Left The iconic Bauhaus art school building that was designed by architect Walter Gropius in 1925
Left, bottom The Boston Avenue Methodist Church located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, demonstrating a fine example of art deco style of architecture
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Nicola Osborn AEC Creative Director, Basha-Franklin
Can you pinpoint the thought, whether yours or someone else’s that led you to a career in design?
Was it the fact that I grew up with parents who consistently rebuilt their houses around us? Was it in my blood? Or was it the frustration of never fi nding myself in buildings or spaces that truly inspired me?
It wasn’t a sudden eureka moment, but rather a subconscious calling that set me on a journey of choices.
Creative and design careers remained a mystery to me throughout my early education. I attended highly academic-focused state schools that paid little attention to the value of creativity.
Having persevered through four A-levels, it wasn’t until I received an off -the-cuff comment from my art teacher; ‘If anyone wants to carry on doing art or design at college, these courses are available,’ as he threw some A4 leafl ets onto the group table. It was then that I realised I could leave sixth form for art college. And so I did. And that led me to an art degree that was rooted in fi ne art and design.
It was a true art and design education that went beyond the confi nes of a textbook. It changed how I perceived and absorbed the world around me and taught me how to understand and express my vision. I fi rmly believe that this education helped shape how I view every situation, how I approach problem- solving, and how I constantly challenge the status quo.
Nicola Osborn, AEC Creative Director at Basha-Franklin
Since graduation, my life has been fi lled with a multitude of adventures through various creative jobs that demanded innovative thinking until, fi nally, my journey led me to the world of interior design.
In terms of the design and architecture industry, what do you consider the most radical era or pivotal moment? Creativity and design constantly evolve through global and societal infl uences, with ideas fl owing between various styles like Art Deco, Bauhaus, Arts and Crafts, mid-century, and Postmodernism. T ese interconnected movements shape the creative landscape. But it’s also people’s behaviour and lifestyles that drives design progression, resulting in pivotal moments that leave lasting impacts, such as the post-war
generation – their mindset had a huge impact on how people led their lives.
Modernism emerged from an expectation of the moral and material reconstruction of a world devastated by war – much like the state of things now as we face multiple global impacts. T is approach serves as a tool to strengthen a collective identity and artistic expression, shaping the emotional life of the user. Art and architecture combined gives new meaning, creating spaces that represent a sense of community, in addition to function and technique.
Mid-century Modernism, with reinforced concrete and plastic technology advancements, revolutionised architecture and inspired an aspirational future. But now we face new challenges.
We are standing on the cusp of an exciting era in design and architecture. T e technological revolution profoundly impacts the design process, providing insights into construction techniques, materials and human behaviour within built environments. Our pocket-sized computers connect us to the world every minute of the day, reshaping design possibilities. Embracing this transformative era is both exhilarating and promising as we explore endless, innovative opportunities.
Which radical thinkers have been inspirations to you in your career? Patricia Urquiola, Herzog and de Meuron, and Dame Vivienne Westwood.
Who are the radical thinkers who inspire you now? (Not necessarily forever or for a lifetime – just now!)
Sophie Pender, a British social mobility campaigner, activist and founder of T e 93% Club – which supports university students from state schools to fi nd employment – and Kate Griggs, an entrepreneur and founder of the charity Made By Dyslexia. Kate has been shifting the narrative on dyslexia and educating people on its strengths since 2004 – she’s played a pivotal role in putting dyslexia on a global stage, making a diff erence to millions of lives.
Not only are these relevant to my personal journey, but brilliant examples of how marginalised sections of society are smashing
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