Interview with Tom Dawson of Resonant Architecture
Let's meet Tom Dawson, architect and founder of Resonant Architecture, an Oxford-based architecture and urbanism practice.
Hello Tom, tell us a bit about your background. What studies or training did you pursue to become an architect?
I took an undergraduate degree in Architecture at Cambridge University, after which I undertook a year's work placement with Edward Cullinan Architects. I then completed an MA at the Royal College of Art in London. Lastly I studied for the Professional Practice exam to acheive ARB registration as an Architect.
What was your career path leading up to your work today?
I have worked for a number of practices since I qualified, including Branson Coates Architecture in London, Anderson Bell Christie in Glasgow, Architecture for London in London and Berman Guedes Stretton in Oxford. I have worked on several project types, most commonly educational buildings, housing, and private homes.
Why did you choose this profession, and what makes you love your job?
Visiting some amazing buildings and places during my youth. These led me to become increasingly excited about the possibilities of architecture today, which works with space, technology, the environment, landscape, and place. I was and still am inspired by great architects, such as Brunelleschi, Wren, Scarpa, Martin and Zumthor.
What are the difficulties that you encounter in your work?
I can't think of many, but each project has its unique challenges. These are not so much difficulties as puzzles, and solving them are what motivates any architect in their work. The difficulties perhaps are the same as for any business operating in the recent and current climate.
For you, what is an architect’s main role?
Taking the client's brief and producing a design that not only provides what they require but also inspires and delights. Often architects have the experience and training to enable them to see the big picture and envisage something that a client may not have thought of.
In your opinion, what talent or quality is particularly essential for an architect to have?
Patience, problem solving, communication, empathy.
What does your job consist of?
A whole range of things. Research, theory, experimentation, art, craft, discussion, listening, organisation, determination, to name a few.
What motivates you the most in your profession?
The possibilities presented by a project and seeing these through to a finished scheme and a happy client.
What project do you remember best?
West Bothy in Ardnamurchan. This was an early project and a steep learning curve for me as I was tasked with both designing and building a new house in a remote part of the Scottish Highlands. I spent a year living on site with the client occasionally visiting to help out.
What is your favourite city?
Buenos Aires. A huge and incredible fusion of the Americas and Europe.
If you had to build a new house for yourself, what would it be like?
It would be all about the setting and the relationship of the interior with the exterior. It would use fantastic, textured, natural materials, lit by daylight. It would be carbon-zero.
Where do you find your inspiration?
Everywhere: books, films, buildings old and new, art, literature, people. Probably most inspiring are the stories clients tell about how they see themselves using their new building.
How would you define the relationship between an architect and his or her client?
An architect can be a facilitator of a client's vision, or the provider of a vision based on a set of challenges and requirements. Architects can transform the needs of organisations, individuals, families or businesses into a three-dimensional solution. These roles require a close working relationship and the architect and client need to understand and trust each other.
What are your specialities in your field?
Contemporary design, sustainable design, the design of homes, businesses, mixed-use spaces. Often and increasingly we are called upon to adapt and upgrade existing buildings and this has become a specialism.
Your favourite mobile app at the moment?
EO Smart Home - to charge my electric car!
A little message that you’d like to send to your future clients?
Enjoy the process as well as the outcome!