00012 / Q&A with the architect, Chris Brightman.
We asked co-founder, director and architect Chris Brightman to take a short break from his daily tasks and answer some wide-ranging questions.
Do you prefer to start your day with tea or coffee?
A strong coffee with a splash of milk.Sweet or Savoury?
It used to be sweet, now savoury.Sunrise or sunset?
Sunset, if you push me to choose one!Spring, Summer, Autumn or Winter?
Summer.A film or a box-set?
It has to be a good box set, and if it’s set in Scandinavia, that’s a bonus. Both my wife and I really ‘enjoy’ Nordic Noir like The Bridge.Cats or dogs?
It has to be Dogs! But I have nothing against cats; I want to clarify that. It’s just we had a lovely Springer Spaniel growing up.What are your earliest recollections of being interested in architecture and design?
As a young teenager walking through Paris, I was totally fascinated by the Pompidou Centre.
Who are your favourite architects?
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Frank Lloyd Wright & Santiago Calatrava.
What makes a well-designed building/home?
I believe that natural light is key to a well-designed home.
When are you most productive?
First thing in the morning (after that strong coffee).
What’s the best piece of advice you could give someone starting a building project?
Seek professional advice as early as possible from either an architect and/or a planning consultant; it will set you off on the best possible course and most likely save you a lot of time and money.
What is your favourite building material or finish?
I'm not sure that I have one. Materials should be contextual and only work in the right setting.
What is your favourite room in a house?
An open-plan kitchen, dining and sitting room. Together, they are the heart of the modern home, where everyone can be together.
What are your top three design classics?
The Eames Lounge Chair, the Porsche 911 and the Converse Chuck Taylor All-Stars.
What's your favourite place and why?
Chatsworth House - an amazing place that is beautiful in every season. We've been visiting for many years and have many family memories there.
What's the most memorable adventure or holiday you've had?
A month-long road trip around California & Nevada in a Ford Mustang. We started in San Francisco and visited Yosemite, Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon, San Diego, and Los Angeles. Then, and returned to San Fran.
TV: your top three TV shows?
I loved Frasier, was captivated by Breaking Bad, and it may be a little predictable: I try not to miss a Grand Designs.
Music: your top three albums?
Californication by RHCP, Ten by Pearl Jam and OK Computer by Radiohead.
What was your favourite subject at school?
Design Technology
What was your favourite book as a kid?
The BFG I’ve just finished reading it with my eldest daughter.
And, as an adult?
Unfortunately, I don’t get much time to read as an adult! Maybe when I’m retired…
Top 3 dream dinner guests, and what would you serve?
Steve Jobs, Tiger Woods and architect Frank Gehry.
Sport & Leisure: what are your top three activities you like to watch or participate in?
Golf, Running & Football
Pastimes: do you have any hobbies or pastimes?
Walking with the family and playing silly games with my daughters.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Biscuits. I can't be in the same room as biscuits.
What's a project or goal you're currently working on?
I’m training for the 2024 London Marathon (in aid of Cancer Research UK; here is his official page), and I’ve still got a long way to go before I’m ready, and next year is getting close now.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Do it sooner; don’t hesitate.
Describe yourself in a few words.
Creative, dreamer, laid back but hard-working and ambitious.