Celebrating Mother’s Day: AJC embracing the intersection of motherhood and design

As Mother’s Day approaches, it’s a time to reflect not only on the love and care mothers bring to their families as well as their incredible contributions to various professions, including the world of architecture and design. At AJC, we celebrate the unique perspectives and experiences of our team members who are mothers, recognising the profound impact their roles as both designers and caregivers have on their work. Additionally, we also had the opportunity to interview a male team member who shared insights into how his mother influenced his career path.

Kelly Green: Studio Director

Shaping Spaces with Care and Collaboration

“Navigating parenthood while working in the creative, architecture, or design field means constantly balancing professional and personal responsibilities. It’s a juggling act where we wear many hats, shaping our identity based on both self-perception and external perceptions. Over the past nearly 30 years, I’ve witnessed a positive shift with more working mothers leading the industry, a trend that holds promise for the future. Importantly, my own 10-year-old son exemplifies this progress, viewing both his parents as equals without any preconceived gender biases, ensuring a brighter future for the next generation.”

Q: In what ways do you see elements of motherhood reflected in your work as an architect/designer?

A: The concept of caring for others is deeply ingrained in my work ethic, whether I’m leading a team or collaborating with clients. I believe that the success of a project hinges on everyone working together, fostering a culture of care and collaboration.

Q: Are there any architectural projects or designs that you’ve worked on that were inspired by your experiences as a mother or your observations of motherhood?

A: Absolutely. During my time in London, I had the opportunity to work on affordable residential schemes for housing associations and councils. One project, in particular, stands out to me. We organized a ‘design like an architect’ day with local school children to gather their ideas for a new housing development. Their input, such as the need for safe outdoor play areas, reminded me of the profound impact architects can have on the lives of children through good design.

Andrew Fong, Studio Lead

Designing Spaces for Play and Safety

As a new parent himself, Andrew Fong’s perspective on design has been enriched by his journey into fatherhood. He envisions spaces that are not only safe but also nurturing for mothers and families.

Q: How has your relationship with your mother influenced your passion for architecture/design?

A: Growing up, my mother encouraged our family to travel extensively. This exposed me to a diverse array of architectural styles and natural landscapes from a young age, sparking my curiosity for architecture and design.

Q: In what ways do you hope your work as an architect/designer contributes to creating spaces that support and enhance the experiences of mothers and families?

A: I aspire for my work to create safe and nurturing environments for mothers and families. Designing with families in mind involves considering playful and nurturing experiences. Since becoming a parent myself, I’ve placed greater emphasis on these aspects in my designs.

Q: In what ways do you believe the principles of motherhood, such as patience and empathy, translate into successful architectural and design practices?

A: Patience and empathy are invaluable qualities in architecture and design. They allow us to better understand the needs and desires of our clients and users, leading to more thoughtful and successful designs.

Catherine Crescini: Projects Lead, Interiors

Finding Beauty in the Details

Catherine Crescini’s journey as a mother of 2 and designer has instilled in her a deep appreciation for the intricate details that shape a project.

Q: In what ways do you see elements of motherhood reflected in your work as an architect/designer?

A: The journey of motherhood has heightened my attention to detail, recognising the significance of every small element in contributing to the overall design. I understand the importance of patience, care, and collaboration at every stage of the process, echoing the sentiment that “it takes a village” to achieve success.

Q: Are there any architectural projects or designs that you’ve worked on that were inspired by your experiences as a mother or your observations of motherhood?

A: Indeed, a delightful project inspired by my experiences as a mother was designing a bunk bed for my second daughter. Crafted from plywood by my skilled father-in-law, it fostered imaginative play while catering to apartment living constraints.

Q: What advice or wisdom from your mother do you find yourself applying most often in your professional life?

A: My mother’s emphasis on diligence, honesty, and leading by example resonates deeply with me. These values guide my professional conduct and interactions with colleagues and clients.

Q: How has being a mother influenced your perspective on the importance of functional and practical design solutions?

A: Motherhood has reinforced the significance of practicality and safety in design. I prioritise safety considerations, such as avoiding sharp corners and planning pinch points, while also simplifying maintenance and cleaning processes. Additionally, I aim to incorporate opportunities for teaching order and organisation, mirroring the values I instil in my own household.

Michelle Farman: Studio Lead

Navigating Design with Compassion and Insight

As a mother of 2 daughters and architect, Michelle sees the importance of patience and empathy in design, facilitating better communication and understanding for successful outcomes.

 Q: In what ways do you see elements of motherhood reflected in your work as an architect/designer?

A: In my role as an architect/designer, I’ve found that elements of motherhood have profoundly influenced my approach. Parenthood has taught me the importance of becoming a better listener and cultivating patience, qualities essential in navigating the complexities of design. While perfection isn’t always attainable, recognising the significance of effective communication has been pivotal, especially in a field where collaboration with diverse stakeholders is paramount.

Q: Are there any architectural projects or designs that you’ve worked on that were inspired by your experiences as a mother or your observations of motherhood?

A: As for architectural projects inspired by motherhood experiences, it’s challenging to pinpoint a single project type, given the diverse impact architecture can have on individuals and communities. However, if I were to highlight one, it would be education-focused projects. Having traversed the education system myself and witnessed my daughters’ educational journeys, along with my experience tutoring in universities, I’ve gained insights into the multifaceted needs of educational spaces.

Q: What advice or wisdom from your mother do you find yourself applying most often in your professional life?

A: Reflecting on wisdom from my mother, while she may not have imparted direct advice, her passion for art and compassionate interactions have been a guiding light. Her selfless dedication to helping others and nurturing familial bonds, coupled with her love for art and music, has deeply inspired me. These values resonate in my professional endeavours, shaping how I engage with colleagues and clients, and aspire to instil similar virtues in my daughters.

Q: How has being a mother influenced your perspective on the importance of functional and practical design solutions?

A: Being a mother has offered me a fresh perspective on the importance of functional and practical design solutions. Observing how my children interact within spaces has heightened my understanding of the diverse needs of different age groups. Additionally, witnessing my mother’s evolving mobility needs has underscored the significance of designing spaces that cater to a wide range of abilities, emphasizing inclusivity and accessibility as paramount considerations in architectural endeavours.