062 FX TALKS


through the glass ceiling to make a difference and change the status quo.


Who outside the industry can architects and designers learn from?


We can learn a lot from lawyers who, as an industry, are brilliant at recognising their value – and putting a price on it! Unfortunately, architects and designers seem to have lost their voice and influence when it comes to this, and it’s wrong.


As experts and specialists in our field, we excel at tackling complex issues with enthusiasm to embrace change fearlessly. In fact, we thrive on change, as it is the essence of our work. We find comfort in the uncomfortable, and our innate problem- solving abilities and forward-thinking mindset often lead us far beyond our clients’ current expectations.


As a sector, we need to demystify the concept of design and present a collective voice that showcases the true ‘value’ of creative thinking, because what we do adds value to our society, communities, and businesses.


What will lead the way for more radical thinking in your/our field?


An empowered collective voice that can articulate and command our value. We need to be able to challenge the status quo and revolutionise conventional practices. With increased investment in design, we can positively impact the design procress, promote sustainability and foster future design leaders. Tough our minds overflow with innovative ideas, realising them requires courageous sponsors and bold investors. I also think that the age of the ego is dead, and collaboration is critical. More and more, project solutions are multiplex, requiring deep thinking across multi-faceted specialisms. Enabling dynamic and fluid collaboration provides progressive results.


Could you recommend a book/article/blog that inspired your thinking?


TedTalks. With hugely varied content, it feeds my curiosity of life and gives me access to a diverse understanding of the world – without an agenda.


Recent ones I have enjoyed are by: Cordae and how a ‘Hi Level’ mindset helps you realise


your potential; the Secret Ingredients of Great Hospitality by Will Guidara; Te Anti-CEO Playbook by Hamdi Ulukaya and Grit: Te Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Lee Duckworth.


Could you name two buildings/pieces of furniture that you consider radical designs of their time, or perhaps still to this day? Built in 1994, the Kandalama Hotel, Geoffrey Bawa’s Architectural Masterpiece in Sri Lanka, was ahead of its time. Radical then because it fused modernist design principles (that have not aged) with inherent respect for the local culture, landscape, and environmental sustainability.


Te Millennium Bridge is also radical because it challenged traditional bridge engineering and architecture by appearing to float on the river, and it was the first pedestrian-only bridge in London. Te connection between two London icons, the Tate Modern and St Paul’s Cathedral, the Millennium Bridge is so simple, yet it has become an icon in its own right. Te long views and big sky moments in the city is a great experience, and I also love the miniature artworks that are painted onto the gum that has been pushed into the grated walkway – that’s radical thinking right there!


I think best with… (e.g. my hands/a pencil/ with a computer)


Music is incredibly powerful, and my music algorithm reflects that with its eclectic and diverse selection, spanning across genres and time.


I cherish everything from original rock & roll vinyls from the 50s, to mash-up masterpieces that blend multiple genres into one captivating tune. Te dynamic nature of music and its ability to reinvent itself while incorporating various influences fascinates me. If a song elicits an emotional response, it is instantly added to my playlist. Lyrics matter to me; I admire the skill of songwriters who can tell captivating stories and elevate poetry into their music.


Tis eclectic approach to music discovery and exploration mirrors how I approach design and everyday life.


I think best… (e.g. first thing in the morning/ last thing at night) Away from my phone!


Left Angela Duckworth’s book, Grit, on the importance of passion and resilience to achieving success


I am a morning person who hits the ground running. I’m best in the spring and summer, waking up when its light – the long days keep my energy levels high.


If I am trying to unpick a strategy or solve a complex problem, then deep immersive focus is great, but the eureka moment – the ‘stand back and see from an alternate perspective’ – happens the minute I move.


I think best when… (e.g. in a gallery/at home/ outside/over drinks/with friends/on the bus) My headspace doesn’t require a specific go-to solution; it’s everywhere and throughout my day. My brain can thrive in most places.


Processing visual cues and information simultaneously comes naturally to me, even while thinking of other things. I relish energetic conversations and collaborations, finding clarity both in loud and quiet spaces. Walking is when my thoughts flow seamlessly, but I also love a crowded wine bar, whether with friends or alone, I feel energised and imaginative. I actually enjoy my commute, using it to tackle to-do lists, work through thoughts, and catch up on personal tasks. My mind is always active!


Te thought that keeps me up at night is… Hoping that my kids will have the tools to face and navigate the problems previous generations have created. Te climate crisis is real, and we are on the back foot.


Change and adaptability will be a constant for them, so I think about ways to prepare them to be nimble and flexible, knowing that the old rules don’t apply in their situation. How can we leave our kids a legacy that is a platform to succeed?


Te thought that gets me out of bed each day is…


What will today bring? Bring it on!


Do you like to think with, or think against? Both! Continuous dialogue enables me to exercise my empathy and see things from all perspectives. Listening helps me to understand every angle and develop solutions.


If you weren’t a designer/architect, where do you think your way of thinking would have led you?


Since my time in retail, brand experience has captivated my interest – understanding and being able to influence the overall perception that customers have when interacting with a brand. Branding encompasses all touchpoints throughout the customer journey, spanning advertising, digital marketing, products, and customer service and I love how all- encompassing it is.


Either that, or a sociologist. Te study of human behaviour and interaction really fascinates me. Analysing social, religious, political and economic groups, organisations and institutions, and examining how they influence and impact people, now and in the future, is so interesting.


Could you describe radical thinking in three words?


Uncomfortable. Disruptive. Exciting.


What’s the most radical thing you’ve come across today or this week?


In my opinion, radical thinking should inspire awe and excitement, and science-fiction does that for me. So, the race to create the first flying car has got me hooked.


Since seeing the DMC DeLorean rise from Marty McFly’s drive in Back to the Future, which was set in the year 2015, I have felt cheated that I can’t just fly my car to the office all these years later.


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82  |  Page 83  |  Page 84  |  Page 85  |  Page 86  |  Page 87  |  Page 88  |  Page 89  |  Page 90  |  Page 91  |  Page 92  |  Page 93  |  Page 94  |  Page 95  |  Page 96  |  Page 97  |  Page 98  |  Page 99  |  Page 100  |  Page 101  |  Page 102  |  Page 103  |  Page 104  |  Page 105  |  Page 106  |  Page 107  |  Page 108  |  Page 109  |  Page 110  |  Page 111  |  Page 112  |  Page 113  |  Page 114  |  Page 115  |  Page 116  |  Page 117