Brian’s interest in architecture began at 10, when his parents gave him the Observer Book of Architecture. The subject has fascinated him ever since and, although he has been with the practice for more than 20 years working predominantly with historic buildings and as an inspector of churches for the dioceses of Rochester and Southwark, he still has that book.
As one of three line managers in the London office, Brian spends much of his time assessing the cultural significance of buildings and their sites within the context of their surroundings. At Highbury Football Stadium, for instance, where the Grade II Listed Stands are to be converted into luxury apartments, his role was to advise both Arsenal Football Club and the design team on what was achievable and then to act as intermediary between the Club, English Heritage and the local planning authority to make it happen.
Acting as the catalyst to bring redundant buildings back into beneficial use is a position he particularly relishes. Intrigued by complicated puzzles, he enjoys making the multifarious decisions necessary to pull off such a project, reconciling the conflicting demands of various interested parties.
Brian’s contribution to the practice team is about more than just architectural design and building construction. Urban design is a considerable growth area for the firm, exploiting its expertise in conservation and Brian’s experience is invaluable in evaluating town centre developments. Increasingly, too, he acts as a project manager, doing a job that is less about producing drawings himself and more about overseeing the production of drawings by others, as well as managing everybody involved, from quantity surveyors to clients.