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Careers in Architecture

8 July 2020

John Cahill (Grafton 68) has been one of the leading Architects in education for 40 years. John presented to Stoics on Friday 22 May on careers in Architecture. After reflecting on his time at Stowe where John was in the same class (IIID) as Rodger Hodgson and Richard Branson, he guided us through his early career and how in his early career he decided to focus on a niche part of the sector and specialise in building and improving buildings for education. With over 130 education buildings to his name, including:

  • Dulwich College, Swimming pool & The Eddie George Building
  • The Royal Ballet School, White Lodge, Richmond Park, London
  • St Paul’s Boys’ School - Music School, The Wathen Hall
  • Marlborough College - Music School, swimming pool & Art School
  • The Thomas Telford School (CTC) + 5 other Academies
  • Charterhouse - The Queen’s Sports Centre & Girls’ Boarding House
  • And most importantly Bruce House at Stowe School in 1983

John expertly explained the various duties of a modern architect and the importance of drawing, being able to use CAD design software and how working with corporate clients was his preferred route as he didn’t enjoy working with individuals on projects such as house extensions.

After being guided through the links between complex CAD designs, legislation and building the actual buildings, John answered a range of questions from students, including: What should a junior/graduate architect expect to be doing during their first couple of years working for a large firm? What sort of work experience should I think about during school and university to differentiate my CV? What challenges and opportunities are there in a modern career working as an architect in a global economy? Please could you explain the value of being a member of the Royal Institute of British Architects. What trends do you feel are important in Architecture/ Design? Who in the architecture community do you follow and admire and why? When have you had one of your designs changed? Why was this? With environmental targets, should society focus more on renovation or new buildings?

For the answers to these questions, please view John’s informative and engaging careers talk here.

Dr Gordon West, Deputy Head of Sixth Form