martin shaw // DIRECTOR

BA (Hons), MArch, PGDip, ARB

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN AT JESSOP AND COOK ARCHITECTS AND WHAT PROJECTS DO YOU WORK ON?

I Joined the practice in 2008 for a year as a part I assistant following completion of Part I at UCA Canterbury. I left for a masters course at BCU and then returned to the practice where I have continued to develop becoming an associate and then a director in Feb 2020.

I work across most sectors within the practice but primarily focus on community projects, educational, and private residential schemes as well as working very closely with one of our longstanding clients, Response Organisation, to help them manage and improve the stock of residential properties they have to provide housing to young adults and recovering mental health patients.

WHAT SPECIFIC AREAS ARE YOU INTERESTED IN DEVELOPING WITHIN JESSOP AND COOK ARCHITECTS?

I believe the properties we live in have a major impact on our wellbeing and the last 12 months have only reinforced that idea. We spend so much of our lives in houses and these should work how we live our lives whilst also seeking to address the ongoing environmental emergency we are facing.

I want to be able to influence building design to create better spaces for people, that could improve their wellbeing. I continue to combine my practical knowledge with my design skills, which enables me to take a holistic approach to our projects.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING IN YOUR SPARE TIME?

When away form the world of architecture I enjoy spending time with my wife and two young children, getting lost into a great book, playing board games or spending time building and painting small personal projects.