After winning several student design awards and graduating with first-class honours from Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen, Mark Ellson joined Holmes Miller as a Part 2 Assistant in 2005. Flash forward to 2022, and he sits at the helm of the practice as Holmes Miller’s Director. Here, FC&A learns how Mark went from a budding architectural assistant to the leader of an award-winning architecture practice.
Gerry Boyle began his career in the UK Civil Service as an Architectural Assistant. From here, he applied for a place on the department’s sponsorship scheme to become professionally qualified. In this article, we follow the route Gerry took from this role to land the position he holds today as a Senior Architect at Dublin-based firm Gray Design.
In this month’s issue, FC&A puts Tim Ward, CEO at Chetwoods, under the spotlight to find out more about his profession. In this Q&A, he explains where his interest in building design began and reveals who influenced his journey into following the architectural career path.
Paul Foster is this month’s exclusive Q&A profile. The Associate Director and Healthcare Lead at Sheffield-based practice Race Cottam Associates (RCA) discusses his current portfolio and shares more about his inspiration together with advice for aspiring architects.
Our homes have long been our castles. And in the last two years, they’ve had to be everything else too. Our homes have also had to work overtime as gyms, office spaces, coffee shops and entertainment destinations. Now, as we emerge back into the world, it’s time to restore our homes to their rightful place. To do that, we’re going to need lots of colour, writes Garry Cohn of COHN Design.
Jean Hanna, Design Director at WWA Studios, has over 30 years’ experience in delivering large-scale projects for new-build and remodelled extra care, retirement housing and general needs housing schemes at a range of urban and rural locations. Here, she answers a few questions about her career and looks back on the path that led her to the position she holds today.
With a master’s degree in architecture, Yorgo Lykouria started his career at Himmel/Bonner, then subsequently moved to Helmut Jahn in Chicago. Following these positions, he started his own multidisciplinary studio, which led to consulting with HOK and finally founding Rainlight Studio, where he is now the Creative Principal.
Whilst undertaking his college studies, Chris Wilkinson’s tutors tried to discourage a career in architecture. After a further year at art college, instinct kicked in, and Chris overlooked his teachers’ deterrent, treading the architectural career path. Today, he sits at the helm of Jo Cowen Architects (JCA). In this Q&A, we talk to Chris and follow his route to landing several positions at some of the country’s most notable architecture firms.
Daniel Collins established PolkeyCollins Associates with Clive Polkey in 2012, after working together at a national commercial practice. During this time, he worked as a respected Architect to lead various projects across several sectors. Here, FC&A talks to Daniel to learn more about his industry experience and path to forming the Lincoln-based architecture practice.
Chris White has been with CPMG Architects for the past 18 years and became an Owner and Board Director in 2016. As the lead for CPMG’s London studio, he is delivering the strategic vision for growth, with a key focus on residential, commercial and aviation projects.
