Therefore, we believe that you should get to know each of us and find out what makes us tick! Our reputation for great service is due, not only to our qualifications and experience – but our passion. Today you will find out more about David, one of our Senior Technicians.
David is one of the veterans in our team. As a Senior Technician, he manages both small and large scale projects and loves the challenge of developing high energy-efficiency homes.
David graduated from Napier University (Edinburgh) as an Interior Architect in 2006. Before joining ACA in 2014, he worked for various companies. One of them was Yeoman McAllister Architects, from his time there he developed his CAD skills which he then brought to our team.
Apart from his high-quality skills and outstanding work ethic, he regularly cooks delightful Scottish meals for our team lunches. This interview will provide insight into his responsibilities at ACA, personal life and goals for the future.
TELL US HOW YOU CAME TO START WORKING WITH ACA.
Browsing my emails one afternoon I actually came across an invite to apply for the position based on my CV which was uploaded to various employment sites. I had only recently updated my CV based on a review and career advice online, which did the trick.
Prior to applying, I reviewed the website and the work which ACA were doing. I liked the personal approach to each project and the fact I could manage a full design through to completion. I applied, had a long interview with Allan, and here I am.
YOU GRADUATED FROM NAPIER UNIVERSITY AS AN INTERIOR ARCHITECT. CAN YOU EXPLAIN WHAT LED YOU TO WORK IN THE ARCHITECTURAL INDUSTRY?
Growing up I always enjoyed sketching and the technical side of drawings, the course on Interior Architecture allowed me to not only focus on the technical side of interior elements but to also work on the creative design aspects. The course also focused on the 3D modelling aspects, which I knew would be a future progression in the industry and something I picked up almost naturally.
Upon graduating I worked with Yeoman McAllister Architects, where I learned a lot of my technical knowledge through experienced peers and progression of building works on site. The practice had not long implemented BIM (Building Information Modelling) and with my experience from university, I was an ideal candidate. Picking this up as quickly as I had in university, it was not long before I was advising and aiding in the implementation of the BIM capabilities within the practice.
BIM is very important, more so than people expect. Not only can you generate an image or walk through to help the client understand the design, but you can also very accurately show structural elements and their precise locations. This helps remove clashes with the structure – this would never be picked up in 2D format until the problem arises on site, saving time and money.
Once a problem arises on site, the costs can quickly escalate. A few more hours in the office working on the model is a more desirable option for all parties involved. The roof construction of any particular design can also be challenging, and the model allows you to ensure the connections work, all of which can be quickly reviewed in the model for any major issues.
Materials, quantities and levels on site are also very important and can be calculated in the model based from OS data, giving a precise project location and height above sea level. This is also really useful for creating sun studies. Exporting data from the model is very useful for external suppliers, and can be used effectively to generate window and door schedules for issue to the manufacturer, with the added comfort of knowing there is a direct correlation with the modelled information and any changes which are made.
A lot of clients, understandably, look to get the project on site as quickly as possible, with the BIM process as a strong basis at ACA, we are adequately prepared to assist with this speedy process as quickly and efficiently as we can.
WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE STRONGEST ADVANTAGE OF ACA?
We have a great team with an extensive amount of knowledge, you will be assigned one member of the team to work on your project. However, it’s the collective knowledge of the office you get with each and every design. Being a smaller more open practice is definitely a strong advantage ACA have, Allan is not too bad at his designs too, which does help.
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST ADVANTAGE OF WORKING ON RESIDENTIAL PROJECTS AS OPPOSED TO COMMERCIAL ONES?
Having your own creative input and being attentive and listened to is definitely a great advantage. You can drown in a larger practice. With all the other ideas floating around, it is a lot harder to get your point across in a large practice without looking or sounding arrogant (believe me, I have been that person).
Commercial projects can also be very time consuming and it is hard to see the end goal with so much going on at once. A one-off residential project allows some creative freedom and a compassionate approach to achieving a dream home for the client. It is also nice to know that the aspects of your design will be left as a trail extending into the future.
IF YOU WERE NOT WORKING IN ARCHITECTURE WHAT PROFESSION WOULD YOU CHOOSE?
A professional golfer! Travelling the world, always in the sun, people cheering you on, everything paid for by your sponsor with a few properties dotted around the world. Who would not want that?
YOU ARE THE MASTERCHEF OF OUR PRACTICE AND REGULARLY SUPPLY OUR TEAM WITH AMAZING DISHES! WHAT OTHER PASSIONS DO YOU PURSUE IN YOUR FREE TIME?
You can lose yourself in cooking and it is a good stress reliever, especially with a meat tenderiser in your hand. You can focus on the task at hand and be creative in the kitchen too, which I like. Presenting a dish and seeing someone’s face when you tell them ‘I made that’ is a great feeling.
Anything that is quick cooking, like Chinese, is great when you have a lot on your mind. You can flambe, throw stuff around, lose your temper, burn yourself and drink wine throughout without getting judged…. It is great.
Spending time with my family is another passion, I honestly could not tell you what I have done with all my spare time before I became a parent, it’s full on, but in a fun way…most of the time.
