Where we came from

Life's short do what you love and love what you do.

I have been always fascinated with making ever since I was young, I can remember my activity was to build stuff (free play), from a bow and arrow, a seat made of saplings or steps carved into the side of a hill. As my skills grew and my Dad let me play with his tools I began to experiment and plan to make things, I began to weld old fencing wire and make furniture out of recycled fence palings.  I can not help but see the potential in materials and create.

I have also been fascinated with architecture, from an early age I can remember looking at house plans with my mother and thinking "I can do this" and so I did at around age 10 my mother gave me some grid paper and I drew my first rectangular house (much like our own :)) I remember measuring the bath and other objects around home anddrawing them to scale.  After I drew the rectangular house I drew an 'L' shaped house then packed my pens away for a little while.  

Then yr7 to yr 10 ( at school) I started wood work, metal work art and tech drawing all of which I loved.  Howerver in yr11 + 12 I was told Itold to study chemistry, physics, engineering (in preparation for Architecture) and so I abandoned the arts and crafts (wish I didn't), I enjoyed advanced maths and most subjects although I was not captured, was certainly not passionate about physics and so I focused on the social aspects of high school. I floated easily between all groups I enjoyed different company, interests and saw the individuality as unique and all groups had advantages. I think it is empathy is important to be a good architect, ability to listen, interpret and envision.

Why am I telling you about myself and my formative years, because I strongly believe that designing and making is my vocation, it is as much a lifestyle as a passion.  This is what I love doing and feel I always will and we notice when something is made with love it is inevitably better, much like a meal which can be made with the same ingredients although if is made with love you can taste it.

I have had a varied career and I have made many things not just buildings, I love learning, experimenting and trying something new.  I love the team aspect of building and feel there are more ways to build than simply hiring expertise.  I feel clients should also have the ability to contribute to their own projects (be part of the team). I am happy to collaborate,to teach and mentor both clients, other architects, builders, owner builders anyone.  

If you have an interesting project, need help, or would like to craft a beautiful space please contact me to arrange a time to sit and talk together.