Tags
ADAM Architecture, architect, architecture, Architecture and Urbanism, Building Design, cricket, Deconstructivism, drawing, Edwin Lutyens, garden, Gresgarth Hall, Hugh Petter, International Network for Traditional Building, James Gibbs, Lancashire, London, National Planning Policy Framework, Peter Hodson, Portsmouth School of Architecture, red tape, Rome, Rules for Drawing the Several Parts of Architecture, Surrey County Cricket Club, The Oval
British architect Hugh Petter was born in 1966, graduated from Portsmouth School of Architecture and won Rome Scholarships. He joined ADAM Architecture in 1993 and today is a recognized authority on classical and traditional architecture with a broad range of experience including new buildings and alterations, extensions and repairs to historic properties, as well as design consultancy and master-planning on projects in Britain, Italy, the Caribbean and North America.
When interviewed by Building Design magazine, Mr. Petter offered the following observations concerning architecture and his vocation as an architect:
What got you started?
Initially my parents’ interest in the arts; my own love of drawing and making things and, later on, the Rome Scholarship in Architecture.
Who was your most inspiring tutor?
Peter Hodson at Portsmouth Polytechnic. He made history come alive and nurtured my interest in evolving traditions.
From which architect have you learned the most?
Sir Edwin Lutyens. His boundless energy, playful imagination and attention to detail are awe-inspiring.
What “great” architecture leaves you cold?
Deconstructivism puts architectural sculpture above people, culture and place.
What is your best project?
What I am working on at any moment! I have recently completed the pavilion portico at The Oval, home to Surrey County Cricket Club.
In which house would you most like to live?
Gresgarth Hall, Lancashire: a charming house, with beautiful gardens, in a lovely position.
What is your favorite city?
Rome.
You can work in any city at any point in history – where and when would you choose?
London in the early twentieth century. The creative energy of that time is unsurpassed.
What one piece of legislation would you introduce?
A better version of the National Planning Policy Framework that sweeps away unnecessary red tape and encourages planning for the long term.
What is your favorite architectural book?
James Gibbs’s Rules for Drawing the Several Parts of Architecture.
What are you listening to?
Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos (BWV 1046-51). Whatever I am wrestling with, the playful patterns in this music are all-consuming, lift the spirit and help loosen up the mind once more.
Complete the sentence: At heart I am a frustrated . . .
Teacher. I love working in a group with students, craftsmen and my own children to explore ideas and develop skills.
Is it getting easier?
There are lots of good architectural and master-planning projects around, but the planning system is still a nightmare.
– International Network for Traditional Building, Architecture and Urbanism