About
I have worked at Hampshire County Council in their Design Unit for many years now. I first came to the County as a year out student and worked with Sir Colin Stansfield Smith. I re-joined in 1995 after having worked abroad in architect’s practices in both Switzerland and Germany. I am passionate about architecture and committed to delivering a high quality public service. I love being creative. My strengths as a designer are conceptualising and developing form but I also enjoy detailing. More recently I have discovered that I also enjoy managing and contract administration. I am always keen to share ideas and enjoy discussing schemes within the office. Over the years I have worked on many projects. On some I have been involved for certain work stages only, whilst others I have seen through from feasibility to completion. I regularly undertake the role of principle designer ensuring that work on site is undertaken safely and in compliance with legislation.
I have worked part time since the birth of my daughter Alice in 2000 and have been fortunate to enjoy a sustainable and fulfilling work-life balance. When at work I am very focused but I will also work flexibly when required, particularly when my projects are on site. I am used to change and adapting, having ‘hot desked’ within the office for several years. I continue to improve my performance and whilst at Hampshire have benefited from regular Technical and Design Forums. I routinely undertake HCC learning modules and recently mastered AutoCAD, whilst working from home. I have in the past, also enjoyed mentoring junior professionals and year out students.
I always try to perform to the best of my ability and act with integrity. I firmly believe in working collaboratively and adopt a one team approach with my design team and contractors. I find this bears positive results and also makes each project far more enjoyable. I am a good communicator and manager and am able to bring my experience and maturity to bear. I work hard to maintain positive and productive relationships with both the client and project team. At times this has been in challenging and sensitive situations. To quote Sharon Taylor, former Headteacher at Colden Common School,
“Claire took over the project as the third architect. It was potentially quite difficult as there were very strong views from the Governing body and she was picking up someone else’s work. However, Claire was very clear from the start. She was able to clarify the roles and responsibilities of everyone involved in the project and quickly gained the confidence of the Governors, which improved the situation.” Further when certain elements of the project had to be redesigned whilst on site, Sharon writes “Claire was excellent at involving me in decision making. She had good ideas and was able to advise without forcing her opinions.”
I will always listen to and respect the ideas and opinions of others and endeavour to be supportive. Where possible, I allow my project team to use initiative and take responsibility. Hampshire Senior Construction Inspector Russell James writes,
“Claire is open to suggestions and will listen to all opinions and provides good communication to the project team and client. She has a natural way in being calm with an approachable attitude at all times which is particularly noticeable at site meetings giving reassurance to all. Claire is in my opinion honest and treats all who come in contact with her the same and gives respect in differences. “
I am also passionate about the environment and after graduating from University worked for an architectural practice in southern Germany, Architeckturburo Eble, specialising in anthroposophic and ‘baubiologische’ design – wildly organic and ecological design. It was a very rich experience where I learnt the principles of building biology and how to create healthy, ecologically sound environments. I also enjoyed the complex forms of their work, using my language skills and living in a very pretty part of southern Germany.
I am married with three older children. When I have spare time, I enjoy relaxing – catching up with friends over coffee, walking and reading books. As a christian, I have also been much involved at our local Anglican church over the years, most recently as part of the Buildings Group overseeing development of the church campus.