Frances Kirk

My experience so far has formed the foundation for how I envision design and its ability to positively impact society through encouraging a better way of living.

During my initial studies I gained practical experience building and presenting the Nottingham H.O.U.S.E. as part of the UK team in a global eco-house competition. This project acted as a platform for sharing knowledge of approaches to sustainable design all over the world, and I developed a keen interest in the relationship between culture and design. I went on to complete my Part I placement in Shanghai where I developed design concepts and produced schematic drawings for urban scale projects. I was encouraged to think about how we, as designers, can address the challenges we face in terms of sustainability within a rapidly increasing population.

I began my Part II experience working on small scale projects within a historic context, with a focus on designing at a detail level. I see the design process as a conversation that builds on the existing narratives within a site, and have since enjoyed exploring this at a larger scale. Working on the initial phase of the Vicarage Fields masterplan gave me the opportunity to co-ordinate information from a range of stakeholders to develop the design. This was particularly relevant to the refinement of the facade, and imagining the inhabited spaces, which I enjoyed exploring through my chosen medium of sketching.

When I’m not drawing, I like travelling and spending time in museums and galleries. I am inspired by and always learning from other cultures and consider this a vital part of creating memorable places that can be shared and enjoyed by all.