An Interview with Alex Vousden
This year we are featuring blogs about our people and giving them a platform to share their stories.
We spotlight Associate Architectural Technologist in our London office – Alex Vousden, in our new ‘Inspire Interview’ feature, where we hear from our team – what their professional journey has been like so far and their advice and inspirations.
Tell us about your career journey to date
After studying architecture at the University of Kent, I started working at an architectural practice in London working on high-end residential schemes and then worked for a couple of other practices on education projects and listed buildings. At Bowman Riley in the London office, I generally work on a mixture of residential and electric vehicle infrastructure projects. This year I was promoted to Associate, which is an exciting new step for me to get involved in management issues, mentoring junior staff members and providing technical guidance and support across the business.
What’s your favourite thing about Bowman Riley?
The Yorkshire accent.
What was your first job?
I worked part time in Primark’s shoe department.
What attracted you to a career in the built environment?
I love that I can be creative and make something tangible that contributes to the shape of our built environment.
What’s been your career highlight to date?
Working with Shell on their flagship Fulham site or a day at the National Composites Centre to work on concept designs utilising carbon fibre for electric vehicle canopies, including a workshop tour learning about how carbon fibre is made. An early highlight was working on Scenario House, a total refurbishment of a Victorian terrace at a previous practice.
What piece of advice would you give someone entering the industry?
Know it really won’t be for the money.
What’s your claim to fame?
I make designer dumbbells in my spare time. (Not famous for it yet!)
Tells us something people might not know about you
I’ve been to the furthest land point you can be from the UK.