We asked Jason about what inspired him to train as an architect, what projects he’s currently involved in and discovered more about his work for the Samaritans.
How does it feel to be a qualified architect?
Passing the Part 3 has felt a long time in the making, and it means a lot to have now passed. I held myself back from pursuing it for different reasons over the years, but the support from everyone in the Glasgow office helped give me the confidence to go for it.
What inspired you to train as an architect?
I’ve always enjoyed making things, drawing and working out how things come together. I grew up in a former electrical sub-station converted by my parents – we lived in it during the works, using a tea urn to fill the bath! Having the capacity to imagine something and see it come to life is an incredible opportunity that I’m very grateful for.
Which architect/s do you most admire and why?
I admire Carlo Ratti: his research at MIT and works in his practice are exciting and feel truly inventive. His use of technology to explore notions and perceptions of space, while holding on to the importance of users and experience, is inspiring.
Do you have a favourite building, if so, what is it?
I feel like I grew up in the Kelvingrove Art Galleries in Glasgow, visiting all the time with my parents. I also had the incredible privilege of singing there as part of Glasgow School of Art Choir for our 5th anniversary concert. It’s a beautiful space and I’ll never forget the excitement of singing Durufle’s Requiem with a live orchestra and hearing the central hall fill with sound.
What projects are you currently working on?
I’m working with Derek Reid in the Glasgow studio on the Hallmark ‘B’ listed school conversion to Residential. I’m also working on Royal Arcade Crewe for Ross Erwin and a refurbishment project for Dundee University with Derek again. I have also recently submitted planning for the renovation of a rubble stone steading on the west coast of Scotland with my father.
Do you have any advice for others preparing to take their Part 3 assessment?
Join a study group! We met weekly (remotely): working through past papers, discussing topics for Experience Based Analysis (EBA) and sharing resources. Just connecting with people who were feeling the same pressures was amazingly helpful for me. If in doubt, anything by Sarah Lupton and RIBA best practice guides are always useful – we all read Which Contract and Keeping out of Trouble in our group.
What do you do in your spare time?
I’m a listening volunteer with the Samaritans’ Glasgow branch. Samaritans is a mental health charity for people who are in distress, struggling to cope, or who desperately need someone to listen. I’d recommend anyone to have a look on the Samaritans’ website where there are a lot of helpful articles and tips for supporting one another as best we can. The SHUSH acronym works for any situation: ‘Show you care’, ‘Have patience’, ‘Use open questions’, ’Say it back’, ‘Have courage’. It’s an immense privilege being a listening volunteer, and all the other volunteers I’ve met have been diverse and caring people.
