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Stories and Inspirations
For me architecture as a way to create places I dreamt about. In my teenage years I became very interested in art and physics. This led me to architecture, and I decided to take up a place at Newcastle University and later on at Edinburgh College of Art. My studies turned out to be very challenging. I was stretched in my thinking and preconceptions not only about architecture but also of my view of the world. After completing my formal education, I worked as an architect designing everything from one-off houses to large office developments in London and Leeds. I have been fortunate to enter and win a number of art and architecture competitions over the years. This led to developing a parallel art practice, where I explore ideas around culture, space and nature. I am an associate with an organisation called Public Practice, that positions private sector professionals in the public sector to fill the skills gap often lacking in planning departments. I was appointed by Merton council as an Urban Designer. I am responsible for preparing design guidance on new houses built on small sites across the borough. I am also currently a dissertation supervisor at Kingston University at the Masters level. I have come to realise that Architecture is a versatile discipline that offers many options beyond formal training. Architects should work to attain a range of skills that will help solve the issues we face as a society. Interview with Melissa Woolford, Founder and Director of MoA
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