Much of my earlier learning in practice was concerned with economy, the challenge of achieving an architecturally thoughtful result with a modest budget and reinterpretation of common forms and materials. Conversely, it was great to see a Scottish project win the RIBA house of the year, my only fear being that it will solidify the perception that only archetypal forms are possible in this part of the world. I suppose what I learnt in addition, was to question myself and the preconceptions of others about what architecture should be, what buildings should look like, what materials should be used, how big a bedroom needs to be and so on. I envy the architect that can be selective upon the same form, make the interior all white and re-apply the detail that’s been tried and tested.

It is only recently, that I have had the opportunity to design bespoke furniture to coalesce with the wider ambition of the project. Subsequently I find myself questioning preconceptions once again- why can’t a bedroom be less than nine square metres? Why do we need a wardrobe? Technology has changed the way we live forever, and physical space has been replaced by digital space. One terabyte of my cloud storage is far more valuable than a square metre in my flat. The architect’s challenge is to create meaning for the remaining physical space in the most ferocious manner, a new machine for living which surely does not manifest as a pitched roof, timber clad house in the countryside.

Image: Abitacolo Bed 1972 by Bruno Munari.