On Thursday, 15th May 2025, the magnificent Chichester Cathedral played host to the Children’s Bookfest charity fundraiser, an event dedicated to championing literacy and imagination. Among the esteemed guests was Kevin McCloud, celebrated presenter of Grand Designs for 25 years, whose presence brought his signature charisma and playfulness to the evening.

Kevin’s interview at the cathedral was more than an insightful discussion—it was a heartfelt reflection on the profound impact that books have had on his life. He spoke candidly about his early reading experiences, recalling how his father, like mine, was an engineer, and how this shaped his curiosity and creativity. We shared a mutual love for LEGO, a toy that fuelled our early architectural dreams, and Kevin’s anecdotes resonated deeply, making the evening all the more personal.

One particularly touching story was Kevin’s memory of receiving two volumes of an encyclopaedia as a child, which he would eagerly read under the bed sheets by torchlight. This moment encapsulated his lifelong appreciation for the written word and the way it ignites imagination.

While most recognise Kevin for his contributions to architecture and self-build projects, his influence extends far beyond construction. Grand Designs has not only promoted architectural innovation but has also celebrated the resilience and determination of those daring enough to pursue their dream homes. At the event, Kevin emphasised the human element behind the show—the real struggles, aspirations, and triumphs of individuals navigating the complexities of design and construction.

His latest book is not just a catalogue of projects from the past 25 years; rather, it is a thoughtfully curated visual and written snapshot of each journey. It was refreshing to hear Kevin speak about the bravery and perseverance required for such ambitious endeavours, reinforcing the idea that self-builders are not just creating structures but discovering themselves along the way.

As an architect whose journey began in 1994, I can confidently say that Grand Designs has played an influential role in shaping my perspective on architecture. Meeting Kevin once again was a privilege—he inspired me back when I first began my formal training, and continues to do so today.

In his discussion, Kevin highlighted the common misconception that building regulations set the benchmark for design standards. He argued that local authorities should be empowered and encouraged to exceed these standards, raising the bar higher and striving for architectural excellence. This is a view I strongly share—I see building regulations as a common minimum standard, one that can and should be exceeded wherever possible to reduce energy demand and enhance safety. Architecture is not just about compliance; it is about innovation and responsibility—about designing efficiently and effectively to create buildings that serve communities while inspiring imagination. True architecture and design should challenge norms, push boundaries, and aim to create spaces that are not just functional but deeply meaningful.

The evening concluded with a book signing, with all proceeds going to the Children’s Bookfest charity. Kevin kindly signed my copy of his latest book and took the time to chat with me about my architectural journey and my belief in community-focused practice. On a more personal note, we shared a laugh reminiscing about our first meeting ten years earlier, joking that neither of us had aged a bit—well, at least if you squint a little!

It was a wonderful evening in support of a great cause, and the team of volunteers did an amazing job organising and orchestrating the event. Their hard work ensured everything ran seamlessly, adding to the overall success of the night. And of course, the 950-year-old venue, Chichester Cathedral, provided a truly magnificent backdrop—one that could never be faulted.

At its core, architecture is not just about meeting technical requirements—it is about telling stories, shaping communities, and creating places that truly feel like home.