Property Focus: The Interview – James Hall

JAMES Hall, from Birmingham-based Associated Architects, is the subject of this week’s Property Focus interview.

Mr Hall is an associate with the practice, which is based in the Mailbox and whose offices were crowned the region’s ‘Best Project up to 2,000m²’ in May by the British Council for Offices.

He is also the first chairman of the BCO’s new Midlands NextGen committee which was launched last month to nurture rookie talent in the property industry.

If you are interested in taking part in ‘The Interview’, please email tamlyn.jones@thebusinessdesk.com and click through to see all our previous Property Focus Interviews.

1. What are your views on the current state of the commercial property and property development markets?

Obviously, the commercial market is still depressed at the moment. There are likely to be significant changes to the ways and types of work we do in the future. Opportunities still exist in the commercial market, albeit on a smaller scale.

We are beginning to see enquiries from developers keen to refurbish commercial environments and looking to position themselves ahead of the competition, ready for any upturn in conditions.

2. What are the key challenges and pieces of legislation you think will most affect your sector over the coming months?

The key announcement everybody is watching out for is the imminent budget release. Associated Architects have been fortunate enough to secure a number of commissions for local authorities looking to consolidate their office estates and we are hopeful this will continue.

On a more technical note, I see the progressing improvements relating to energy consumption in the Building Regulations as being a big influence on how we design future buildings. With the Government pushing for all buildings to be zero carbon by 2019 we have to move the pace of innovation across all building procurement disciplines very quickly.

3. Why do you think the West Midlands is a good place to do business?

Being centrally located in the UK is important for the region. In recent years, this has been complimented by a concerted effort to improve the region’s desirability to businesses and the quality of environment for the workforce. Infrastructure improvements such as the Government’s ‘High Speed Two’ rail proposal will go further in keeping the region competitive.

4. What is your favourite building/development in the West Midlands and why?

I am very biased and consider Birmingham’s Mailbox my favourite – Associated Architects designed the building. From an objective point of view, it took strong vision and bold developers to undertake the project and despite it now being more than 10 years old, it still operates successfully. The building connects parts of the city for pedestrians, provides access to Birmingham’s canal water front and set a great benchmark for developments in the area.

5. If you could improve anything in the region, what would it be?

The region needs to be more joined up in its thinking about development and infrastructure. We have just launched the NextGen committee in the Midlands and our aim is to provide a platform for fresh talent to share their ideas, through organising seminars and networking events for young professionals across the region.

6. What barriers have you faced during your career and how have you overcome them?

As a young architect, it can often be difficult to have a voice. Finding a supportive working environment helps, as does being able to engage with knowledge sharing opportunities which is why I’m involved with the NextGen committee.

7. What was your first job and how did you enter your current line of work?

My first job was at an architecture practice in Liverpool. Like most people at the beginning of their career, I had to start at the bottom, making copies of drawings and colouring up drawings. It was, however, a great place to learn with a great team of people.

8. What do you most enjoy about your job?

The variety. I can be designing anything from furniture to whole buildings, talking to clients, local authorities, engineers, ecologists, artists, builders…..the list goes on.

9. What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Don’t stand still.

10. And the worst?

Just have one more drink, you’ll be fine.