My 33-year commitment to architecture started in London in 1989; 5 years of full time undergraduate and postgraduate study combined with 3 years of practical ‘on the job’ professional training led to my qualification as a Chartered Architect in 1998.
Before joining SHL in 2016, I worked in small and medium sized private sector architect’s practices to Associate level for over 20 years. This allowed me to gain in depth inception to completion experience over a broad range of project sector types, on major and complex commissions, both in new build and refurbishment. These include designing award-winning dementia care and award-nominated care/extra care and education schemes.
Supported by James Thorn, I have subsequently developed the Dash Architecture brand (Design & Architecture at Stockport Homes), https://www.dasharchitecture.co.uk/ offering services to external fee-paying clients, as well as supporting internal SHG projects, Assets, and Three Sixty. Earlier this year our £2.3m dementia care project in Offerton, Bruce Lodge, won The Pinders National UK Healthcare Design Award 2022; Best Regeneration Project.
My private sector background has afforded me the privilege of gaining empirical commercial experience in one of the most competitive business environments, responding to changing dynamics as demand shifts due to political and economic change. This has contributed to my balanced application between design approach and financial constraints, both for the business and client’s projects alike.
Architecture can have a profound impact on us all. This means that if a built environment is designed properly, it can elevate peoples’ moods, promote optimistic thoughts, improve self-esteem, and boost confidence. As an Architect therefore, I remain focussed on people’s needs, aspiring to exceed expectations, creating inspirational spaces and places for people who love to use them.
Nigel
