A Cross and Craig perspective for those thinking of studying architecture
I visited Kingston University recently to listen to the architecture tutor speak about his course and I was really encouraged that his architecture students look at small spaces as well as grand ones.
Although some of the next generation of Architects will design large recognisable landmark buildings, most of them won’t. That is not a bad thing. In reality, whilst these grand buildings define our city skylines, do they really change the lives of those who live and work in them daily?
Think back in your life to the built spaces that have brought you joy, made you feel safe, made you feel loved, made you feel happy. Some of those spaces may be hotels or theatres, and I suspect there may be the odd beach hut or tree house in there. However, most of the spaces on your list will be homes – your own home, your grandmother’s, your best friend’s.
What do Architects do?
Architects are trained to create spaces and places that improve the environment in which we live. For most of us, we spend more time in our houses than anywhere else, especially now that so many of us are working from home. The popularity of Location Location Location, Grand Designs and DIY SOS will attest to the fact that as a nation, we love where we live.
Furthermore, residential properties make up 17-21% of carbon emissions globally*, so it is vital that our existing housing stock is creatively overhauled to improve its energy performance and resilience to future climate change. Rather than build and rebuild, we must reuse our existing buildings effectively. When building new, we must build to last.
What’s it like designing for a client?
I know Architects who prefer to work on commercial projects. They find project managers easier to deal with than homeowners. Project managers are rarely the end user of the building and they are spending someone else’s money. These professional client-representatives are generally unemotional, predictable and let’s face it, often better paying.
Working with homeowners is a very different thing. These clients sit down with us, share their problems, and ask us to solve them by creatively changing the environment they live in.
They reveal their financial situation and trust us to advise them on the best way to spend their funds in order to maximise the impact on their daily lives. They ask us to hold their hand through the long and frustrating process of building, with all its ups and downs. They cry on our shoulder when things go wrong, and proudly show us around when the final touches are added.
When someone invites you into their lives like that, you are given the opportunity to really make a difference. It is emotional, unpredictable and deeply rewarding.
Why should I study architecture?
To all you potential architecture students….. don’t just set your eyes on those grand landmark monoliths. Look around you at the intimate spaces that shape us, that define us, that we treasure. Because in doing so, you really can improve the world.
by Vicki Potter, Architect and Director of Cross and Craig Associates
*According to the BBC ‘How your house will go carbon free’ article by Kelly Oakes November 2021
