AJ / Curtins Inspiring Graduate Award 2015 Darren Wilson, ArchitecturePLB
Hertfordshire Community Free Schools Hertfordshire County Council / Balfour Beatty, 2015, 12m Two new 2FE primary schools each with independently run nursery facility. One of the schools is on an open sloping site forming the historic landscape setting of a neighbouring Grade II listed house. While the other is on a brownfield site in Watford and forms part of a larger regeneration programme.
Hertfordshire Community Free Schools My role: - Project lead with sole responsibility for developing the designs in consultation with the local authority, education trust and contractor team
Hertfordshire Community Free Schools How I added value: - Using stakeholder consultation skills and a creative design approach assisted the schools in making the most of limited budgets. I worked with the schools to maximise the value of every space, developing spaces that could be used for multiple purposes - Working with Hertfordshire County Council I developed a cost effective layout and construction method for primary classrooms that provides high quality light, bright naturally ventilated studio style classrooms suited to the needs of primary teaching and learning
Merchant Taylors School Merchant Taylors Trust, 2015, 5m RIBA competition win for a new Design and Technology building for an independent school set in the Greenbelt. The new building was conceived as part of a wider campus masterplan. My role: - Brought onto the team to carryout the detailed design of key internal / external elements How I added value: - With meticulous design detailing sought to add quality to every element - Using first principles I had the ability to challenge the accepted norms to display care and maximise value in all areas
Shoreham Academy, West Sussex West Sussex County Council / Balfour Beatty, 2012, 29m One of four academies procured under the National Academies Framework for West Sussex. Sponsored by the United Trust, the three-storey atrium with timber clad teaching pods is a focal point for pupils, staff and the community. My role: - Part of a small design team with design responsibility for a number of works packages including glulam roof coordination, curtain walling and internal linings / joinery How I added value: - Working closely with the construction team to value engineer the pods and roof structure in a way that still achieves the design intent - Using rigorous technical understanding to carryout complex design in order to achieve a simple construction methodology
Beyond projects Beyond my design projects I continue to seek new opportunities to represent the practice and engage with the built environment, whether this be individually or as part of practice wide events. For example last summer I volunteered to run a design workshop with local school children when the practice was sponsoring the RIBA Hampshire's Live, Work, Play exhibition. Furthermore I regularly take part in practice wide knowledge-share training and mentoring of work-experience / year-out students.
The CASS at London Metropolitan University London Metropolitan, Ongoing, 7m Following the successful completion of the first phase of the refurbishment and fit out for the CASS I am currently leading the project team on the second phase of fit-out for the Faculty of Art and Architecture in Aldgate, London. The works comprise refurbishment of a 9,000sqm Victorian warehouse building which had been extended a number of times in the past 100 years.
The CASS at London Metropolitan University How I am adding value: - Using an in-depth understanding of the clients priorities and future vision to develop innovative design solutions focused around their needs - Developing knowledge of their specialist functions and operational requirements to drive efficiencies within the estate without compromising on teaching potential and the student experience
The CASS at London Metropolitan University I just wanted you to know what an impressive job Darren has been doing for us. Yesterday, he made an excellent presentation on our project at Calcutta House which was attended by multiple stakeholders - including our School of Architecture who are never easy to please!! Excellent preparation and previous negotiation with stakeholders resulted in a very successful outcome. Paul Bowler Deputy Chief Executive London Metropolitan University (Feb 2015)