While we’ve all mastered the art of remote working and virtual meetings over the past year or so, nothing quite makes up for those in person conversations when getting to know who you’re working with. So we thought we’d do a series of ‘meet the team’ posts to help with just that.
Joe first joined us back in one of his university summers many years ago, and with his unique ability to find creative and impactful opportunities in every challenge, Joe has been spreading his magic across everything ever since. Whether it’s project work or whipping up a top notch carrot cake, Joe’s always the first to offer a helping hand with anything and everything – and never without a smile on his face. His talents aren’t just limited to architecture, he’s also a budding sportsman, representing Team GB at the European Championships in the triathlon! And as if that’s not enough, he also happens to be one of the loveliest people you’ll ever meet.
We caught up with Joe to discuss what inspires him, what his dream project would be, and what he’d like to change about the industry.
What inspires you?
The potential to have a positive and lasting impact on society and seeing those that achieve this in all sorts of ways. There seems to be a really exciting shift in the industry towards young people and practices who share many of the same ideologies. Studios that have begun to highlight that, with a passion and a reason, the ‘youth’ of the industry can really make a difference, pushing forth ideals of sustainability, experimental cultures and creating spaces that will make a difference to those less fortunate.
What would your ideal project be?
This is a tricky one, but it would definitely have to have a strong purpose and involve engaging with the community. My theoretical projects in my Masters looked at regeneration through arts, exhibitions and creating spaces for artists to feel valued, and another focused on overcoming mental health issues within isolated towns through a series of community spaces, therapy pavilions, housing and their embodiment within the landscape. So, I guess something along those lines.
If you could change one thing within the industry what would it be?
The competitive nature of fees and undercutting each other. I think they have a massive knock on effect – less creative time but longer hours, poor mental health etc. – which is damaging for the industry and the output to society, and those within.
What is one thing that you’ve enjoyed about lockdown that you want to take with you going forward?
The flexibility and freedom of how we work and how this interacts with ‘other’ life. I think we have a great opportunity as a society to step back and look at what’s really important to us, and how to take this forward, rather than falling back into how things were.
What’s one thing you are looking forward to with your return to the lab_?
People! And obviously beers at The Wenlock!