Getting to Know the team
We recently held a Q&A session with our team, where they shared their experiences, insights, and perspectives on their roles within the company. Below, you’ll find the full set of questions and answers from the session, offering a closer look at the people, projects, and culture that shape our work.
1. What’s been your favourite project to work on, and why?
I only been with the practice for 12 months, but I’m already working on some exciting projects that align closely with my architectural ambitions – a bespoke dwelling (architecture-wise) and the Spode projects (city impact-wise).
Before working here, I’d say it was the TOAN school extension in Oldham, which was a huge learning curve for me. It was on a much larger scale and used ‘non-standard/modular’ construction techniques. It was the first relatively large building I saw through to completion, which felt really rewarding.
My favourite of all would still be my master’s thesis project “The Social Exchange” this was a mixed-use building providing multiple event spaces, restaurants, hotel, library, hot desk working and a marina. I tend to become obsessed with a project, and that one let me explore a complex design in real depth. It was a chance to push my creativity and problem-solving skills to the limit.
2. What do you consider your biggest professional achievement so far?
As a relatively young architect, just over two years qualified, I would say my biggest achievement is completing my qualifications. It took years of hard work and dedication.
3. What’s the most challenging project you’ve worked on – and how did you overcome it?
Every project has its own challenges and rewards. A few of the modular construction builds I mentioned were challenging for a range of reasons. More recently, a residential project was tricky because the client started works before planning was approved and technical drawings were underway. That meant starting the project on the back foot.
Since then, we’ve had conversations with clients to make sure proper timescales are agreed at the start, to avoid similar situations and ensure we provide the best level of service.
4. What inspired you to become an architect?
My earliest memory is watching Stoke City as a child and designing the recent corner extension in my head. Later, travelling to places like Rome and Las Vegas as a teenager exposed me to two very different worlds of architecture, which furthered my interest.
Studying and working in architecture has shown me that the profession combines my creativity, attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
5. What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about your role?
Naively, I grew up thinking architecture was just about design. It’s much more than that.
A huge part of my role is problem-solving and acting as the link between everyone involved in a project from concept to completion – from clients and planners to consultants, building control and contractors. We are involved at every stage.
6. How do you balance creativity with practicality in your work?
Balancing creativity with practicality is essentially what our job is about. It’s about understanding the client’s wants, needs and ambitions while staying grounded in what’s realistic – whether that’s affordability, technical requirements or planning constraints. The best solutions come from navigating all of those factors without losing sight of the design vision, and, of course, pushing boundaries at times.
7. What do you think makes a great client relationship?
Honest communication, mutual respect and a clear understanding of each other’s roles are essential – and it’s important to establish that from the very beginning of a project.
8. What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
Seeing a concept become a built reality and appreciating the positive impact we can have as architects.
9. What do you think sets this practice apart from others?
A fresh approach. We’re a young, approachable team with clear and open relationships between staff as well as clients. There’s a mutual commitment to setting new standards in the industry.
10. What kind of projects do you hope to work on in the future?
A straightforward one! In all seriousness, I like the mix of bespoke dwellings and larger-scale residential complexes that I’m currently working on, with a focus on design quality. Projects that have a wider impact on the city are also an ambition of mine.
11. What did you expect when you accepted the role? What were your perceptions of the practice – why here?
From the first interview, I appreciated the open approach, which was refreshing. I understood the ambitions of the practice, which aligned closely with my own.
1. What’s been your favourite project to work on, and why?
For me, the concept stages are the most exciting part of a project. They allow ideas and creativity to flow, opening up the many potentials of a site and, in many cases, bringing new life to dormant buildings. With this in mind, I would say the B-Arts feasibility project has been one of my favourites so far. An underused building in the city is being reimagined as a vibrant hub for creative gathering, providing space for both creators and consumers.
2. What do you consider your biggest professional achievement so far?
I’d say one of my biggest achievements has been the progress I’ve made on the construction side of architecture. This was a weakness for me at university, but working in practice has given me the opportunity to see how the details I design are actually put together, which helps better inform the design at earlier stages.
3. What’s the most challenging project you’ve worked on – and how did you overcome it?
The most challenging project so far has been T&C, not because of the building’s complexity, as it is relatively simple, but due to the contractual side. Keeping all the relevant parties on schedule and ensuring the project runs smoothly for the client has been demanding. The delays we’ve faced have been a key learning experience, teaching me how to navigate similar challenges in future projects.
4. What inspired you to become an architect?
I was asked this question in my interview, and I’ll give the same answer here. The One Smithfield building in Hanley has always struck me as an eyesore. To me, it feels like a glass box with coloured hexagons stuck on the outside, lacking creativity and sensitivity to its context. It seems to disregard both its surroundings and its actual purpose, which makes me question whether there was a genuine need for the building at all. For such a central location in Hanley, it feels like a missed opportunity.
5. What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about your role?
One thing that has surprised me is how much the architect is responsible for – from design, with constant iterations and revisions before construction begins, to dealing with planning officers (who can often be difficult), and then acting as contract administrator when the project is on site. This has given me even more appreciation for how crucial an architect is within a project.
6. How do you balance creativity with practicality in your work?
Reality can often feel harsh after university, where we were given so much freedom to create ambitious schemes and masterplans. In practice, it might seem at first that those dreams are gone, but I’ve found myself increasingly intrigued by the intricate details that ensure a building truly fulfils its intended use. Creativity still has a place here – it comes through in thoughtful design and the details that bring a project together.
7. What do you think makes a great client relationship?
Honesty, clarity and communication are key to bringing the client’s vision to life. The basis for any project is to understand the brief inside out, and the best way to do that is to talk with the client throughout the process.
8. What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
Being the least experienced in the office, surrounded by colleagues who have been in the field for over a decade, it’s always a bonus when they look over at what I’m working on and are impressed.
9. What do you think sets this practice apart from others?
I think the openness within the office is great. All ideas are shared, and collaboration helps work through any problems that occur. If there are obstacles, I feel I can’t manage, I know there’s support when needed. I’m forever grateful for the colleagues I have – they make working at INC even more enjoyable.
10. What kind of projects do you hope to work on in the future?
I aspire to work on buildings that are actively used by the public, as I believe architecture has the power to influence and shape the daily lives of entire communities. For me, good design goes beyond aesthetics – it creates spaces that bring people together, foster interaction and respond to the needs of those who use them. I’ve always envisioned the architecture I produce leaving a lasting impact, not only on individuals but on the wider community it serves. This has been my personal goal since starting my Part 1 in 2020.
11. How have you found your Part 1 placement? Why have you stayed on for 24 months?
I have thoroughly enjoyed my placement so far. Being directly involved in live projects has allowed me to learn so much that I decided to stay for another year. I have no regrets – beginning my Part 2 now has shown me just how crucial these years in industry have been. I’m excited to take the next step in my architectural journey and to showcase the skills I’ve developed to my professors.
12. How have you been supported in your Part 2 and your future?
Dean joined the team at exactly the right time for me, his wisdom and experience from his own Part 2 journey has been an invaluable resource.
Alongside him, Daniel’s knowledge of sustainable practices and technical detailing has been a huge support. The colleagues I work with have not only shaped me into the person I am today but have also influenced the kind of architect I aspire to become.
1. What’s been your favourite project to work on, and why?
I have worked on many satisfying projects, including education, residential and healthcare. One of my favourites was at a former practice, designing a health and therapy centre at the Douglas Macmillan Hospice in Blurton, Stoke-on-Trent. Because the hospice provides palliative care for a wide variety of conditions, the design needed to be very executed in a specific manner.
The existing facility for in-patients and out-patients was based on a typical clinical setting. The brief, however, was to create a centre that felt completely different — one that offered sensitivity, calm, comfort, joy and temporary respite from their day-to-day environment. The design was rooted in simplicity, based on the three primary shapes of square, circle and triangle, each serving different building functions but expressed in a coherent architectural form. Design principles and cues included responding to health, nature and wellbeing.
We created generous spaces, maximised natural light and introduced tactility. Key components included the exposed timber structure, principles of colour psychology and high-quality materials. To be part of a small team helping to improve the daily lives of terminally ill patients — and perhaps make their day more enjoyable and comfortable — was rewarding in itself. The response from patients and families was equally moving. The project was completed in 2017 with a contract value of £1.75 million.
2. What do you consider your biggest professional achievement so far?
I would say becoming professionally qualified, but also being a well-rounded and, hopefully, respected individual.
3. What’s the most challenging project you’ve worked on — and how did you overcome it?
Leading the master planning element of John Taylor High School in Barton-under-Needwood. The school required a complete re-organisation of space to provide new facilities both internally and externally, and the wider site re-organisation was a complex challenge.
Key issues included maintaining a workable solution that minimised disruption to the school, providing temporary facilities and phasing plans. As challenging as it was, good communication with the client was essential, as well as knowing when to ask for guidance in the office, as I was much less experienced at the time.
4. What inspired you to become an architect?
Enjoying drawing when I was young was a good start. I always had a strong interest in design, particularly buildings. Being able to shape the environment and make people’s lives better was also a big part of my path into architecture.
5. What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about your role?
I think the varied nature of what we do every day, how much we need to know and how different every day can be. That is what makes the role so enjoyable, along with people knowing that we don’t just draw, colour in and drink tea all day long!
6. How do you balance creativity with practicality in your work?
Having both creative and practical skills is really important. Every project requires this process. Sometimes being pragmatic rather than abstract is the skill that matters most — and it’s something that develops with experience. The key words are ‘form’ and ‘function’, and getting that balance right. Clients will never thank you for a design response which is not achievable.
7. What do you think makes a great client relationship?
Communication – telling clients what they need to know, not just what they want to hear. Mutual respect and trust are vital, and making them feel comfortable is equally important. A mix of professional and ‘softer’ skills is a good combination. Sometimes though, as professionals, we have to bend and adapt too.
8. What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
Having the knowledge and expertise to guide a client, realising the potential of a project and then delivering it.
9. What do you think sets this practice apart from others?
I really do think we listen and care. If a project needs more time and development, we go over and above. The ethos and the staff also create a socially aware environment.
10. What kind of projects do you hope to work on in the future?
Education and healthcare projects are very rewarding. But we also have to be willing to adapt to the evolving and changing nature of projects – which can shift depending on need, economics and government policy.
11. How have you seen the industry evolve, and how do you see it in the future?
Technology has had a significant impact on the profession, as it has on all our lives. But the basic principles of the job day-to-day are still the same and will remain so. Creativity, valuing traditional drawing and design techniques, and keeping people front and centre will always be key.
12. How is Inc. responding to changes?
The practice is adapting well, and the mix of ages within the team means change is approached in a thoughtful, sensible and meaningful way. Evolution, not revolution, is the important factor in this process.
1. What’s been your favourite project to work on, and why?
In my role as office manager, my focus has been on streamlining the practice’s internal systems and procedures. It’s not as glamorous as a design project, but I really enjoy seeing how small changes can make a big difference to the team’s efficiency – helping with compliance and hopefully freeing up more time for creativity.
2. What do you consider your biggest professional achievement so far?
Successfully transitioning from building control into architectural practice, being able to apply my experience from one side of the industry to another. I’ve brought structure, compliance knowledge and organisational skills into a very different type of workplace, working towards smoother day-to-day operations.
3. What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about your role?
That it’s not just about administration. A big part of my role is problem-solving and supporting the team. It’s about balancing people, processes and priorities, and no two days are ever the same.
4. What do you think makes a great client relationship?
Clear communication, trust and consistency. Clients appreciate transparency and knowing they are in safe hands. A great relationship is built on listening carefully to their needs, keeping them informed and always following through on promises.
5. What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
Seeing how my work behind the scenes helps day-to-day administration run more smoothly, supporting consistent communication to help the practice deliver projects successfully.
I also feel rewarded when colleagues have a clear picture of each other’s projects by using our systems. It allows for seamless internal and external communication, even when a member of the team isn’t in the office.
6. What do you think sets this practice apart from others?
The personal approach. Because we’re a small team, every project and client really matters. There’s a genuine sense of care in the work we do, and collaboration is at the heart of it.
7. You’ve worked in the same industry, in a similar role. What have been the main differences?
As an office manager in building control, the work was very fast-paced, compliance-driven and centred around regulations and approvals. In an architect’s practice, it’s a more creative atmosphere, with a collaborative process involving clients, consultants and authorities. It’s been interesting to see how building control is integrated into the design process.
8. Has your perception of what an architect does changed since working in a practice?
Yes, definitely. I’ve always been intrigued by the profession, but working closely with architects has given me a real insight into the complexity of their role. It’s not just about design – it’s about balancing creativity with technical knowledge, managing clients, consultants and contractors, and keeping projects moving forward.
- What’s been your favourite project to work on, and why?
Its hard to pick, I’ve been lucky to work on various projects locally, which have and will have a wider impact, which for me is by far where I get my enjoyment, rather than 1 specific project. We are in a period of time where reuse of building and repurposing of brownfield sites, which comes with challenges, but also results in some fantastic schemes. My current projects at Spode, Stoke and London Mill in Leek are both very different, but very similar and will both bring 2 derelict sites back into use.
- What do you consider your biggest professional achievement so far?
Developing a great team and being able to help the team progress their careers has been really rewarding. I was lucky enough to have the support to progress when I left university and its been nice to carry that forward. I’ve helped staff pass final qualification exams, as well as support them in side stepping into different careers, we’ve had loads of work experience in, as well as T-Level students from NSCG who are now studying Architecture at Staffordshire University. It’s nice that its gone full circle.
- What’s the most challenging project you’ve worked on — and how did you overcome it?
Working on converting the pub on Church Street, Stoke-on-Trent was a challenge. It was complex because it was constrained on all boundaries, by either busy roads or adjacent buildings, so dealing with access, fire compliance and maintenance in the future all had to be considered. Working closely with the Contractor and Owner, we were able to build great relationships with both the Highways department and adjacent land owners to allow us to carry out the work needed, as well as maintaining deadlines and budgets.
- What inspired you to become an architect?
Growing up in and around Leek, was probably the biggest factor. There are lots of derelict mills, which were used for textile production and studying at Westwood College, meant that I was surrounded by a variety of impressive architecture. It was pretty boring as a teenager, so exploring derelict sites was something that we did to pass the time! I saw bringing buildings back into use as a key part of bringing life (and things to do) to the town. I’d always enjoyed art and design, but grow up in a practical home environment, meant that I have always been shown how things work, how to fix things and that there is always a way to reuse or repose anything, including buildings.
- What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about your role?
Designing things is a small proportion of what we do. Phone calls, emails, administration, research, negotiating, reading, analysing takes up a much bigger proportion of the job role. All of that is the bit that people don’t realise we do and we do it so that we can create great designs, that are compliant, work and are cost effective.
- How do you balance creativity with practicality in your work?
I read somewhere the other day that Architecture isn’t job, or even a career, its a passion or an obsession. I think you have to genuinely have to be a bit of a nerd, and have a real love for the job, to find that balance between practicality and creativity. Being interested in other people, with other interests and specialisms help you understand how to create better, more rounded and balanced designs and helps you be more creative.
- What do you think makes a great client relationship?
Mutual respect and the ability to listen. Having a great relationship with a client is essential. I’ve always said, when meeting potential clients, its chose an Architect you feel you can talk to when you’re at your worst, because if you don’t have that relationship where you feel comfortable enough to talk to them, then they aren’t going to give you the service or the design you want. Picking an Architect should never be about how much they cost, it should be based on who you think you can work well with.
- What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
Talking to clients once a project is finished and knowing that a space or building is being used how you envisaged it. Knowing that you’ve brought an idea, and a clients vision, to life and that there is enjoyment from it. Any building project is going to be tense, or stressful at times, that’s just the nature of it, but when its finished, I’ve never had anybody say anything other than “it has been worth it”.
- What do you think sets this practice apart from others?
Being approachable, friendly and just genuinely interested in what ideas people have. I love it when you meet people who are passionate about making change in our communities and creating great spaces, whether that’s new homes, community spaces, workspaces or education. At the end of the day, we’re here to solve problems and bring ideas to life for people to enjoy.
- What kind of projects do you hope to work on in the future?
I’d love to work on local projects that have wide reaching community change. I don’t know what that looks like right now and to be honest, it’s probably going to come from somewhere I least expect it, but that is the part of the job that is most exciting, you never know what the next enquiry might be or what ideas the next person you speak to might have. I love a chat, so if you have a wild idea, pick up the phone and pick my brains!