CMS Director and Senior Architect Paul has been as CMS for an incredible 23 years, having started with us in 2001. Over this time, the architectural profession has developed with new technologies, regulations and requirements, influencing the way we work.
Paul has been at CMS throughout and now leads RIBA chartered practice CMS Architects, delivering the same exceptional work as always whilst also mentoring and supporting newer members of staff.
We caught up with Paul to get his insights on forging a successful architectural career today. Read on to gain an insight into Paul’s experience.
What sparked your interest in architecture?
Lego! I had loads of Lego when I was young, and I was always interested in drawing too. I used to write my own comics at school and loved being creative.
I also helped my dad and grandad to build an extension on our house, which at my age mainly involved playing in the trenches! My grandad was a jack of all trades in terms of building, working in Estates & Facilities at Southmead Hospital, so I got to learn a lot from him.
How has working as an architect changed over your time in the profession?
Methods of communication and design have changed a lot. When I started all those years ago working for a small practice in Bristol, a lot of the work was still hand drawing. We were using very rudimentary early CAD (computer-aided design) software, but this was limited to mainly floor plans and elevations.
Today, hand drawing is limited to initial concept ideas, whereas back then we were doing construction details by hand!
Nowadays you don’t need to work through initial design in as much depth early on, as you go straight to the computer with the knowledge that you can develop and edit as much as needed through the design process. Back then, you had to plan your end result much more beforehand, as you were committing it to paper!
The difference in what’s possible now is huge, from just hand drawn perspectives back then to high quality realistic 3D visuals and immersive walkthrough today.
What sorts of projects do you most enjoy working on?
I like working on education projects, because you can see you’re making a difference to people’s day to day lives and enhancing their environment in a positive way.
A standout project for me is Corsham Primary School, as we’ve seen first-hand the tangible impact the project has had on teachers and pupils. Even returning to visit years later, the building still looks brand new!
I also enjoyed working for Western Challenge Housing Association on residential facilities for those with learning disabilities and mental illnesses. The buildings we designed were created to provide individuals with their next step towards independence, so there was a strong motivation behind the project.
I think any projects where you feel you’re making a difference are the ones you enjoy most. The people involved is what makes the work rewarding.
What has been your proudest work as an architect so far?
I don’t know if there’s a specific project. I’ve had opportunities to work on lots of different building types within the same practice, which has given me such a broad range of experience. There are always different problems to solve, and it’s the variety that keeps me engaged and motivated.
Can you share an example of a problem you were proud of solving?
Our Bristol Royal Infirmary project was challenging due to the logistics of the site and what the client wanted to achieve. We were tasked with creating a new clinical facility on the roof (seventh floor) of the existing King Edward building, next to a helipad and adjacent to an extremely busy main road through Bristol, which was quite a feat!
We had to come up with a suitable design solution for a new building of modular construction to replace a derelict structure which required asbestos clearing and full scaffolding to the roof perimeter prior to demolition.
There were a lot of logistical challenges, not least with the construction site being six stories high. The size of crane that would fit on the road was also limited, plus the building modules all had to be dropped in place over one weekend!
What motivates you in your role?
My main motivation is making a difference to people’s day to day lives. I’ve always had this in mind from inception to completion, aiming to creating spaces and environments that make people’s lives better.
Though in recent years, my focus has shifted to encompass more managerial aspects, running the studio, mentoring and marketing. This has been a natural progression to feed into the longevity of the company, expand it and spread our ethos.
What key skills would you say are needed to be an architect?
Definitely problem solving, and the ability to communicate effectively through different mediums (verbally, in writing, through drawings and sketches etc).
Having an openness to learning from others is also key, because you won’t know everything. As an architect you need to know a bit about all topics, but know who to ask to learn more and when you need to get specialist in.
I’d always advocate ongoing training and CPD, as things are forever changing. At the moment we’re seeing a big focus on sustainability, products and materials, regulations, and planning policy… it’s important to keep up!
I’d also say being a facilitator of a team is a great asset. As an architect you’re essentially the lead designer, so the ability to bring people together to work towards a shared goal is key.
How would you describe your work to someone interested in a career in architecture?
Most people think that as an architect you design a building as it looks from the outside. What you don’t see is the internal layouts and all the details beyond that, down to the skirting boards, lights, ventilation and so on. There’s a lot more to it than you might think!
Then there’s the regulatory side of things, where we deal with planning applications and ensure all projects comply with Building Regulations and important legislation such as the recent Building Safety Act.
We work with a lot of Listed Buildings and with that comes even more restrictions. In such projects we’ll educate our clients on what they can and can’t do, and advise them on time scales, risks, and procedures that have to be followed.
What’s your take on the gender gap in the construction industry?
An encouraging change we’re seeing in the industry is a higher prevalence of women. When I did my university course in architecture, the participants were about 50% women and 50% men, yet a lot more men than women went on to become architects.
Nowadays we’re seeing a shift in attitude, with less barriers than there used to be and more equal opportunities for all. We are strong advocates for women interested in architecture and recognise the value each individual has to contribute.
Coincidentally, all our work experience students this year were female, and at one point there were more women than men on the CMS Architects team!
What interests you about the future of the construction industry?
I’m interested to see the impact that reforms coming in will have on architectural work. The Building Safety Act is an example of a positive intervention brought in to raise the quality of construction and help people to recognise the value of good design.
New legislation is also set to promote the appointment of a professional team at the right time and employment of specialist consultants with the skills required for a given project. I hope this will go some way to stopping corner-cutting and ensuring inspections take place, are logged and recorded.
Last but not least, can you tell me a bit about yourself outside of work?
I live with my wife, who’s a nurse, and our two boys, one starting a degree in architectural technology at UWE this year and the other in his second year of training to become an electrician. Also part of the family are our tortoise, cat, and dog Snoopy, who visits the office from time to time!
Outside of work, I enjoy playing football and mountain biking, and recently came to the end of ten years of youth football coaching for a local team.
I’ve built great friendships at CMS over the years, frequently socialising together outside of work. I’m also about to turn 50!
If you would like architectural support on a project, please get in touch to explore how we might be able to work with you. We would be delighted to hear from you.