Q&A with Adam Perring, Architect at ArchCollab

It’s time we catch up with one of our longest standing architects, someone who’s also recently stepped into the shoes of a dad.

From motorbikes to dogs and a few stouts between, we got to know Adam a little better in our latest staff Q&A.

What’s your role at ArchCollab, and what does it involve?
I’m an Architect & Project Manager so I am responsible for ensuring our projects are delivered to our client expectations. In my role we take projects from inception right through to handover. We are responsible for not only the creative direction but also ensuring our designs meet all regulatory, financial and stakeholder requirements.

What is the first thing you do when you sit down to work?
After the coffee machine is fired up, sit down check emails and plan the day.

What are you passionate about? What gets you out of bed in the morning?
Designing spaces which can subconsciously help people grow, learn and aid well-being is a highly rewarding experience. There are not many professions which you get the opportunity to affect people’s lives for the better day in day out. I feel very fortunate to be in this role and seeing our designs come to life through the user experience is worth getting up every day for.

What is your favorite city in the world for its architecture/design and why?
I don’t necessarily have one. I really appreciate seeing how small communities create design responses to cultural & environmental differences. Places like Luang Prabang in Laos show are a good example of an simple design response to an environmental issue with the creation of stilt houses.

What elements do you feel are important in architecture/design?
All of them! Design is a response driven by a need or want. This can evolve over time so our responses should be fluid in nature. Listening is the key to a good design.

Okay, let’s wrap it up with some quick-fire, stereotypical, architect Q’s

Skivvy, Jacket or Jumper? Jacket for formal, Jumper for casual
T-shirt or Collared Shirt? T-shirt
Boots or Sneakers? Boots
Glasses or Contacts? 100% Glasses
Citroen or Peugeot? Neither, I’ll stick to the motorbikes
Jeans or Chinos? Jeans