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ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN - RICH TYERS OM'07
What is your profession and current position?
I am an Architect and Director of Rich Tyers Studios.
On my drawing board at the moment is an ultra-low energy 'Passivhaus' home, several home extensions/refurbs, a pharmaceutical laboratory and a sustainable refurbishment of a community hall.
How did Monkton get you ready for the world of work?
Of the many things I learnt at Monkton, self-motivation has got to be top of the list; an inner drive to take action - to be creative and achieve.
What is your biggest professional achievement?
Passing my Part III (the final qualification required to register as an architect). There are few moments in any career when you are able to take stock of what you have achieved. When I opened my letter from the ARB (Architect’s Registration Board) confirming my admission to the register, I couldn’t help but reflect on the 14yr old me who had that original ambition, how impossible it seemed at the time and how happy I was to have finally achieved it.
What has been your most challenging professional moment?
Passing my Part III. You do your final qualification in full time work. By the time you get round to doing the Part III, it is likely that you will already be doing the work of an architect as the Part III requires you to demonstrate your experience in order to pass. At the time, I had a huge housing development on site, several projects on the drawing board and was working evenings and weekends on the Part III. Keeping self-motivated was very important at that time of my career!
What inspires and motivates you at work?
Climate change is one of the defining challenges of the 21st century. What we need is radically innovative thinking that is applied to all aspects of our society to overcome the climate change challenge. Through my practice, I can demonstrate repeatedly how to design sustainable buildings that meet budgetary and time constraints. I am proud to be part of the solution, not the problem.
What is one piece of advice you would like to share with pupils or OMs about getting into your profession?
It takes many years to learn how to design buildings and, sometimes, even longer to complete projects. Architect's don't produce their best work until late into their careers. Norman Foster was 66 when he designed the Gherkin! So my advice is to enjoy the journey.