 | Abre Etteh Architecture, as it turns out, is the family profession. My dad, one of my brothers and some of my cousins are all architects. As a child I remember my dad bringing home models of buildings he was working on. I was never allowed to play with them, so I sorely wanted to make my own models. |
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.
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
Abre's Projects
Hallel, 2018 Photo © Jamie Feldman
Hallel, 2018 Photo © Jamie Feldman
Hallel, 2018 Photo © Jamie Feldman
Hare Lane study Photo ©Jocelyn Low
China Works business centre Photo ©Jocelyn Low
You can see more of Abre's work at abreetteh.com and behance.net/AbreEtteh