Dan Herbert
Architectural Assistant
Living with my parents and grandparents, I was brought up in the Worcestershire countryside before moving the Oxford to study Architecture at Oxford Brookes University.
What attracted you to being an Architect?
As a child I was always playing with lego and have always loved the idea of creating something from nothing. The notion that being an architect gives you the opportunity to make a positive impact on the built environment really excites me.
What attracted you to work for RRA?
I was drawn to RRA Architects because of their wide ranging portfolio of projects and their diverse skill set. There is always something new to learn and I wanted to work in an environment and with people that constantly rise to new and exciting challenges.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
As a model builder, I really enjoy a challenge, which is why I chose to model the RMS Aquitania over the Titanic. I chose to model the Aquitania in particular as it is less well known and would be more of a challenge to model due to a lack of images and plans. In addition to model making, I am a committee member of a miniature railway where I am the company secretary and often operate the signal box and drive my petrol hydraulically powered 7 ¼ gauge train.
What are you most proud of achieving?
Growing up I had a severe stutter which restricted me in a social capacity. Not to be deterred, I pushed myself to face my fears which has not only help me overcome social anxiety but has enabled me to pursue my dream to study as an architect. At university I faced many personal challenges and overcame each one step by step which led me being awarded a first.
Name one thing on your Bucket List.
I have a passion for historic ocean liners, with a particular fascination with the Titanic. I am especially interested in the design and construction process. So, for my bucket list, it would have to be to dive to the Titanic, a bit ambitious but why not?
If you could go anywhere tomorrow, where would you go and why?
Go back to India, I went there on holiday and loved the culture and ingenuity there. We went there as a family ten years ago and found the coastal landscapes incredible. I want to experience the city there and take the steam train to the Darjeeling tea plantations.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Believe in yourself and when faced with a challenge, break it down into manageable parts instead of it being one big collective problem.
If you hadn’t gone into Architecture what other career might you have pursued?
Something in the realms of construction and engineering, probably ship building, there is something in the form of a boat that fascinates me and the engineering behind the design to make it float. Just the idea of designing something and then making it a reality is so rewarding.
Are there any Architects that particularly inspire you?
Im inspired by Architect Kengo Kuma because of the way he really pushes the boundaries of what timber can do and I think his innovative approach to material choices and structural design is something which architects should be adopting to achieve more efficient, climate sensitive designs.
What do you like about your job?
I find meeting and working with different people really rewarding as the more people you meet, the more you learn. Every project is unique and it’s so satisfying when you have created a proposal and watch it being built.
What do you hope people think about you?
This is a difficult question for me but have chosen to answer it. Based on my personal journey, I have learnt that actions do indeed speak louder than words and I have learnt not to worry what I think people think of me but to let my actions speak for themselves. I would hope people think of me as honest and hard working, loyal and a keen and dedicated team member.