My unconventional architecture,  Shane's journey into architecture

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Shane's journey into architecture is anything but conventional. Unlike many of his peers, he didn't follow the traditional path straight from school to university. Instead, Shane pursued his passion for architecture later in life, graduating from the University of Plymouth in 2024 at the age of 36. This milestone came after he decided to chase his architectural dreams in his late 20s, a bold move that set him apart from the typical Part II architecture graduate.

Shane's connection to the built environment goes back much further than his time at university. From a young age, he was surrounded by the world of construction, growing up in a family deeply rooted in the industry. His father ran a building company, and it was here that Shane first got his hands dirty, quite literally. Starting at the age of 14, Shane spent his school holidays and weekends working for his dad's business. These early experiences provided him with a practical understanding of the industry that few architecture students possess.

At 16, while pursuing his A-levels, Shane also enrolled in a Bricklaying course at Plymouth City College, where he successfully earned his NVQ. Despite his early exposure to the construction industry, Shane was uncertain about his future career path. He wasn’t particularly drawn to academics, and the idea of attending university seemed far beyond his reach at the time. Instead, he found himself drifting into a series of low-level jobs within the construction industry, unsure of where his journey would lead.

Shane began his career with the supermarket chain Tesco, where he quickly demonstrated his potential by taking on a variety of roles and steadily advancing up the retail management ladder. Over time, he led multiple teams and managed several departments, ultimately rising to the position of Ambient Manager. In this role, Shane was responsible for overseeing a team of around 30 people, a position that significantly shaped his approach to work and leadership.

Managing a department with an annual turnover exceeding £20 million, Shane developed a meticulous and logical approach to organization and problem-solving. The responsibility of ensuring the health, safety, and welfare of both his staff and customers further honed his ability to manage complex operations with precision. This experience not only sharpened his leadership skills but also instilled in him a disciplined mindset that would influence his future career decisions.

After nearly a decade of dedicated work with the supermarket chain, Shane's life took an unexpected turn when his position was made redundant. With two young children and a family home to support, he found himself at a crossroads, unsure of what his next step should be. However, instead of viewing this setback as a negative, Shane saw it as a chance to pursue the career he had always dreamed of. Embracing the uncertainty, he decided to turn this challenge into an opportunity to finally follow his passion.

At the age of 28, Shane embraced a life-changing challenge by returning to education after more than a decade away from the classroom. Determined to pursue a career in architecture, he first enrolled in an engineering course at City College. This program provided him with valuable insights and a deeper understanding of the built environment. To support his family while continuing his architectural journey, Shane took on various roles within construction companies, balancing his professional responsibilities with his academic aspirations.

In 2016, Shane embarked on his journey into architecture by enrolling in a Bachelor of Architecture program at the University of Plymouth. Balancing the demands of studying the intricate complexities of architecture while still working to support his family proved to be a formidable challenge. Most of his classmates, fresh out of school, had a strong technical foundation and familiarity with essential architectural software, creating a steep learning curve for Shane.

Despite these challenges, Shane leveraged his background in construction and his organizational skills to excel. During his undergraduate studies, he worked on a variety of projects, including several live projects where designs were realized and constructed. These opportunities allowed him to integrate his practical experience with his academic learning effectively.

In his final year, Shane focused on mastering Revit and other architectural software crucial for communicating his ideas. His capstone project addressed social issues, starting with the Mayflower Housing initiative. This project aimed to repurpose empty retail spaces in Plymouth’s city centre for social and emergency housing. Additionally, Shane’s final project tackled the issue of social divide and community development in Stonehouse. It cantered on creating an employment incubator—a hub located at Colin Campbell Court in Plymouth—designed to combat unemployment by offering educational and medical assistance to those in need. Through these projects, Shane demonstrated his commitment to using architecture as a tool for social change and community improvement.

After graduating with a Bachelor of Architecture, Shane sought to deepen his understanding of the built environment through hands-on experience. He began working for a local building company, where he gained practical knowledge and insights into the construction side of architecture. This role also provided him with the opportunity to collaborate closely with an architectural designer and a structural engineer on various projects.

Shane's work with the building contractor involved creating floor plans for HMO (House in Multiple Occupation) properties, submitting planning permissions, and producing 3D visualizations for clients. These tasks not only enhanced his technical skills but also gave him valuable exposure to client interactions and project management.

To further apply and expand on what he had learned during his BA, Shane joined an architectural visualization company. There, he focused on transforming 2D architectural plans into dynamic 3D visual presentations and interactive walkthroughs for clients. This experience allowed Shane to engage with architectural practice from a new perspective, complementing and extending the knowledge he had gained through his formal education. Due to the Covid pandemic and changes within the industry the company had to cease operation.

When the COVID-19 pandemic led to the closure of most architecture practices, Shane found himself at a crossroads. Seizing the opportunity, he launched his own company, Horizon Design and Build, which leveraged the skills he had acquired from both construction and architecture. Specializing in the design and construction of outdoor spaces, Shane successfully grew the business, gradually expanding and leading a small team of skilled tradespeople.

In addition to offering architectural design services to his own clients, Shane continued to provide plans, 3D visuals, and planning permissions for the building company he had previously worked with. This dual approach allowed him to build on his existing relationships while establishing his own firm, blending his expertise in both design and construction to achieve continued success.

Despite his accomplishments, Shane remained deeply committed to becoming an architect. In 2022, he returned to the University of Plymouth to pursue a Master of Architecture, driven by a renewed passion for integrating the natural environment into his work. His projects reflected this evolving focus, beginning with a design that explored the relationship between humans and nature through ecotherapy. This initial project featured a structure designed to harmonize with the challenging environment of the Seven Estuary, emphasizing the therapeutic connection between people and their surroundings.

Shane's final project built on this theme, aiming to harness nature as both a human and environmental healer. He developed a complex phytoremediation system for a former industrial area in Plymouth. His design introduced a concept of circular architecture, involving a process of assembly, adaptation, and disassembly. This approach allowed the structure to be relocated and repurposed repeatedly, facilitating the ongoing remediation of contaminated industrial spaces. Through this innovative method, Shane sought to address environmental challenges while fostering a sustainable and adaptable approach to architecture.