5 minutes with … Simon Saint at Woods Bagot

Why did you choose construction as a career?

It was not that intentional for me. I was interested in architecture and managed to arrange work experience at a studio while in high school, which I enjoyed so much and have done ever since! The mix of creativity and professional services really suits my interests, so once I found that in architecture I was hooked.

What are you most proud of in your career to date?

While I certainly get a kick out of working with our internal project and external client teams to develop shared visions and deliver stunning projects, I am most proud of developmental milestones. Helping younger talent at Woods Bagot to grow professionally and watch them thrive is what makes me the proudest.

What has been the biggest challenge of your career to date?

Widening Woods Bagot’s profile and ensuring that we are recognised for all the services we offer. It is amazing how many prospective clients don’t realise that we are a residential architecture practice and think we are purely a residential interiors business. Translating and communicating our deep interiors portfolio into a complementary residential one is certainly a challenge.

If you could change one thing about the industry, what would it be?

How the industry consistently undercuts itself to the detriment of quality. There is a global trend of architects undervaluing themselves, wanting to get to the design stage as fast as possible and dropping fees to achieve this, which has knock-on effects across the industry.

Once someone says they can do something faster, cheaper or both, then the industry expects everyone to do so – it becomes a race to the bottom.

What is the most helpful advice that you have been given?

That design is not objective. Many people think that design is drawing a perfect building, which is not true. Design is about convincing people that what you are drawing is the right answer to the initial scope – and how you bring people on the delivery journey with you.

Name your favourite building in the world?

Maison Hermès in Tokyo. It is so simple yet absolutely stunning at the same time. The clarity and rigour of the building is truly exceptional.

Which famous building do you most dislike?

The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. I am not a big fan of buildings that lack a strong connection with their function and are formalism for the sake of it. Personally, I much prefer buildings that clearly respond to their function and are designed as spaces for people.

Which famous building do you wish you had worked on?

The Barbican. It is such a singular piece of London, an iconic part of the city’s skyline and a cornerstone of creative life in the capital.

What single piece of advice would you give to someone starting out in your profession?

To develop your communication skills alongside your technical ones. Find your voice, formulate your thinking and opinions and learn to communicate them effectively.

What is it like being you (and doing your job)?

While one minute I am scoping the design of a project, the next I could be evaluating a business strategy or handling managerial responsibilities. As I often have to move from one thing to another, my headspace must change very quickly.

I also jump from different scales frequently – from smaller interior design projects to large-scale towers and masterplans. There is an almost constant contrast from big to small, internal to external, or working in a team to independently.

Do you have a life philosophy?

It is not so much a philosophy, but I certainly have a “convenience above all” mindset, as often the easiest and quickest way of moving forward is the best. I am also a big believer in priortising and knowing limits, so as not to get caught up in the small stuff.

It is just as important to find the right point to stop as it is to find an efficient way of moving things forward.

What do you think your best quality is?

I am pretty good at strategic diplomacy, finding a route forward while keeping an eye on the bigger picture and bringing everyone closer to the overarching goal.

What trait do you most dislike in yourself? 

Procrastination. By a mile. It is something I constantly have to keep an eye on, otherwise I end up doing millions of small tasks to avoid getting on with the big ones that really move the needle.

And in other people?

I get frustrated by those who ignore what everyone else is doing and are so focused on their own goals that they do not appreciate the work of others.

Name three things that you like

Art in almost any form, even if I don’t like (or understand) each piece. The fact that there is such a huge variety in how we express ourselves and what connects with people never ceases to amaze me. 

Travel and spending time in different places. I am lucky enough to have travelled a bit in my time. The experiences of discovering new places and revisiting others you have been to before are both wonderful. 

I am also a sucker for video games, with my Xbox getting pretty regular use when it can!

Tell us about a secret skill that we don’t know you have

I am quite musical – I can play the guitar, violin and clarinet.

What is your most prized possession?

I don’t tend to get nostalgic about old things. However, I would say either my signed copy of Tool’s Undertow album by the band’s drummer Danny Carey or my Pearl Jam T-shirt from when they played in Adelaide in 1995.

Early bird or night owl?

I would say I am an early bird, which is helpful working for a global firm where 6am calls are a regular occurrence.

What is your favourite food?

Chicken schnitzel parmigiana and chips from any Australian pub. It is a staple that I miss from home and only now finally seems to be creeping into the UK!

What would your superpower be?

Omnipotence sounds pretty cool. Who wouldn’t want to know everything while having all the answers?