Rob Henderson
Rob Henderson
We should leave things in a far better state than when we found them. This applies to the built environment and nature.
We should leave things in a far better state than when we found them. This applies to the built environment and nature.
“We should leave things in a far better state than when we found them. This applies to the built environment and nature.
We can only achieve this by focusing on people first.
Sustainable, liveable design comes from a deep understanding of how people use space, how they move around and what they want for themselves and their communities.
If, as an industry, we can recognise that people come first, then we can create projects that genuinely serve people's needs.
We all need to be pushing in the same direction. We can do this through communication, education and collaboration.
It begins with listening, actively and clearly. We should never stop learning.”
Rob is the managing director of JDA Architects, a progressive architecture practice that puts people at the heart of its projects. These projects include care facilities, workspaces, community housing and private residential dwellings.
Q&A
Q&A
Which project or piece of work are you most proud of?
Delamere. This was the first UK new-build addiction rehabilitation centre. It was a tremendous opportunity to start from scratch, using end-users' experiences as a guideline. This project was about how a space needs to feel when people occupy it. We had to translate this feeling into form. It was an amazing site with amazing views, but most of all, we had an amazing client. This made the entire process fascinating and hugely rewarding. We didn't come with any preconceived ideas, which meant we could apply the psychology of design to support the recovery process of the centre’s users.
Which project or piece of work are you most proud of?
Delamere. This was the first UK new-build addiction rehabilitation centre. It was a tremendous opportunity to start from scratch, using end-users' experiences as a guideline. This project was about how a space needs to feel when people occupy it. We had to translate this feeling into form. It was an amazing site with amazing views, but most of all, we had an amazing client. This made the entire process fascinating and hugely rewarding. We didn't come with any preconceived ideas, which meant we could apply the psychology of design to support the recovery process of the centre’s users.
Which project or piece of work are you most proud of?
Delamere. This was the first UK new-build addiction rehabilitation centre. It was a tremendous opportunity to start from scratch, using end-users' experiences as a guideline. This project was about how a space needs to feel when people occupy it. We had to translate this feeling into form. It was an amazing site with amazing views, but most of all, we had an amazing client. This made the entire process fascinating and hugely rewarding. We didn't come with any preconceived ideas, which meant we could apply the psychology of design to support the recovery process of the centre’s users.
Which is more important, being creative or being practical?
I’m torn between the two, to be honest. There’s no point in being practical without creativity behind it, but you need to understand how your design will be built — the practicalities involved. This practical knowledge should support the creative process.
Which is more important, being creative or being practical?
I’m torn between the two, to be honest. There’s no point in being practical without creativity behind it, but you need to understand how your design will be built — the practicalities involved. This practical knowledge should support the creative process.
Which is more important, being creative or being practical?
I’m torn between the two, to be honest. There’s no point in being practical without creativity behind it, but you need to understand how your design will be built — the practicalities involved. This practical knowledge should support the creative process.
What's the most effective method for communicating your ideas?
Storytelling, through sketching and talking — hand drawing ideas when I’m with a client or end-user becomes a useful and insightful dialogue. The pencil lets me test and articulate ideas. By expressing my imagination, I help spark the imagination of my audience — we feed off one another creatively.
What's the most effective method for communicating your ideas?
Storytelling, through sketching and talking — hand drawing ideas when I’m with a client or end-user becomes a useful and insightful dialogue. The pencil lets me test and articulate ideas. By expressing my imagination, I help spark the imagination of my audience — we feed off one another creatively.
What's the most effective method for communicating your ideas?
Storytelling, through sketching and talking — hand drawing ideas when I’m with a client or end-user becomes a useful and insightful dialogue. The pencil lets me test and articulate ideas. By expressing my imagination, I help spark the imagination of my audience — we feed off one another creatively.
Which part of your work do you find most rewarding?
Walking through a finished project and seeing it in use. However, there’s usually a small element of frustration too, because there’s always something we think we could have done differently, with the benefit of hindsight.
Which part of your work do you find most rewarding?
Walking through a finished project and seeing it in use. However, there’s usually a small element of frustration too, because there’s always something we think we could have done differently, with the benefit of hindsight.
Which part of your work do you find most rewarding?
Walking through a finished project and seeing it in use. However, there’s usually a small element of frustration too, because there’s always something we think we could have done differently, with the benefit of hindsight.
What’s the best advice anyone’s ever given you?
Always buy your round! My mum told me that when I first went to college.
What’s the best advice anyone’s ever given you?
Always buy your round! My mum told me that when I first went to college.
What’s the best advice anyone’s ever given you?
Always buy your round! My mum told me that when I first went to college.
What are your guiding principles?
Put others first. We're not designing for us but for users of these buildings and spaces.
What are your guiding principles?
Put others first. We're not designing for us but for users of these buildings and spaces.
What are your guiding principles?
Put others first. We're not designing for us but for users of these buildings and spaces.
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Patn Studio
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Salford M3 7FB
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Find us
Patn Studio
x+why
Embankment East Tower Cathedral Approach
Salford M3 7FB
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Find us
Patn Studio
x+why
Embankment East Tower Cathedral Approach
Salford M3 7FB
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Find us