Manifesto

I have lived in three countries and have family and friends living in numerous others; I have, therefore, had the privilege of connecting with many parts of the world through a variety of unique experiences. However, one thing I have noticed - through the lens of an architect - is how repetitive our world has become. Cities have become seas of glass, iron, and concrete, and as time progresses it is becoming increasingly more challenging to identify what part of the world I stand in. Originality, beauty, and identity are becoming rare in new builds, which is not only sad but also greatly unsustainable!

As architects and designers we hold the responsibility to pave the way for a more positive and progressive future for humanity and although I do understand there is an increasing demand for urban housing, shortcuts and unsustainability should not be the solution. However, our greedy, capitalist society has excused this due to cheaper building costs and accepted unsustainable architecture with open arms. I strongly believe we should be focusing more on the preservation of old buildings, as it is more sustainable to renovate an existing home rather than destroying natural environments to build a new one.

When I was a child I lived in a town on the outskirts of Madrid and every day I would go on walks after school with my grandmother, I remember going into the old part of town, walking down the street and being so intrigued by the old buildings. When I then moved to England all the old architecture was completely different from the one in Spain although they both held the ability to co-exist in the same space as new forms of architecture. Since then I have developed a passion for history and architecture, I am pursuing Interior Architecture as I believe we should not be erasing the ancient world but instead learning, working and co-existing with it.  

With this being said, my core values are…

• Sustainability.

• The Conservation and Restoration of old structures and artefacts, specifically those that are traditional and cultural.

• Historical knowledge, specifically architectural history in the Ancient World.

• The basic human need for shelter and a place to call home. Especially homes that provide basic human needs such as access to nature, and food and water.

• Third Spaces     

My predictions for my future in architecture …

• To have been responsible for the restoration and preservation of numerous buildings.

• Create sustainable designs that pay homage to culture and tradition in projects, when needed.

•   Allow clients to play a role in my mission for sustainability.

• Maintain ethical values.

• Create a world where modern and vernacular architecture may co-exist in a functional society.

• To use sustainable and locally sourced materials when possible.

• Create accessible and affordable constructions for clients.