Paige James

My fascination with architecture traces back to my childhood years when I attended a primary school in the City of London, just a stone's throw away from the Gherkin at 30 St Mary Axe. Construction began when I was 6 years old, and each school day was a spectacle of construction that unknowingly created a deeply personal connection with the building. I often contemplated being able to stare into its windows and glimpse into the lives of its inhabitants, and reciprocally, how they could peer into our world.

These reflections weren't simply fleeting childhood thoughts; they were the seeds of a profound interest in the fusion of artistry, functionality, and the human experience that defines architecture — though back then, these manifested as daydreams of being one of the Gherkin’s rappelling window cleaners.

Unbeknownst to my younger self, I would instead go on to study architecture at Oxford Brookes and the London School of Architecture, and now work towards qualifying as an architect. My professional portfolio includes numerous mixed-use, commercial and residential projects, most noteworthy of which is Hayes Park, a sensitive conversion of a Grade II Listed offices into residential units.

I am also a proud dog-mom to goldendoodle Touké, who has been named honorary Studio dog with how often he comes over to visit! Follow him on Instagram @2k__k9