Carl leads our Truro studio in Cornwall. He was born and raised in the county but his passion for travelling (and surfing) has taken him around the world, working in China, Australia, India and Costa Rica.
Since joining Stride Treglown, Carl has led a number of significant and award-winning projects including Heartlands, Watergate Bay Hotel Pool and “Not-a-Spa”, Spaceport Cornwall, and The Deaf Academy.
Biggest career influence?
I spent quite a lot of my early career working for Will Alsop. His non-conformist attitude to design still influences my thought process.
What’s your favourite project you’ve worked on to date?
Tough question. The houses I built for homeless families in Costa Rica and the fisherman’s centre in an area of southern India affected by the tsunami had a profound effect on me. Working on the London 2012 masterplan was also an honour but I would have to say The Deaf Academy is my favourite project to date.
What advice would you give your 20 year old self?
Travel even more. Everyone in the studio will laugh at that – I’m always planning my next trip!
Best book you’ve read?
The Distant Land of my Father is an amazing book; it’s narrated by a woman retelling her father’s story, based in Shanghai. I lived in Shanghai for three years—designing and delivering Gao Yang, a huge commercial and retail project associated with the cruise terminal—so naturally it intrigued me.
Interesting fact that nobody knows about you?
I was a beach lifeguard for a number of years and now coach nippers and juniors at Holywell Surf Life Saving Club. I have a black belt in Tae Kwon Do.
What is your proudest moment?
Seeing my sons growing up and sharing my passion for travel, the outdoors and the ocean.
Best building in your city?
I don’t think it’s been built yet (watch this space…)
What’s the greatest invention ever?
The surfboard obviously!
Industry Bodies:
- RIBA
- ARB
- Cornish Ambassador – Cornwall Place Board
Awards:
- Heartlands – The Cornwall Sustainability Awards 2013 (Sustainable Construction – Retrofit), Civic Trust Awards (Commendation), RICS South West & Wales Awards 2013 (Project of the Year), RIBA South West Regional Awards 2013, RIBA National Award 2013.
- Watergate Bay – RICS South West & Wales Awards 2013 (Tourism and Leisure)
- South Devon UTC – Michelmores Property Awards 2016 (Project of the Year with a value over £7m)
- The Deaf Academy – AJ100 Awards 2021 (Community Impact of the Year, shortlisted), British Construction Industry Awards 2021 (Social Infrastructure Project of the Year, shortlisted), Education Estates 2021 (Inclusive Learning Spaces, Pupil/Student Experience, Client of the Year), Michelmore Property Awards 2021 (Project of the Year over £5m), Civic Trust Awards 2022 (Selwyn Goldsmith Award for Universal Design).
