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Winning work in education & healthcare

By Sophie Steed 2020-02-21T06:00:00+00:00

Sophie Steed tells Building about her 1980s pop music knowledge, the Mackintosh Building in Glasgow and women in construction. 

The transition from design architect to director, where my role is to support and motivate a team of people at various stages of their career. This has meant honing my skills to understand how different people work, and drawing out individuals’ strengths so that we are all able to work collaboratively and successfully.

For everyone to understand the value an architect brings to a project in improving the built environment. 

My father is an architect, so I was always aware of the excitement around construction and architecture. I loved seeing building components come together to create something.

My proudest moment remains hands-on practical experience of a residential barn conversion when I was a part I student. I loved the hands-on site experience, and think it is invaluable for architects to understand construction from an early age. All architectural degrees should contain an element of practical experience on site.

Be realistic about what type of architect you want to be. It is important to recognise your strengths and weaknesses. Plus always listen to others, and look up!

The Mackintosh Building at Glasgow School of Art by Charles Rennie Mackintosh. It is incredibly sad the building might not be enjoyed by future generations.

Never be afraid to ask questions, regardless of who is in the room. There is so much jargon and are so many acronyms in the profession – always ask.

Women working in construction. While the landscape is improving, women remain a minority within the built environment, which has its challenges.

The Guggenheim in New York, by Frank Lloyd Wright. It would have been incredible to have been part of such a radical vision at the time, and it’s a building which still inspires people today.

Be happy and, if you’re not, then understand that only you can change it.

I have a surprisingly detailed knowledge of 1980’s pop music, which infrequently comes in handy.

Flight - it would make getting around London sustainable, quick and fun! 

Patience and empathy, backed up with a good dose of humour.

The principal at Hassell says travelling around the globe, taking risks and being ready to fail have all been important aspects of his work

Lee Priddle tells Building about playing Lego as a child, Lichfield cathedral and his favourite engineering feat

Gavin Henderson tells Building about Churchill’s famous words, his favourite building from Ethiopia and slow food

On the banks of the River Thames, there’s all kinds of shenanigans going on – not to mention recent events on a reservoir in north London

The sector need not succumb to the weakening we see across the whole economy – let’s do what we can

New energy efficiency standards came into force this week but not all the software to run the necessary calculations is available

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