Inside the Architect’s Studio with Joe Maunder
How did your journey into architecture begin?
“My career started, believe it or not, with a work placement at a practice in year nine, which was quite a while ago now. It was set up through the school I was at, we went to an architectural consultancy. I went on to do work placements for them every summer because I enjoyed it. From there I knew roughly what side of architecture I wanted to go into. Now I’ve been in the industry since 2015.”
What drew you to the technical side of architecture?
“I was more technically driven rather than into design concept – I was more interested in the practical side of architecture and how it all comes together. I looked at architecture, architectural engineering, and architectural technology courses when I was deciding what to study at university. I got the feeling architecture was more art-based which wasn’t really what I wanted. When I looked at engineering, it was more focused on projects like bridges which I also didn’t want. When I looked at the technology course, I realised it blended everything I wanted to do together.”
What are the challenges you face as a technologist?
“Being a technologist is more about the knowledge and understanding of building construction. When it comes to drawings, it’s having a keen eye for detail to really stand out from the crowd. You need to have the ability to work under pressure and hit tight deadlines while using your initiative and thinking on your feet. The biggest challenge is trying to create the architect’s vision and make it work technically. When the idea doesn’t quite meet building regulations, you have to think on your feet to work around it and turn the concept into a reality.”
What was your career path to F+M?
“I’d previously worked on more residential projects; large developments, big complexes of flats and housing. Those were very standard, you produce drawing packs for those houses to be built effectively and liaise with the structural and civil engineers. I used to do hospital work as well which was quite niche, alongside commercial projects which are interesting because they can throw some oddities in there, it makes things interesting for you.”
What are the standout projects you’re now working at F+M?
“I’ve enjoyed the projects I’ve been getting at F+M more because they’re bespoke, there’s more intricate detailing. I’m currently working on our Broadland Housing Association office refurbishment transforming a life-expired commercial building to form new office accommodation – and because I wanted to get involved with other sectors, I’m working on our Ansible Motion Simulation Centre project at Snetterton. For that project, our client has outgrown their manufacturing plant and want a bespoke simulation centre where they can manufacture parts and build components. The site has a wider scheme open masterplan. Will Andrews (F+M Architectural Assistant) has done the design work on it. He’s got a big vision for how the project will look and working alongside him has been really interesting and good fun. My role is to keep him grounded in terms of ’you can do that, but it’ll have an impact on something else’ and offering alternatives if a design won’t work in a technical sense.”
Are there any technical trends you’re currently seeing in architecture?
“From a technical background, it’s the integration of technology within a building. By that I mean the building is able to adapt to its surroundings with things like natural ventilation systems, smart technology that allows the building to breathe. It’s not just a static building.”
What advice would you give to someone interested in your field?
“I’d say experience is key. Getting an understanding of what I wanted to do and what aspects of architecture I was interested in at my school placement got me here. Try to get placements if you can, speak with architect students or actual architects and hear their opinions. At the end of the day, it’s experience that will drive you, and you’ll get a better understanding of what you want to get out of it.”