Welcoming Alex to the team

Meet Alex Finch, our new Architectural Assistant.

There’s no getting away from the fact 2020 was a challenging year, but one highlight was Alex Finch joining the team.

Alex joined us towards the end of November and immediately felt like one of the team, especially as he’s a keen cyclist. Here is his above, modelling our brand new company E-Cargo Bike.

We hope you enjoy getting to know him as much as we have.

Hi, I’m Alex

A graduate from the University of Sheffield who couldn’t resist returning to the steel city. Originally from York, I first came to Sheffield to study architecture and structural engineering. Since graduating I have spent time in Leeds and London working for structural engineering companies.

My mums’ side of the family hail from the North East

And so with that, I’ve had the joy of following Sunderland AFC my entire life. It has been character building at the best of times…

When I was younger, I was fascinated by the idea of leaving behind a physical legacy/record

It was that idea, along with lots of time spent in the Design and Technology classroom at school, that drove me to want to work with buildings.

Up until now, I’ve worked solely as a structural engineer

I previously worked at Scott Hughes Design in Leeds, and more recently with Structure Workshop in London. I’ve been fortunate to work on a range of projects with some great people. A particular highlight has to be working on a new public sculpture in Kings Cross, which was installed last year.

Seeing sustainability moving into the field of construction is really exciting

I love seeing architects/designers/projects that put themselves at the forefront of the sustainability movement, whether it be through low carbon design or designing for adaption and reuse.

I also like to see structure given centre stage, the perfect combination of architecture and engineering in my opinion.

I’m lucky enough to have visited my favourite structure

The Todai-ji temple in Nara, Japan, which until recently held the title of the world’s largest timber building. It’s a perfect example of what can be achieved in timber and has proved to last the test of time.

I’d incorporate Japanese design into my dream home

I was impressed by how their traditional architecture blurs the lines between inside and outside spaces. My dream home would probably consist of a series of buildings connected by external walkways to provide separation between spaces. I would also love to bring circular economy principles into the home. The idea that a building is seen as a kit of parts that could one day be used elsewhere really interests me.

Outside of work, I love a long bike ride

My ideal Sunday would be a cycle followed by a roast. I’m missing those summer evening rides at the moment!

I’m always listening to podcasts

I’d recommend Reasons to be Cheerful with Ed Miliband if you want to learn something new. I’ve recently started to listen to Climate Champions by the AJ, which is insightful and more relevant to what we do. Blossoms pubcast for a bit of everyday humour, there’s always a time for that.

Liam might hate me for this, but I’m not a huge fan of films 

I never seem to carve out the time to watch them. It took me way too long to see the Truman Show but that certainly has to be up there.

However, I am passionate about food

My last meal would have to be a hearty pie with all the extras (chips, gravy, mushy peas) as the main with a sticky toffee pudding to finish. I’d double up on the chips instead of a starter, it is my final meal after all. I’d be joined by Grayson Perry, Chris Packham and George Monbiot. I could sit and listen to them for hours!

I love a good cup of tea. However, coffee could soon overtake – particularly after seeing Paul’s coffee-related gadgets!

And finally, because you’re all dying to know this…

After foolishly singing it at a karaoke bar, the Dido part of Stan by Eminem has since become ‘my’ karaoke song.