From Blueprints to Fire Boots: A New Chapter Begins:
Serving My Community Through Architecture — and also as a Retained Firefighter
As of 19th July, I’ll be starting my training and serving as a retained firefighter for my local community.
When I set up Architekton Architects, it was with the aim of working on projects that support and strengthen our amazing communities — and I’ve been fortunate to do just that. From helping local businesses get off the ground, to working with cricket and football clubs, to community projects as far afield as Dorset — it’s been a real privilege.
This next step is more personal. Having previously served as a police officer for 13 years, giving back to my community has always been at the heart of what I do. Becoming a firefighter is another way to do that — and as I approach my fifties, it’s also pushed me to get fitter, stronger, and keep challenging myself.
My training will take place at Platinum House in Horsham, reportedly the top fire training facility in Europe and a true exemplar of modern emergency services design. I’m proud that this fantastic project was designed by HNW Architects — a practice that helped shape my own journey into architecture and where I had the pleasure of working during my training. I’m especially looking forward to updating Gary Ewins, the project lead for Platinum House, on my experience of the facility — both as an architect and now as a user.
I remain a Chartered Architect first and foremost — and I genuinely believe that my experience in the fire service will only help me become an even better one. I’m proud to serve, both through design and through action.
Thank you to everyone who continues to support my work — and here’s to the next chapter.
👉 www.architekton-architects.co.uk
#ArchitectLife #RetainedFirefighter #CommunityMatters #LocalArchitecture #Storrington #SupportLocal #CharteredArchitect #FireAndDesign #GivingBack #ArchitektonArchitects #DesignedForCommunity #PlatinumHouse #HNWArchitects #ArchitectureAndService
A Charismatic Evening at Chichester Cathedral:
Kevin McCloud and the Power of Books
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.
Architekton Architects:
Building Homes, Strengthening Communities
At Architekton Architects, the past few months have been an exciting period of growth, community engagement, and meaningful conversations. We are thrilled to have secured work on a small housing scheme, designing three beautiful homes that will enhance the local landscape while delivering quality and comfort.
Beyond residential projects, we have been embracing the spirit of local—attending community events and actively collaborating with businesses to strengthen connections. A thriving economy benefits us all, and we are committed to fostering relationships that support sustainability and shared success.
One particularly inspiring sector we’ve been involved in recently is sporting venues. These projects have the potential to create a lasting legacy within their communities, offering opportunities for expansion and inclusion. A cricket club project currently underway is focused on enhancing accessibility for adults and children with disabilities while making the facilities inclusive for multi-gender use and available to the wider community during the off-season.
Our passion for residential architecture remains strong, and working with incredible clients on projects of all sizes continues to be a cornerstone of our work. But it’s not just about design—it’s about people, conversations, and the unexpected connections that shape our projects.
One such moment happened over coffee at Cycle Coffee, where a simple chat led to a meaningful design project—redesigning a garden to provide wheelchair-accessible access. This then sparked another adventure, leading to the purchase of a mountain bike and an unforgettable 20km ride with Southdowns Bikes. Naturally, things didn’t go entirely to plan—a torn tyre halfway through the ride could have put an end to the journey. But the true spirit of community kicked in, as fellow riders came together to provide an inner tube and help patch up the tyre, ensuring I could finish the ride and celebrate with a well-earned meal and drink.
Beyond our projects, we’ve also taken steps toward architectural collaboration. Recently, we joined forces with fellow local architects to discuss community and cooperation—a truly enlightening conversation that explored our profession, projects, and ways to work together in the future. Though still in its early days, this dialogue paves the way for exciting opportunities, including knowledge-sharing, training, and collaborative efforts to deliver even better architecture for our communities and clients.
At Architekton Architects, we are more than designers—we are active participants in the communities we serve. Whether creating beautiful homes, supporting inclusive sporting facilities, fostering professional collaboration, or simply sharing moments that turn into meaningful projects, we believe in the power of architecture to shape lives and bring people together.
We look forward to continuing this journey and making a lasting impact—one project, one connection, and one ride at a time.