Personal Information:
- What is your favorite piece of architecture?
One of my favorite pieces of architecture is La Muralla Roja by Ricardo Bofill (Taller de Arquitectura). I love everything about it from the intentional use of colours to the way the distinction between public and private spaces has been challenged. It’s a truly beautiful building.
- What degrees did you earn and at what college?
I graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture from IE School of Architecture & Design in Madrid.
- When did you first know that you wanted to be an architect?
My grandfather was an industrial designer. Growing up I used to spend time with him at the factory and I was fascinated by all the machinery and seeing the different drawings. This sparked my interest in design and architecture has since been a natural path for me.
Experience:
- What firm do you work for and how long have you been with your current firm?
I’ve been working at NORR’s Toronto office for the past 3 years
- How did you end up where you are?
Prior to joining NORR I collaborated with offices in London and Madrid gaining experience in workspace design and multi-use projects in commercial and residential sectors. After completing my studies in 2016, family ties and my search for a new adventure brought me to Toronto.
- What is your role within your firm?
I’m an Architectural Designer in NORR’s Public Building Studio.
Why Justice?
- What prompted you to begin working within the field of Justice Architecture?
My first project out of school was a courthouse and I was immediately confronted with the barrage of standards and complex functional requirements that this building typology evokes. Whilst initially overwhelming, the more I learnt about the judicial system and started to engage with the different stakeholders, the more hooked I became. Working in justice architecture is an opportunity to learn every day and create a building that can have a huge impact on judicial system as a whole.
- What has been your most rewarding justice project to date?
My most rewarding project to date has to be the New Toronto Courthouse. I’ve been fortunate to be involved right from the beginning of the pursuit through to the execution phase. The experience has taught me so much about the building process and justice architecture, as well as giving me many new opportunities. Also, collaborating with Renzo Piano Building Workshop on this project has been a very rewarding experience.
- What do you find most challenging about working in the justice architecture field ?
It can be difficult to drive innovation with so many rigid standards in place and a multitude of stakeholder needs to try and fulfil. It’s a challenge but also a fantastic opportunity to think outside the box.
The future of the justice market:
- As it relates to the justice market, what do you hope to accomplish in the next 10 years?
As the world we live in is becoming increasingly complex, designers need to go beyond just problem solving and look towards creating sustainable, innovative futures. As an emerging professional in the field I feel a responsibility to respond to this need and develop a deeper understanding of the complexity of larger issues surrounding the judicial system. I hope to learn more about emerging approaches to design and develop forward-thinking, change-oriented skills in order to play a strategic role in the future of justice architecture.
Jacob was born and raised in the UK and has spent time studying and working in Spain, Hungary and Canada. He is passionate about design-driven innovation and is currently pursuing courses in human-centered design. He serves on the Executive Committee of the Canadian Academy of Architecture for Justice (CAAJ) and in his free time he enjoys cycling and going on scuba trips.