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direct conversations with fellow colleagues. This has been particularly useful during my Part 3 studies as I am able to learn from others around me.
“My driving ambition is to create a built environment which can elicit an emotional response within us, and which helps change how users interact with their communities” Priya Nahal
and work allowed for greater insight to the industry, and this has been helpful in starting out my career.
WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO JOIN PERKINS&WILL IN TERMS OF ARCHITECTURAL REPUTATION? George: I joined Penoyre & Prasad because I was inspired by the work they were producing, and became part of Perkins&Will when the merger occurred. Sunand Prasad’s brilliant reputation within the field was a key motivation. Priya: Over the years and during my studies I have always observed and admired Perkins&Will’s work. I wanted to be part of a larger establishment that worked across diverse sectors. I knew this would allow for cross-collaboration, and also allow me to gain experience in sectors that I had not yet been exposed to. The international reputation was also a major draw; having seen some of the wonderful international projects and competitions, I knew P&W was something I wanted to be a part of.
WHAT HAVE YOU ENJOYED MOST ABOUT WORKING AT THE LONDON STUDIO SO FAR? George: It has allowed me to gain experience through collaboration on projects in industries I hadn’t come across before. Meeting such a large group of people with varying skills and expertise has been really enlightening, and it’s taught me a lot about the industry and architecture more broadly. Priya: The camaraderie provides a good balance to the hybrid working situation but also allows you to ask and participate in
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DOES THE LONDON STUDIO HAVE A ‘US’ FEEL? George: The global firm does seem to carry something of an American feel, however, the London studio maintains its British cultural identity and uniqueness.
DO YOU HOPE TO BE/ARE YOU INVOLVED WITH PROJECTS LIKE THE INNOVATION INCUBATOR? George: It would be great to be in the conversations. The world is rapidly evolving, and those of us in architecture are at the helm of adapting our spaces to this evolution.
IS THE GLOBAL ‘CONNECTEDNESS’ ESSENTIAL WITHIN A LARGE PRACTICE LIKE P&W CHALLENGING WHEN YOU ARE BEGINNING YOUR CAREER, OR INSPIRING, OR BOTH? George: Being globally connected is a great way to experience different techniques, technologies and design methods that inform the work that we do. Not only that, but it gives greater breadth to the social understanding of what we do regarding impact and professionalism. Priya: It’s definitely inspiring. It was a key factor in me wanting to work for the firm, and while there are obviously challenges to operating on a global scale, being able to be so close to it at this stage if my career is something for which I’m really grateful.
ARE YOU MADE VERY AWARE OF THE COMPANY’S DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION PROGRAMMES AND WHAT BENEFITS DO YOU BELIEVE THEY BRING? George: Not only am I aware of it, I have had the joy of being a part of the London Diversity, Engagement, and Inclusion Work Group of Perkins&Will London. We focus on how we are all contributing to office culture and how we can improve as a studio. Priya: I am aware of these programmes; they are fantastic, and allow all members of the studio to participate in activities and events which share insights and cultures across the practice. These programmes are also a great way to raise awareness on certain issues. They also help in challenging and improving the way we work and how we can be more inclusive in both practice and design.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE SO FAR SINCE JOINING THE FIRM? George: Lockdown. Receiving the mentorship and assistance needed to develop within the firm was naturally harder because I was not around my peers and leaders day to day. It is important for everyone to have a sense of progression and growth, and the impacts of lockdown somewhat hindered the ability to be able to achieve these goals in a face-to- face capacity. Priya: The biggest challenge so far has probably been adjusting from working from home during the Covid-19 situation to then integrating back into the studio in person. I joined after the Penoyre & Prasad merger, and it was interesting seeing how both establishments integrated.
WHAT PROJECTS ARE YOU WORKING ON CURRENTLY AND IN WHAT CAPACITY? Priya: One of the most exciting things I’ve been working on is the strategy and phasing of an overall hospital masterplan in London. George: I have recently had the opportunity to work on more life sciences projects. This is rather new for me, but it is very exciting as the Covid-19 pandemic has made it apparent that there is space for this industry to develop and grow. So far I have assisted with the design process and creating documentation material for these projects.
PLEASE EXPLAIN THE MOST EXCITING ASPECTS OF YOUR CURRENT WORK SO FAR Priya: As I’m still fairly new, I have been finding learning about the firm and the way in which we function to be exciting. I love to be a part of it and understanding how I can contribute to such a great culture and institution has been really rewarding. George: For me the most exciting aspects have been experiencing the development in technology within design methods and how that has aided in the design process.
DO YOU FEEL ABLE TO ACHIEVE THE RIGHT WORK-LIFE BALANCE? Priya: Work-life balance has been a hot topic within the industry. Finding it is something I have struggled with over the years, and this comes hand in hand with studying at the same time as working. I think the industry needs to improve work- life balance generally. It is about breaking the stigma of working late within the
ADF DECEMBER 2022
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