
Favourite building: I was lucky enough to go inside Eggborough Cooling Towers when it was closed for a re-fit – that was a memorable experience! Aside from that I love the detail of the Sagrada Família in Barcelona.
Favourite food: Homemade pizza.
Favourite brand: The Raddison Hotel Group – they have lots of architectural buildings and I love the detailing in their rooms.
Something you dislike: Playing sport (although I’m happy to watch!).