My early career with a small local authority provided a sound insight into the processes and practices of architectural services. With a wide remit of responsibilities for design of new build, management and maintenance of corporate property including housing stock, offices, historic buildings, depots, commercial premises, parks and open spaces, the workload was always varied. Having the   responsibility for projects through all stages from inception to final account and then ongoing maintenance provides invaluable insight into through life repercussions of design stage decisions.

Wishing to widen my perspective I studied environment and development for my first degree with the Open University, with specific focus upon the Asia pacific region. Visiting such a dynamic area provides vivid examples of the dichotomy of global issues facing built environment professionals who are engaging a growing economy within a rich, but finite, natural environment. The interest generated by this led to an MSc Energy Efficient and Sustainable Building from Oxford Brookes University, and I have recently embarked upon a professional doctorate.

I believe that with their particular focus upon the materials and processes of design, construction and use of buildings Chartered Architectural Technologists are uniquely placed to make a significant contribution to providing a built environment that will protect our heritage and provide a safe and sustainable legacy for the future.