What’s your role at Aesthetic Shift, and what do you focus on day-to-day?
As a director, I bring an elevated level of experience in both planning and construction, which I actively share across the company to support strategic thinking and decision making. My role extends beyond project delivery, I provide guidance on complex applications, mentor team members, and help shape our broader development strategy. This ensures our work remains grounded yet ambitious. I’m frequently asked for crucial insights requiring foresight and practical knowledge. My experience is a resource the whole team draws on to push boundaries with confidence.

How did you get into architecture, design, or your current field?
I’m fascinated by the technical skills in design and construction, focusing on how they create a better built environment beyond just aesthetics. Early in my career, I recognised that I could ofer meaningful insight when collaborating with planners and construction teams across various practices. Over time, this evolved into a passion for devising and applying more strategic, outcome driven approaches. Today, I find deep satisfaction not only in shaping projects through my own methodologies, but also in supporting others to refine theirs. Fundamentally, I am driven by a commitment to elevate both architectural and planning outcomes, ensuring that every scheme we engage with as a team contributes to a higher standard of quality, purpose, and design integrity.

What’s been your journey so far?
Over the course of my career, I have led over four hundred projects, an undertaking that has instilled in me a deep resilience, sharp instinct, and a refined understanding of the intricacies of planning and development. Each scheme, whether modest or ambitious, has added to a rich tapestry of experience that informs every decision I make today.

Alongside these solo endeavours, I have also contributed to countless other projects in a more collaborative capacity, collaborating closely with architects, consultants, and clients to achieve shared goals. This blend of independent leadership and teamwork has shaped a versatile and adaptive approach, one grounded in diligence, strategic foresight, and a genuine passion for getting things built well.

What excites you most about working at Aesthetic Shift?
What excites me most about working at Aesthetic Shift is our modern, forward thinking approach to architecture and the strength of our team in tackling large scale, complex projects that might overwhelm more conventional or smaller practices. Our structure enables us to be both agile and ambitious, embracing challenges with confidence and clarity. There are few projects we would not consider and that’s a powerful position to be in. We thrive on demonstrating to our clients not only that their vision is achievable, but that we can deliver outcomes beyond what they initially imagined.

Describe your working style or mindset in three words…Pragmatic, strategic, experienced.
I take a grounded yet a purposeful approach to every project, balancing practical realities with strategic foresight. My experience enables me to identify openings and advantages that may not be immediately obvious, often using discretion and timing to pursue them efectively. While I remain measured and methodical, I am always alert to opportunities that can elevate outcomes and deliver greater value for our clients.

What’s one project or career moment you’re especially proud of — and why?
One project I am especially proud of began with a client who had modest expectations for what was possible on their site. Through careful analysis and strategic planning, I identified a far greater opportunity than they had imagined, one that significantly expanded the scope and value of the scheme. From initial conception through to delivery, I guided the project with precision and care, ultimately achieving a result that was not only transformative for the site, but life changing for the client. It became a springboard for their future success, and a lasting reminder of the impact thoughtful planning can have.

If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing instead?
If I were not doing this, I’d still be building a business that is challenging, rewarding, and grounded in creating meaningful outcomes including for others. I have found in later life a deeper reason for doing what I do: not just to solve problems, but to make a lasting diference for the people involved. I am driven by purposeful work, inspired by the power of conversation, and continually drawn to the richness of English literature. Whatever path I’d take, it would have to challenge me intellectually, connect me with others, and deliver something of genuine value.