INTERVIEW WITH HEATHER MCGILL FROM SHEDKM

To get firsthand insight on wellbeing from an Industry professional I interviewed Heather McGill of SHEDKM Architects.

SHEDKM have offices in both Liverpool and London and their company mantra is "We put together ideas and design buildings based on simplicity, logic and style. We are are enthusiastic, promote modernist principles and enjoy being architects!"

Image: SHEDKM, Vanilla Factory refresh

1)What made you want to work in the architecture Industry?

I’d always wanted to be a designer from a young age and toyed with pursuing a few different avenues. The multi-disciplinary nature of the profession really appealed as it encompasses varied skill sets present across many art and design fields; from the drawing table to construction. For me architecture is the creation of an artistic/design vision that people can occupy, use and potentially could hugely impact their day to day lives. It’s both practical and beautiful at the same time.

2) Tell us a little bit about the SHEDKM brand and customer

The practice ethos is rooted in the beauty and logic of simplicity, and this is reflective in the studio approach to challenges and opportunities presented by our varied client base. Our projects have a strong identity and are recognisable by the use of bold forms and colour; reminiscent of modernist design. Our brand is founded on creative pragmatism; a lot of which starts by reflecting our early discussions with clients into a clear floor plan; which becomes the backbone in pushing the project forward.

3) What new wellbeing trends can you see developing in the architecture Industry?

I think we’ll see well-being trends that tie in to outcomes of the pandemic. The industry will start to reflect on their own experiences of working from home or staying indoors and what they’ve valued most or struggling with. My personal feeling is we’ll start to see schemes which really capitalise on natural lighting and connection to the outdoors; this could be through bringing the outside in (winter gardens/internal green walls) or taking care over place making and landscaping the surround public realm to improve the outlook from within.

4) How important is it for you as an architect to incorporate wellbeing into your work?

Very important! I feel like a lot of work has been done to cater for physical comfort and that the industry has a responsibility to capitalise on the increased awareness of how physical environments impact mental health and wellbeing. Attention to elements such as provision of natural light and fresh air are vital in this respect, as well as providing flexibility or control of a persons environment. Admittedly this can be challenging in building uses catering for different groups of people with varying needs, but you can see the beginnings of this in some office fit-outs where there is a mix of open plan desk areas, small personal offices spaces and smaller breakout areas; where employees are provided with the opportunity to choose a space to suit their work process and optimise their productivity.

5) Do you see the wellbeing element of architecture and interior design continuing to grow?

Yes - I think it has to with the acknowledgment/awareness of how the built environment can impact wellbeing, particularly given the recent pandemic.

SHEDKM, Mansion House

SHEDKM, Mansion House

6) How do you incorporate the location / city of a project into your design work?

We tend to start projects with both a client brief and intensive contextual research across varying scales. Micro site scale usually involves maximising site lines, key views, and natural light for particular proposed spaces in the proposed scheme. Adjacent sites/buildings help inform the scale, form and materiality of the project and often become vital in design development discussions with the Local Authority. Town/city wide scale can inform both the materiality and the essence/vibe of proposal; commercial clients tend to be keen on exploring this for the longevity of the scheme and how well it will knit in. We work with a few Manchester based clients to whom this is this very important; for acceptance by the local community or the creation of new neighbourhoods in an established, characterful area.

7) Do you take into consideration varying cultures?

I think this is an interesting question and something I don’t feel gets considered enough. Personally I don’t feel I have done enough of this in my career; I’ve either worked on a project catered to a particular culture, faith or user group or the project has such a varied user base that it ends up being stripped back so much that whilst it caters for all cultures it celebrates none.

8) How do you create a personal feel for each client / customer?

To be a good architect you have to be a good listener. The end product or scheme should be personal to them because the architect has taken the time to listen, then ask the right questions of the client. In a private house scenario it could asking what their morning routine is like or what their hobbies are which could inspire a designer to arrange the layout or provide dedicated furniture to enhance that clients day to day. In projects where the end user is unknown, I think it comes down to building in flexibility for personalisation.

9) I really want to incorporate the 5 senses into my design. How do elements such as touch, sight, sound affect architectural design?

With sight, I always liked the schemes that play with juxtaposition of what can be see within the building with framed external views. For me it shows a real appreciation for external context and a care for what building users can see/experience. Touch is a really important consideration in architecture for small sundry items which people often overlook; for example handrails to stairs...is it metallic and cold to the touch or is it timber which is warm and inviting and often evokes feelings of comfort and craftsmanship? Sound quality is the most varied as it’s so case specific on the use of the building or space, for example, a library versus a concert hall.

10) What other architects / architect firms do you admire?

O’Donnell + Tuomey have produced some really interesting and beautiful schemes. They’re contextual, both socially and physically, the latter of which is evident in their external material choices. Their work for the LSE Student Centre in London, is playful twist on preconceived notions of what brick buildings can look like but the forms are also grounded in a Right To Light study of its surrounding context. It’s been creative with the pragmatics of the site and celebrated its constraints. Internally there is some lovely materiality and colours play, there are sofas on every stair landing to allow people to stop and socialise and each office has a view to outside...small gestures I think promote user wellbeing in the space.

11) When you travel for work, what is the one element that makes you feel at home when walking into a hotel room or suite?

For me personally it’s a well dressed bed, something that screams comfort and not just functionality. A bedroom space in the home is a place to unwind and relax and adding the level of care/attention to detail that someone would do in their own home really helps the home away from home experience.

Relevant Website:

https://www.shedkm.co.uk