Justin O’Connor, conservation architect at Corstorphine + Wright, answers ADF’s questions regarding his approach to work, and its chief focus – adapting and reusing buildings

Why did you become an architect?

I was attracted to the profession as it manages to balance creativity with practical problem-solving. At its best helps to improve the quality of the environment we live in. The work is both challenging and rewarding.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

Recently my work as a conservation architect has taken me into some wonderful listed buildings – it’s a privilege to be able to work to aid in their preservation.

What is the hardest part of your job?

Deadlines.

Would you consider yourself a specialist in heritage, and is this a double-edged sword?

I would, but I don’t do heritage work exclusively. I try and balance my workload with new design projects.

What is your proudest achievement as an architect?

A few years ago I worked on a local authority lifetime housing scheme, which was one of the first A-rated schemes and was a showcase for sustainable energy principles. It featured active and passive measures, which included greywater recycling, heat recovery, solar panels, and sustainable materials.

What’s your biggest challenge currently in adapting buildings?

As a society we place too much emphasis on financial considerations. All developments must be commercially viable in order to happen. It’s important, but shaping the environment we live in shouldn’t be primarily a cost decision.

Are we likely to see a major increase in reuse of existing buildings given land scarcity?

Undoubtedly! Especially within the context of increased urbanisation and the mounting concern over our environmental footprint.

Are planning departments a boon or a burden?

It depends on your perspective. Some property owners and developers might argue the latter, but from the perspective of the practitioner they are definitely a boon. They afford badly needed protections to our historic building fabric.

What’s your current favourite construction material?

Wood, and it always has been. It is beautiful, sustainable, versatile, and outperforms almost all other materials. I have worked with sash windows that are over 300 years old, and are still working perfectly.

What is your favourite building?

In London, it’s hard to top St Paul’s.

How can you see architects’ role changing in the near future?

I think there will be an increasing reliance on technological innovation and the pre-fabrication of materials.

Do you try to ensure clients have a clear idea of what you do?

It is vital, and not just with clients – communication within the design team is especially important.

What are your professional goals for 2018 and beyond?

One has been to attend the international architecture exhibition, the Biennale, in Venice this year – Irish architects Yvonne Farrell and Shelley McNamara of Grafton Architects curated it.