Education
University of Edinburgh | September 2018 - May 2020
Postgraduate M(Arch) degree in Architecture (Masters with Distinction)
Postgraduate M(Arch) degree in Architecture (Masters with Distinction)
University of Edinburgh | September 2014 – May 2018
Undergraduate MA(Hons) degree in Architecture (First Class)
Undergraduate MA(Hons) degree in Architecture (First Class)
Statement of Creative Practice
I am a reader-writer-thinker-maker with a love of ideas and an ever increasing desire to express them with articulation, depth and joy. My work in industry has given me valuable insight into contemporary design practices, while my education has given me a love for intensive design processes across many media and scales - from the niche in the room to the street and the looming buildings that occupy it. My working approach is one which seeks the triumph compression over reductionism, taking into account the complexities of the person, room, city, world - rather than seeking simplicity for simplicity's sake. This is not merely a reactionary stance but a hopeful, exciting outlook, with many avenues of thought and action still to be discovered. These notions were explored in some detail through my project "Dance House," and also in my dissertation Species of Nooks and Other Niches (RIBA President's Medal Dissertation Award, 2018), a visual-textual exploration of miniature, nookish, oblique, and ‘inefficient’ species of space set against the more prevailing massive, ‘open,’ transparent and highly efficient spaces pervading contemporary architecture. These ideas form a theme throughout my design work, which has been consistently recognised through awards, and some of which was featured in a student exhibition in London, "Blueprint for the Future." All these notions are set to be further unpacked in the form of a study trip to Florence, and they continue to unfold in other ways through a number of creative freelance projects.
Current Occupations
I am currently on maternity leave from teaching and design work, being presently lost in wonder at our new baby, Johnny. There are several projects on the horizon of both an architectural and a literary nature. Watch this space.
Work History
University of Edinburgh
September 2020 - Present | Design Tutor
This academic year I have tutored first year, third year and fourth year students in architectural design, art and design, and digital skills. I work directly with students on their projects to enhance their design abilities and presentation skills, helping them to produce interesting projects they are proud of.
Craig Lodge Charity
September 2020 - Present | Design Volunteer
As part of this role, I re-created the organisation's brand guidelines and overhauled their website from scratch using Webflow, creating a well designed, complex and integrated site based on a robust CMS (content management system). I also redesigned their logo, updated their e-mail templates and created high quality graphics for print.
Ash Sakula Architects
June - September 2019 | Architectural Assistant
Working mainly on a RIBA stage 1/2 mixed-use housing project in Slovakia and a stage 2/3 arts centre in London, I produced drawings and visuals on SketchUp and Vectorworks, assisted with planning applications, contributed to competition designs, helped improve the practice’s social media presence, was responsible for updating their website using Webflow, and also took a key role organising networking events.
RIBA Journal
Summer 2019 | Writer
I was asked to write articles on events such as the opening of the 2019 Serpentine Pavilion and the RIBA International Award. Working to tight deadlines, I gained good critical thinking skills and inter-personal skills.
Youth 2000 Charity
July - August 2018 | Design and Arts Intern
I worked intensely for six weeks with a team of interns to organise a major youth festival. My role involved the design of the event and the fostering of the arts at the festival. Within this I conceived and curated Vessels, a youth arts magazine — a highly self-motivated task enhancing my time-management, logistical, and design skills.
University of Edinburgh
May 2018 | Exhibition Designer, Building Futures Exhibition
With a fellow designer I curated and designed an exhibition hosted at the University. We edited a large body of work, created new graphics, designed and made exhibit panels and stands, and coordinated the exhibit set-up.
Bennetts Associates Architects
January - August 2017 | Architectural Assistant
My primary contribution during this role was towards The Edinburgh Futures Institute, a major RIBA stage 3/4 conversion and new build project. I was a key point of liaison with acoustics, fire and conservation consultants, advancing my organisational and logistical skills as well as my specialist knowledge in these areas. I produced high quality technical drawings, performed on-site research and gained specialist software skills in Revit and BIM.
The Machine Quilter Company Ltd.
June 2015 - Present | Media Consultant
For several years I have been consulting with a small textile business to improve their social media presence, generate business ideas, and assist at major sales events at the NEC Birmingham. As part of this role I collaborate with other creatives to produce web-content for international textile companies such as Juki and Superior Threads.
_______
References are available on request. A more complete CV is also available on request.
Outside of Design I write music and play infrequent gigs. I navigate the Highlands with the help of Joe, and take long walks and photos. When there is time I bake, read, and write the occasional poem.