There are two things that really drive Toby in architecture. The first is that good architecture improves lives and can bring joy and delight if carried out well, so he always aims to produce this in our work. The other driver is sustainability in design. He would love for the architectural profession and wider construction industry to fully embrace new approaches to how buildings can significantly reduce their impact the environment, both in energy-in-use and the embodied energy within construction itself.
As an Architect, Toby’s favourite part of the job is listening to clients’ aspirations for a project and starting to imagine those initial design solutions that will help them achieve what they are dreaming of. He also really loves going to site, inspecting progress, and seeing what started off in our imagination turn into reality.
As part of the management team, he enjoys looking at the bigger picture, how can we as a practice be continually improving and developing our skills so that the business is resilient for the demands of the future. Toby also really enjoys working with and overseeing the work of our talented team of architects and seeing how they look at similar design problems in completely different ways
His favourite building is ‘Falling Water’ by Frank Lloyd Wright. The ambition of the cantilevered structure and how this form echoes the rocky outcrop on which it sits and the way it perches over the waterfall makes for an exciting and beautifully composed piece of architecture in nature.
Toby has a young family, so enjoys spending time with them and sneaking the odd beer and bbq with friends and family when he gets a chance. Occasionally, but not often enough, he gets into the outdoors and love to mountain bike or hike up a hill.
If you would like to have a chat with us about your project or want to learn more about the services we offer, we’d love you to get in touch.
design@ajaltd.co.uk
0115 841 8418