Giles Reid is an architect based in London. He was a representative for Renzo Piano Building Workshop on the Shard, London Bridge and Project Architect at Borgos Dance for the Louis T Blouin Foundation, Notting Hill.He graduated in Auckland, New Zealand and began working independently under Giles Reid Architects in 2013. We are proud to present the designer insights of Giles Reid.
Image Credit: 1) Zangra 2) About Blank 3) Whipple Tree 4) Muebles Valdes 5) Jasper Morrison Shop
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1) In your own words describe your unique style and creative aesthetic?
That’s hard ! It might be easier to say something about what I am reacting against. In so many interiors and buildings, the architect’s hand is so present, it’s cloying. I want my work to be so relaxed and plain, it would almost disappear before your eyes…..almost. I'm not there yet.
2) When starting a new project, what is your creative process?
Each project is a puzzle you make in your own mind. With patience, the pieces become so interconnected that ultimately you cannot remove any part without the whole falling apart. If a design develops a clear idea about structure, environment and living, then it has the strength to survive the currents ahead.
3) Out of the creative people you have worked with, who is it that you respect and admire the most?
I’ve been fortunate to work with some hugely inspirational figures. Of course Renzo Piano comes to mind. As a student, I learnt so much by spending time with Ivan Juriss, a New Zealand architect practising in the 1950’s and 60’s. I still possess some of the drawing tools he gave me. But the people I most respect and admire are builders - they give form to a vision.
4) When looking for inspiration is there a particular thing you do to get inspired?
Often I find that something I was thinking about hard six months ago and maybe didn’t resolve then, will re-emerge as an idea, somehow transformed. I wish it could be quicker! Often studying really closely how someone else tackled a problem makes you challenge both your and their thinking. This gets you to a new, if you like, third solution.
5) What has brought you to this point in your career? And what is your advice for people looking to follow in your footsteps?
Well, I’m not sure anyone is looking to follow in my footsteps! My only advice would be to go out on your own as soon as you can and then surround yourself with good people.