Meet The Team – John

Next up in our Meet the Team series is John – a Senior Architect and Team Lead here at EDC. John particularly enjoys getting onto the building site and working with and learning from the teams there, bringing the projects to life together.

When and what made you want to join EDC?

Throughout my architectural career I’ve always found the most joy in simple buildings which follow a clear logic and function. If buildings sit well in their setting and tread lightly in terms of impact on the environment, they can have a calming influence on the user / occupier.

I was only vaguely aware of Passivhaus principles before I joined EDC but from the get-go I was won over by the comfort and health benefits it brings to its inhabitants.

What is the biggest/most important thing you’ve learnt in your time at EDC?

The importance of the phrase ‘Build tight Ventilate right’. Its so easy to say and yet such a challenge to put into practice, particularly in retrofit projects and even more so on heritage and listed properties.

What part of the design process are you particularly passionate about?

Part of my role takes me on to the building site, particularly if we are appointed to provide site support or contract administration services. This stage gives me two opportunities. Firstly, to liaise directly with the contractor and help them understand the importance of what has been detailed on the drawings and why. Secondly, it’s important to learn from every site. I regard many of the contractors, subcontractors and specialists involved in producing Passivhaus buildings as craftsmen. They have a wealth of practical knowledge which is valuable for the architect to understand. Working together produces the best results we can all be proud of. I’m also studying the PAS 2035 Retrofit Coordinator course, which further helps me to guide clients through every stage of the retrofit process.

Does this follow through to your hobbies outside of work?

Architects often find it hard to put ‘work’ down when they go home. Its just part of being in a creative industry. Its what we do. We’re always looking for that inspirational thing that unlocks a design problem be that spatially or technically. I wouldn’t call it a hobby though I still have plenty of those which keep me busy.