We sit down with Rob Johnson to learn more about his role and his passion for creating residential spaces. Rob is the Director of Architecture at Trinity Rose.
Q: Can you tell us more about your role and what you do?
Rob Johnson: As the Director of Architecture, my responsibilities encompass various aspects of the business. My primary focus is to promote our firm and showcase the excellent work we do in the residential sector. I am involved in strengthening our existing client relationships and forging new ones to expand our client base.
In addition to client management, I actively pursue new tender opportunities and prepare fee proposals to secure new projects for our firm. I also play a hands-on role in overseeing our in-house technical team, managing our resources, and ensuring the smooth execution of the projects. My involvement spans all aspects of technical work, from problem-solving to the preparation of working drawing packages, which are crucial for bringing the approved planning designs to life.
Q: What do you specialise in?
Rob Johnson: My expertise lies in the preparation and production of residential working drawing packages. We cater to a diverse range of projects, from small developments with single plots for local developers to large, phased schemes consisting of several hundreds of plots for volume house builders. Our focus on residential architecture allows us to channel our experience and technical expertise in producing cost effective and user friendly technical drawing packages.
Q: What is the most valuable piece of career advice anyone ever gave you?
Rob Johnson: The best career advice I ever received was to always do a great job, regardless of the task at hand. Your reputation is like your CV in this industry. Maintaining a strong reputation for delivering high-quality work is essential for long-term success.
Q: What is your favourite part of your role?
Rob Johnson: One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is seeing completed homes where people live and thrive. Witnessing the transformation of our architectural plans into real, functional living spaces brings me great sense of pride and satisfaction. Knowing that we played a pivotal role in creating homes where families can grow and build memories is very fulfilling.
Q: What advice would you give to someone who wants to enter the industry?
Rob Johnson: For aspiring architects looking to enter the industry, my advice would be to spend as much time as possible on live construction sites. Observing the operations on-site gives you an invaluable experience that helps you understand construction methods, materials, and intricate details that can’t be fully grasped from textbooks or drawings alone. It provides an essential grounding in the practical aspects of architecture and improves your overall understanding of the field.
Q: What do you think the future of the residential property market looks like?
Rob Johnson: The residential property market has always been dynamic and influenced by various factors. While it’s challenging to predict the future, the current steps and momentum towards sustainable and eco-friendly design and construction are encouraging to see. As society becomes more environmentally conscious, people are seeking homes that align with their values and have minimal impact on the planet. As architects, we need to adapt to these changing preferences and incorporate sustainable design practices into our projects.
Additionally, technological advancements, such as how we construct, heat and power our homes, are already playing a significant role in shaping the residential property market. These innovations have the potential to streamline construction processes, reduce costs, and offer more flexibility in design, ultimately benefiting both architects and homeowners.