Welcome to Future Talks by RTF, where we engage in insightful conversations with the trailblazers who breathe life into design stories. In this episode, we are privileged to have Sophie Solomon, an architect whose work resonates with a profound connection to nature and an emphasis on embodied carbon and life cycle costs. Throughout her more than 20 years in the field, Sophie’s approach to design has evolved, navigating the changing tides of architecture and embracing the importance of individuality in a world brimming with ideas.
In this interview, we delve into Sophie’s thoughts on the constant evolution demanded by architecture and design, the journey of finding one’s design voice, and the delicate art of balancing client demands with personal ideas. Join us as we explore the intricacies of collaboration, the impact of social media on design progression, and the evolving role of architectural criticism in the digital age.
RTF: Hi Sophie, We are glad to have you as a guest on Future Talks by RTF. Thanks for joining us. How would you highlight the importance of constantly evolving in architecture and design? How do you look at it in your work since you began?
Sophie: I think it is important to be constantly evolving in architecture and design to reflect social and cultural changes.
My work has become more considered in both design and use of materials as I become more interested in embodied carbon of materials and the Life Cycle Cost of a building.
RTF: What is your idea of finding one’s own design voice in a world full of ideas? How does your work at SSD Studio echo it?
Sophie: It is very important to establish ones own voice to differentiate and create a point of difference from other designers.
It has taken a while to establish my own design voice as my work reflects a collaboration with my client. However in recent years clients have come to me because they like the way I design spaces to connect with nature and introduce daylight into the home.
I prefer not to define our work in terms of style, rather in terms of feeling and materiality. There is often a contrast between forms and materials with a relaxed, yet refined feeling.
RTF: What is the process of establishing a common ground when dealing with a client’s demands and your own ideas? How important do you consider ‘The Art of Persuasion’ for architects and designers?
Sophie: I like to consider my clients feedback seriously and value the contribution in makes to the process. I like to have a “conversation” that may be persuasive but always revert to the drawings.
Often a client cannot understand the intention of an idea so we like to present that through drawing. It’s a very valuable process and one I enjoy immensely.
RTF: How important is being creatively bolstered in the realm of architecture and design? How do you define the flow of creativity?
Sophie: Creativity at every stage of the process is incredibly important. Inspiration can come from many avenues and is especially successful when there is flow.
I work intuitively and responsive to site and my client’s brief. I find it important to establish my clients ideals and aspirations very early in the process so that we are aligned in developing the concept.
RTF: What are your views on working collaboratively? How exciting and challenging is it at the same time?
Sophie: I worked for years collaboratively in larger practices on teams to develop and present a design. It’s an exciting process.
Now collaboration comes in the form of working with my clients and other consultants, like Landscape Architects to develop the design.
RTF: In your experience of more than 20 years working as an architect, how do you look at the progression of design and how has social media impacted it in recent years?
Sophie: Social media has created an immediacy of inspiration and connection to other creatives that I find invaluable.
It has been an easy platform to promote work and provide an insight into the personality behind the project.
RTF: What is your perspective on the evolving role of architectural criticism and the influence of architectural critics in the digital age?
Sophie: I respect and appreciate robust and intellectual criticism. It is invaluable in the understanding and promotion of Architecture and Design.
I don’t really enjoy the fact that everyone has now become a critic and often the loudest voices are heard and they may not be the most considered.
RTF: How do you approach getting your projects featured in publications? Can you share any challenges you’ve encountered in the process of getting your work published?
Sophie: In recent years I have been working with respected and talented photographers to capture my projects, a process I enjoy.
Through this I have been able to make contacts with publications I really like and have had quite a lot of project published.
I enjoy reading a well written article about my projects far more than writing about them myself .
RTF: How would you describe your overall design philosophy or approach to design?
Sophie: My approach to design fuses a deep understanding of structure and urban context with the fine gran detail of personalised interior palettes.
RTF: Where does one find you when you’re not working?
Sophie: At the Beach, the Ocean Pool, my garden or the local Florist / Cafe.
