Designer insights with Nicholas Kirk

Nicholas Kirk is a RIBA chartered architect with over 10 years experience working on projects in the public and private sector. He trained at Sheffield University and London Metropolitan School of Architecture, graduating in 2005. Nicholas has a comprehensive understanding of urban design principles and uses these skills to create projects that have a positive and meaningful impact on the built environment.

Designer Insights with Nicholas Kirk

NK Architects

Image Credit: 1) Gosh London 2) Enablers 3) Google 4) The Great Divide 5) Emma Bennett

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1) In your own words describe your unique style and creative aesthetic?

We do not have a distinct style – rather we allow context and surroundings help to define our work. We also allow serendipity to creep in to our creative process, celebrating the unknown and embracing mistakes as we progress our designs. We then tie up loose ends and polish our product, to make it useful and work for the client and site. We often explore geological and natural phenomena to inspire our designs – we find this allows us to be enigmatic, whilst respectful to the world around us.

2) When starting a new project, what is your creative process?

We test out ideas through model making, sketching and digital processes and work through numerous design options. This allows us to hone in on an idea, having fully explored all aspects of the brief. We are patient and do not push for the solution on day one – we think a meditative process allows ideas to flourish.

3) Out of the creative people you have worked with, who is it that you respect and admire the most?

My friend - musician and artist Ed Carter (aka Modular). His work is deeply thoughtful and he really gets to understand his subject through research and investigation leading to amazing artworks and soundtracks.

4) When looking for inspiration is there a particular thing you do to get inspired?

Music – I really enjoy rythym and syncopation. I think that subtle twists and flexes in rythym can produce dramatic effects. You can apply this to the visual arts and architecture to create shifts in scale and proportion and subvert classical order.

5) What has brought you to this point in your career? And what is your advice for people looking to follow in your footsteps?

Determination and persistence. If you do not have any live projects, then create your own – be proactive and keep going! It also helps to get along with people.