Q&A with Ian Stitchell, Architect at ArchCollab
Today we caught up with our newest member of the team, Ian. Recently joining ArchCollab, Ian’s an architect who’s brought a wealth of knowledge with him, including a broad experience in multiple project typologies.
What’s your role at ArchCollab, and what does it involve?
I’m an Architect and a newbie to the office, currently getting up to speed with projects and procedures. A normal day involves a relaxing train ride listening to an audiobook, then a walk to work and straight into the day. Every day is something different, which is awesome.
What is the first thing you do when you sit down to work?
I like checklists and often write a to-do list the previous night, which I then ignore while first checking emails to see if something more pressing raises its head, if not, then follow the checklist.
What are you passionate about? What gets you out of bed in the morning?
There are many things I’m passionate about, but with work the aim for me is a happy client. Not only at the end of a project but also during the whole process, and if the Client is happy with the outcome, and especially if they find joy beyond what was expected, a surprise, an element of the design that was unexpected, then that is a bonus. Achieving that outcome is what I aim for.
What is your favorite city in the world for its architecture/design and why?
Tokyo, for its density, authenticity and surprise around every corner. For the extremes in design from historical to modern to futuristic and their appreciation of value in design.
What elements do you feel are important in architecture/design?
I believe what makes architecture is not just providing ‘good’ design and meeting the Client’s brief, but is the step beyond that, the element that adds joy and surprise, and hopefully uniqueness. I’d aim for BIG or Thomas Heatherwick over Zaha Hadid or Harry Seidler.
Okay, let’s wrap it up with some quick-fire, stereotypical, architect Q’s
Skivvy, Jacket or Jumper? Jacket
T-shirt or Collared Shirt? T at home, collared at work
Boots or Sneakers? Boots at work, sneakers everywhere else
Glasses or Contacts? I’ve had both and glasses are better
Citroen or Peugeot? I think I’d prefer a Vespa
Jeans or Chinos? Jeans in Winter, Chinos in Summer
