John works primarily in front-end design on hotels and hospitality projects, but he also uses his skills on some of our larger mixed-use residential and commercial projects.
He is also a coach, supporting our people to ‘find their working mojo’; to surpass their limitations and unlock a more dynamic, aspirational, future them!
Hotels, I hear you say?
Welcome to the Hotel California – Starting in hotels in 1998 has been a real journey for me; the opportunity to shape the guests’ experience and contribute to their wellbeing through timeless, efficient and inspirational design that brings people together, has been too rewarding to ever leave.
Starting a Hospitality Networking Group in London, called ‘Hospitable’, in 2018, was a highlight for me, supporting our business development and bringing together some great people in the hotel world.
Some of my favourite projects so far have been heritage hotels. Being able to retell the narratives of historic spaces and sensitively preserve the physical asset for wider benefits is important for so many stakeholders.
Why did you become an architect?
I thought it looked way more interesting that my economics, maths, and law classes… and I was right! We get to support our clients and deliver value through design, which is a huge privilege.
What’s it like being an Architect and Coach?
Bringing my organisation coach mindset into the field of design and construction has been shape shifting. What we think and believe, being willing to challenge assumptions; exploring meaning and value; is encouragingly empowering for our client and consultant relationships and in improving project outcomes.
A design project is a great metaphor for the coaching process: clarifying the picture of what you want, imagining this for others to see, reviewing and testing, then breaking it down into smaller steps and moving forward to make a new creation.
Something people might not know about you?
Learning to drive in South Africa, my strong glasses prescription was classified as me being ‘legally blind’ without glasses, so I always make sure I never get behind the wheel without them! I’m also a big fan of rhinos, having had several close encounters when I got to camp in a reserve.
Industry Bodies:
- ARB
- Set up a Hospitality Networking Group in 2018, called ‘Hospitable’, that meets in London.
Awards:
- Bristol Airport Hotel, Stride Treglown were ‘highly commended’ in the commercial project category.
