David Thompson - Founder/Architect, THAA Architects
I only really entertained the idea of becoming an Architect once I was studying for my A-levels. As someone who was creative and interested in art and the sciences, it suddenly seemed the obvious choice.
Fast forward some 33 years, and I have my own chartered practice, based out of a Newcastle city centre office with a small satellite office in Northumberland. We provide our services nationwide, working on residential and commercial projects across the country. Having set up THAA in 2018, I do everything from managing the team, bringing in new work, and liaising with new and current clients. I also get time to do some of the creative thinking with the team.
I would say my proudest achievement was taking the leap of faith after 16 years of employment as a registered Architect working on many notable projects for renowned international practices to becoming a self-employed sole practitioner.
Looking back, I could have continued as an employed Architect, but being my own boss appealed to me, being the master of my destiny so to speak. I will always remember discussing my desire to go self-employed with a respected local builder, who told me to ‘just go for it as what can go wrong’ and ‘don’t say no to anything you are offered’ – great advice from an established professional in construction.
After several tumultuous years that have put a lot of strain on many businesses and individuals, we have a healthy order book of commissions, ranging from unconventional residential extensions, and one-off ‘grand design’ homes, to a brewery conversion for a gallery and artist studios, and a riverside seafood restaurant in Northumberland, as well as just completing a competition entry for an international design museum in Scandinavia.
We have a diverse team at THAA. Apart from myself, everyone comes from outside the North East but has decided to live and work here because of the great quality of life on offer. We have an international mix with staff coming from home and abroad with a range of skills from a junior architect from Newcastle University to several qualified Architects, one from Spain and another from Sri Lanka and several architectural technologists.
In terms of our design work, we always go the extra mile and pride ourselves on thinking outside the box. Clients are by far our biggest critics, but by listening and working closely with our clients, we help them to create a unique crafted and considered solution which meets all their needs.
As a design studio we have embraced all the latest Architectural technology including BIM and Virtual Reality and are now exploring how A.I. can assist us. My practice is forward-looking in its approach to good design, as such we are a strong proponent of sustainable principles such as adopting the Passivhaus process.
Like most businesses creating the right team is an ongoing challenge, currently, we have a great team of designers all working closely together with relevant consultants and clients on the various projects that are currently ongoing. Challenges have come in many shapes and sizes, but I would say that the biggest challenge has been to evolve and adapt as the practice has started to grow.
I have a huge admiration and respect for the late Richard Rogers who was a giant in the Architectural world having designed the Pompidou Centre in Paris and the Llyod’s Building in London. I worked for Richard for several years in London on many groundbreaking international projects including the Millennium Dome at Greenwich. As well as being a successful businessman, he was an approachable colleague and would always have time for his staff, however young or old.
He was a consummate professional and the work that his studio produced is a testament to his legacy. I would like to think that during my time working under Richard’s tutelage, perhaps some of his talent and people skills has rubbed off on me, guiding me and the work we do at THAA.
Whilst architecture is one of the primary drivers in my life, outside of work I try to find the time to unwind by walking or biking through the beautiful county of Northumberland where I reside or alternatively making music, reading or painting which helps me to recharge as well as influencing my creative thinking for the work we do in the studio.
E: thaa@thaa.co.uk
W: www.thaa.co.uk
