Experience
Following the completion of an BA (Hons) in Architectural Studies with a focus in Environmental Studies in my home state of Kansas in America, the majority of my professional training has been completed in the UK over the past eight years.  Since graduating with a Bachelor of Architecture from Edinburgh University in 2000 short periods of training were completed in America between my first and second university degrees and during periodic returns to the US.

During my UK-based training at established ecological design specialist, Simmonds.Mills and Eco Arc, I worked closely with project architects from pre-contract stages to completion on three medium size projects, all of which are exemplary or award winning:  Sutton Courtenay Environmental Education Centre (£411k), The National Trust Centre for Sustainability at Gibson Mill (£1.4m) and the UK’s first ‘Green Beacon’ Youth Hostel at Lockton in the North York Moors National Park (£185k).

I have played a key role in the preparation of 4 limited competition winning schemes in various parts of the country for a range of client groups:  a BT environmental charity, Herefordshire; Caerphilly County Council, Wales; Essex Wildlife Trust, Abberton; and The Royal Horticultural Society, Harlow Carr Gardens in Harrogate.  Project values range from £500k to £2m.   This process of interpreting a brief, preparing a scheme and supporting material for a variety of project types has increased my awareness of the quality and level of work required in preparing a successful scheme in a limited amount of time. 

I have also had the unique opportunity to gain a modest amount of practical, ‘hands-on’ experience on innovative projects while working at the Center for Maximum Potential Building Systems (CMPBS) in Austin, Texas and Simmonds.Mills, based in Shropshire and Herefordshire. 

The experience I have gained from these projects has informed my working knowledge of different materials and construction methods and also fostered both an increased awareness of what it takes to achieve a functional and imaginative design and a keen interest in the process and nature of construction can be expressed in the final design. 
In addition to my training and professional experience in specialist practices has covered a broad range of interesting topics which have included:

• Schematic and detailed design and prototyping of modular, open building systems and system components, from the primary structural elements, all the way down to furniture and fittings.
• Building systems that utilise locally available material in innovative ways. 
• Application of expertise in the use of homegrown (UK) timber in both traditional and contemporary designs.
• A breadth of experience with both super-insulated timber frame and masonry construction
• Project experience with both domestic and non-domestic ‘autonomous’ or ‘off-grid’ projects which operate independently of any incoming electricity or heating fuel services.
• Exploration of the following materials through practical, hands-on experience:  straw bale, green oak framing, modern timber frame, rammed earth. 
• Critical analysis and review of theory and design technology through advanced, post-graduate research at the University of East London and the Centre for Alternative Technology.

My approach
My approach for both design and consultancy work involves asking clients many questions about their aims and aspirations.  Attentive listening and plenty of discussion helps set clear aims and priorities from the beginning of each commission. I also believe strongly in working closely with the client to understand how their design ideas and goals can be further refined by exploring the way that the inherent character and special nature of the site and surrounding area can be integrated into the design in an enriching manner.

I firmly believe in getting the passive elements of a design right – ensuring that a philosophy of ‘building-in’ the right orientation and high levels of fabric insulation takes clear priority over ‘bolting-on’ of numerous renewable technologies.  Only when the energy demands of the building have been significantly and appropriately minimised can worthwhile consideration of renewable technologies (solar hot water; wind turbines; biomass heating; and photovoltaic cells) take place. Additionally, key passive elements such as airtight detailing and construction must be clearly understood and carried out by all members of the design and construction.

Additionally, it is important to recognise that in addition to the significant role buildings play in contributing to CO2 emissions,  they are solely responsible for issues like Sick Building Syndrome (SBS).  For this reason it is crucial to use low-impact materials that are as non-toxic and as much as possible.