Meet Ben: Architect and COO at Hawkland.

We recently held an interview with Ben Nother, architect and COO here at Hawkland, where we explore his educational journey, passion for sustainable architecture, and the collaborative culture that defines his work.

His Introduction To Architecture

With over 20 years of experience in the construction industry, Ben’s passion for architecture is deeply rooted in his upbringing. Growing up with a builder for a father, he was surrounded by construction from a young age, even starting part-time as a bricklayer's labourer at just 15. Although he initially pursued A-Levels, he soon realised they were not the right fit for him. This led him to enrol in a college course in Construction Management, where he was introduced to various professions within the industry, ultimately discovering his interest in architecture. With a love for drawing and a newfound eagerness to learn, Ben decided to pursue architecture as his career path.

A Foundation in Education

Becoming a registered architect is a significant achievement, and Ben's journey exemplifies dedication and perseverance. He began his educational path with an undergraduate degree at the University of the West of England (UWE), earning his part 1 qualification. His pursuit of knowledge continued at the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT), where he completed a master's degree focused on advanced environmental and energy studies—his part 2 qualification. To complete his training, he returned to UWE for a postgraduate course in professional practice and management in architecture, securing his part 3 qualification. Today, Ben is a proud member of the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).

Sustainability: A Growing Focus

Initially, he didn’t have a strong focus on sustainability. Having worked in construction since his teenage years, he assumed traditional methods were just the way things were done. It wasn’t until he was studying at UWE that his thinking started to shift. Although sustainability wasn’t a significant part of the curriculum, he was influenced by friends at CAT who were delving deeper into sustainable construction. Their enthusiasm sparked his interest, and after visiting CAT on an open day, Ben was captivated by their commitment to sustainability. This experience solidified his dedication to sustainable design and building practices, inspiring him to make a positive impact on the environment.

Joining Hawkland: A Perfect Fit

Ben's connection to Hawkland began with a shared background at CAT. After he started working independently, he was approached by Chris and David, who recognised their common ties and needed an architect for a project in Bristol. What began as a small collaboration quickly evolved, and by early 2022, the team at Hawkland recognized the importance of integrating architecture into their business model, offering in-house services. With 75% of Ben's work stemming from their projects, it was a natural progression for him to officially join Hawkland and contribute to the company's expansion.

A Dynamic Workweek

Ben's typical work week consists largely of meetings and emails. He manages an architectural team and engages in client communications, ensuring project details are effectively conveyed for accurate drawings. While he oversees concept design, he often delegates tasks to his team and holds regular meetings to track progress. Even with a focus on management, Ben remains hands-on with architectural work, updating drawings for projects and confirming structural details. His week is roughly divided equally between organisational duties and technical support, involving problem-solving, detail checking, and updating drawings, with most of his time spent in meetings, followed by emails and a few hours dedicated to drawing work.

Why does he enjoy Hawkland?

Ben finds fulfilment in the collaborative environment at Hawkland and the construction industry itself, valuing the opportunity to influence client outcomes and contribute to sustainable practices. His work allows him to play a vital role in reducing carbon emissions and responsibly sourcing materials. Navigating the niche market of natural materials presents both challenges and rewards, pushing against traditional methods to create meaningful change. While his role involves numerous meetings, he appreciates the technical discussions and collaborative efforts that drive the projects forward.

Life Beyond Work

Outside of his professional commitments, Ben is a devoted father, balancing his time around school runs and childcare. In his spare moments, he enjoys playing video games and hosts a podcast that explores video games and craft beer, adding a personal touch to his busy life.

Do you have an architectural project in mind? Get in touch today, the in-house architectural team will be happy to help.