My Approach
I believe architecture’s value is in bringing insight, creativity & rigour to every project. Finding unique & effective solutions that bring both function & joy to any building or project, no matter the scale or budget.
Through my education & experience in Practice & as a sole practitioner, I have developed an adaptable yet thorough process when approaching a new project. It is only through consideration of the client & people involved, the context, budget, constraints & opportunities & iterative challenging of ideas that the appropriate approach will be developed, creating a solid basis on which to build & test against as the project progresses. I place great importance on communication & working closely with clients, consultants, contractors & stakeholders.
I employ multiple methods of exploration & communication; 2D drafting, 3D modelling & visualisations, photoshop, physical models & hand drawing, applying each technique to the timescales & unique characteristics of each project.
Symmes19 Community Centre. | Solo Project. Freelance. | Gatineau. QC. 2021 | Client: Brigil
It’s about people.
Engaging in a built project is a significant, long & often emotional undertaking for any client. I, therefore, place great importance on being able to support clients throughout the process, adapting to new information, whilst ensuring that a cohesive design vision is executed through construction & into occupying the finished building.
I seek to not merely translate a client's requirements but to challenge them, innovate & discover the unique potential in each project. I build on a foundation of knowledge & discovery in the building/site and constraints & coordination with consultants & contractors to deliver a thorough, professional & well-executed project.
I believe this attention to not only rigorous architecture but communication & managing client expectations is reflected in the repeat work & new opportunities I have generated with both individual & developer clients.
Image | Dalhousie St. Bathroom Remodel: Before & After Plans. | Ottawa. ON. 2021. | Freelance, Solo Project.
For this budget-conscious remodel of a bathroom, which was too small & in need of replacement, I worked with the client’s needs to rethink the configuration of the whole floor. In doing so, they were provided with a unique & spacious bathroom & much more usable circulation, bedroom & living room, with the entire floor afforded an enormous increase in natural light.
Site & Context.
I believe in creating buildings that respond uniquely to their surroundings, whether in a rural or urban setting. This can mean using the building orientation to maximise views & sunlight exposure. Contextual responses may include taking cues from the form or style of adjoining buildings and reinterpreting this into something new. Understanding the broader context of the neighbourhood, the city, its history & aspirations leads to meaningful & informative responses.
Image | The Rockeries: Design Approach Study. | Ottawa. ON. 2020. Solo Project @ Linebox Studio.
The design principles I established through the study of The Rockeries site aimed to enhance the connection to nature for each house. I proposed forms that worked with the steep grading and the rocky landscape & which accommodated mature trees. This was further explored in the house I designed for Lot 8, and the study drew further interest for homes on two additional Lots.
Left: L7,8,9 Shopify @ Linebox Studio / Middle: Tregeare & McLean Quinlan / Right: Belgrave Mews @ McLean Quinlan
Constraints & Opportunities.
Establishing the constraints & unveiling the opportunities is where I discover the exciting possibilities for each project. Understanding the restrictions allows me to test ideas, find opportunities and develop unique approaches to unlock the project's potential.
Considering as many of these factors as possible from the outset in a more holistic design process will always be more successful & more efficient than attempting to graft them on after the fact.
Image | Armstrong St.: Zoning, Constraints & Options. | Ottawa. ON. 2020. Solo Project @ Linebox Studio.
The site-specific research I undertook for this potential dentist surgery & house in the west end of Ottawa uncovered constraints a large planning firm missed. An understanding of the City of Ottawa’s planning intent for the area allowed me to present alternative development options to a grateful client who had made purchasing decisions based on the erroneous information they had been given by the Planner.
It takes a Team.
As Project Lead, I start by creating a vision for the project, both for the design approach & its execution. I provide clarity through adaptable work plans, schedules & guidance that serve the team & the client.
In my experience, projects always benefit from collaboration & discussions with peers. I seek to adapt this collaboration to suit the needs of each project, setting the targets & expectations at each stage. In this way, the team works as a cohesive whole, and each individual can contribute to their full potential.
Image | ‘CarbonBox’ CLT & Sustainability Initiative. | Ottawa, ON. 2020. @ Linebox Studio.
Linebox was awarded the contract for the Shopify fit-out at The Well in partnership with HPA on the condition that I was appointed as Project Lead due to the successful changes I had made in leading & implementing Levels 7-9 at Shopify Ottawa. On a very tight timescale, a considerable team effort was required to develop a broad range of spaces & requirements. In addition, we designed a new, much-needed internal circulation plan to provide cohesive wayfinding & connections, bringing in ARUP to undertake timed studies of various circulation methods.
Sketches: Various Projects
Collaboration & Integrated Design.
The most successful & rewarding projects that I have worked on have resulted from close collaboration with consultants, contractors, clients and makers.
Good relationships & understanding with structural & mechanical engineers, suppliers and trades ensure the harmonious integration of each component within the final project. This is the foundation I build upon to ensure the vision & quality of finish are executed effectively whilst responding to on-site conditions.
Image | 30 Mount Row: Gallery Pavilion Design & Details. | London, UK. 2015-17. @ Studio Mackereth.
The innovative gallery pavilion resulted from close collaboration between myself & the lead Structural Engineer. We continuously challenged each other, reflected upon & tested our ideas to create a dynamic design that integrated structure, design, maintenance, gallery display & servicing complexities.
Attention to Detail.
A distinct advantage of my education & work experience has been a commitment to the Architect's intrinsic involvement at all stages of the project, from design through technical work & construction. I can therefore maintain a level of consistency over all aspects of the design, considering the concept at the largest scale through to the smallest interfaces & details.
As I manage the project on-site, I can make any changes while considering their impact on the whole vision (& budget). This results in a high level of finish and buildings that feel lasting & cohesive.
Image | Tregeare: Construction details. | Cornwall. UK. 2015. @ McLean Quinlan.
The extensive detail package I created for the Tregeare house project featured several incredibly complex interfaces between built forms, internal features, materials & structure. These details related back to several key sections through the house, ensuring a level of integration & consistency. Additionally, I juggled consultant & supplier inputs with budgetary concerns & performance requirements, all the while keeping close attention to the design intent & level of finish we aimed to execute.
Clockwise from top left: Dinas Hatch & McLean Quinlan | Dalhousie St. & Freelance | 30 Mount Row @ Studio Mackereth | Belgrave Mews @ McLean Quinlan | 33 Tite St. @ Studio Mackereth | Tregeare @ McLean Quinlan | No.1 The Old Hall @ Studio Mackereth | 473 Albert St. @ Linebox Studio | L7,8,9 Shopify @ Linebox Studio
Innovation & Creating Opportunities.
Alongside seeking innovation & project-specific approaches, I always strive to improve how I work. For example, I have reworked drawing systems whilst working Freelance and at McLean Quinlan & Studio Mackereth. I developed many 3D modelling & 2D presentation methods and used real-time rendering as communication tools to document design & technical work. I also enjoy using physical models and hand drawings of all kinds to explore ideas & convey information to consultants, contractors, planners & clients.
I have established a successful record in obtaining new projects and turning studies, competitions & proposals into complete projects. For example, at Linebox Studio, we were awarded big projects at The Rockeries & the mixed-use adaptive reuse at 473 Albert St (Ottawa) from proposals I led. In addition, a number of my study packages were vital in reaching new developer clients & being given opportunities to undertake further work.
Image | Champlain Community Centre: Urban & Nature context. | Gatineau, QC. 2021. | Freelance, Solo Project.
An initial well-crafted study with concise documentation for a National Capital Region developer led to further studies & design projects. The capturing of the design process & rationale has proven to be a vital tool in guiding clients through projects & getting their buy-in. In addition, these documents take on a life of their own when viewed by other decision-makers & potential clients outside of my direct involvement. The story told by these presentations allows someone to appreciate the thought behind a project & not merely the marketing images or working drawings.
Tregeare. Large Private Residence set into cliff-tops overlooking the beach. | Led DD, Tender & Working Drawings @ McLean Quinlan | New Polzeath, Cornwall. UK. 2013-15 | £2.5m