Ruaridh Nicol delves into his journey from a childhood love of drawing to a career in architecture. He reflects on pivotal experiences, such as working on historic church spires and discovering Passivhaus design, shares insights into his work, reveals favourite projects and discusses the importance of understanding client needs.

Phil Cooper, Founder of Hope Architects, has had an inspiring career journey marked by passion and innovation. From his early days in his mother’s engineering office to founding Hope Architects in 2019, he has continually pushed design boundaries. In this Q&A, FC&A explores the milestones and motivations that shaped his career, his commitment to creating homes that foster cherished memories and the exciting projects on the horizon for his firm.

Benedetta Rogers, Director at ARTEFACT, shares insights into her architectural career journey, highlighting pivotal experiences and influences. From her diverse education to impactful projects like the Common Rooms for Clapton Commons, she discusses her passion for community-driven design, reflects on personal anecdotes that shaped her approach to architecture and offers a glimpse into her day to day.

Jon Ackroyd is this month’s exclusive Q&A profile. Jon is an Architect, retrofit champion, Carpenter and Founder of Ackroyd Lowrie, an award-winning, east London-based practice. Here, Jon discusses his inspiration, how he learnt to harness the power of dyslexic thinking to forge a successful career, his advice for aspiring architects and how Ackroyd Lowrie is supporting future generations.

Delve into the narrative of Ben van Berkel, the visionary force behind UNStudio, as he shares the intricate tapestry of his career with FC&A. From beginnings in graphic and interior design to a defining moment at Kyoto’s Katsura Palace, his journey unfolds with a commitment to pushing boundaries and redefining architectural paradigms.