Property Focus: The Interview – Ian Moores
IN our series of interviews with top professionals from across the property sector, TheBusinessDesk catches up with Ian Moores, managing director of Lancashire-based Ark Design and Architecture.
What are your views of the current state of the commercial property and property development markets?
The market is still very slow but we are beginning to see growing activity, particularly in the residential sector. Developers are preparing for 2010 by reviewing existing planning consents and reconfiguring proposals to respond to the current market.
What key challenges and pieces of legislation do you think will most affect your sector over the coming months?
Undoubtedly the big challenge is sustainability, and the drive towards carbon neutrality. The changes to the 2010 Building Regulations will be the first major lifting of standards and will continue to be ratcheted up through the decade. The impact on the way buildings are designed will be very significant.
Why do you think the North West is a good place to do business?
Outside of London and the South East, the North West is a large and diverse market. I think it presents great opportunity for business and particularly those who are interested in innovation.
What is your favourite building in the North West and why?
Manchester Civil Justice Centre is one favourite, for such a complex building there is great purpose and simplicity in its design. I think it is fairly remarkable for a modern civic building to maintain clarity throughout the design process. I enjoy looking at it every time I pass, and its “can do” approach exudes optimism, which is very encouraging in a doom and gloom world.
If you could improve anything in the region, what would it be?
It would be great to see the North West leading the way in terms of innovation and creativity. I think there is a good deal of it around already, but there are so many opportunities to make the region a focus for new and emerging ideas.
What was your first job and how did you enter your current line of work?
My first job was for a medium-sized architectural practice in Bradford, West Yorkshire. It was a great job and I was given lots of responsibility early on. That proved to be good for me and I learned so much it my first year. I always wanted to be an architect, and from an early age was endlessly making buildings from Lego. I still feel the same even though the buildings are real now.
What do you most enjoy about your job?
I am very fortunate to do something which I am so passionate about. Architecture is a business, but for me, and the people who I work with, it is much more than that. I get a lot of satisfaction from seeing the schemes being completed, and feeling that our input has added value. It is great to see that the completed building is a pleasure to use. I am also incredibly optimistic about the future, and that definitely keeps me moving forward.
What barriers have you faced during your career and how have you overcome them?
In many ways it is easy to see external forces which seem beyond your control as barriers and boundaries. Some time ago I realised that the only real restrictions are those we set ourselves.
In response to that I have adopted an outlook which is realistic, but does not restrict personal or business development in reference to external conditions. Many see the current economic climate as a restriction, but if you can face the worst case scenario, and ask; how can I make the most of this opportunity? then you can move forward. Sometimes things are not easy, but a great and resilient attitude makes the difference.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Don’t worry about things which have already happened, there is nothing you can do about them, and it does not make the situation any better. Instead use your energy to do the best you can to move on.
And the worst?
Look after number one.
