Behind the Hardhat
A Day in the Life of a Clarke Façade Designer
How did you get started in the industry?
By my 5th year, I was pulled strongly towards technology and design which opened an avenue to be both creative and practical.
Leaving school, I began my path to construction with my HND in construction which was incredibly beneficial. It was convenient and detailed. Covering a range of construction related jobs that were available, from estimating to structural engineering to surveying. I would highly recommend studying this path before venturing into the world of construction.
Why did you choose to work in the construction industry?
Having had a taste of the practical, I was still striving to fulfill my desire for the creative. My next step took me a world away from brick, block, and solid confinements. I studied at the Art College for four years, which was amazing. I was encouraged to be more fluid in my thinking, but with the strong backup of my technical knowledge, I was able to apply some reality to my designs. I could never be too flexible. I knew that the real world awaited me, and while the concepts of design are wonderful, my experience in practice would keep me grounded.
I have worked in a variety of wonderful architectural practices and building contractors, where the concepts were completely different yet all under the same umbrella. Only by working for multiple companies can one gain that understanding.
I have had to stretch my understanding with each new job, growing as my role evolved from student to apprentice to designer.
Working in an architect’s office is so different from a contractor’s office. My work mainly involved residential projects, with the dynamics of designing primarily for a single end user. Even on large housing developments, one house layout could be altered to offer multiple choices.
Whereas with a contractor, the scale jumps massively to multiple uses and a multitude of people, with constraints from site access, time limits, and occupied buildings.
What skills do you need to work as a Façade designer?
The one thing that is relatable to any job is time pressure. Unforeseen issues always throw a spanner in the works. Meeting a deadline is necessary in our jobs; we need to finish before the baton is passed to the next stage.
There are many routes to becoming a façade designer. My route has been a blend of academics and work experiences.
Over time, I have met and worked with some fabulous people. I have been on teams that have faced tricky design briefs and challenges, but no one can achieve success on their own in this industry.
What do you like most about your job?
The best part of the job is that it isn’t just a desk job; we travel to the site. My job has expanded my understanding of the world around me. I am curious about beautiful buildings, but I like to know how they stand and what keeps them together.
When we travel through a town or city, it is overwhelming to think of the number of people required to design, supply, assemble, and furnish it.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to work in your role?
Never be scared to ask a question! As designers, we are hungry for information. If we need to know how materials come together or if our proposals need a tweak, you’re going to hear from us.
What would you consider to be your biggest professional achievement?
I suppose working on any residential project is an achievement. The timescale of projects is quite short, and it's very satisfying to watch something evolve literally out of the ground until the occupants move in. As a young person starting out, this is where you want to be. Grasping an understanding of each trade and how to improve for the next project is crucial. Individual growth of knowledge is so important. We, as deing each briesigners, need to have a good grasp of building regulations and policies. Design is great, but we are kept humble by procedures. Optimising material use and picking the right fixture all must come together to be successful.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced in your industry?
Each job brings its own challenges, but I have to say that working in London is very rewarding. On days when I find myself walking to the site, I observe other contractors working and think, 'WOW, I’m part of this; it’s special.
- A Clarke Façade Designer
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