The patterns and structures in nature have always been a key source of inspiration to me. Growing up, I spent countless hours observing micro-organisms through a camera lens. In part, it was the ‘otherness’ of natural subjects which sparked my interest in architecture. Becoming immersed in the process of describing spaces is one of the most rewarding aspects of design for me – the challenge of communicating a building’s atmosphere.
Prospect/refuge theory and the question of how buildings can change people’s perception of their surroundings has stayed with me throughout my studies. For me, the opportunity to create moments of contrast between controlled interiors and wild places is one of the most exciting aspects of architectural design.
In my hometown on the West of Scotland, much of my free time was spent cycling along coastal roads or visiting the Isle of Arran for the challenging hill climbs. Adventures into remote places are a continued source of inspiration to me and I enjoy staying in small bothies or retreats which afford solitude and a connection to nature.
“Nature is also discovered in the use of useful things. Nature in the light of products of nature.”
