Natalie Stangoe
Project Architect
Originally from Gloucester, I currently live in Cheltenham. I have studied and lived in Brighton and Oxford and qualified as an Architect in 2018.
What attracted you to being an Architect?
Architects design and create spaces where other people live and work which not only have to be functional but also need to be beautiful, and that is a challenge that appeals to me. Architecture is a completely immersive art form and I feel so fortunate to have a career that allows me to express my creativity on a daily basis whilst helping others realise their own dreams.
What attracted you to work for RRA?
Living and working in Gloucestershire, I had come across and admired several of RRAs projects and I was also impressed with their design approach to projects. I was looking for a practice where I could develop my design skills in a range of sectors, which is something RRA were able to offer. I was fortunate to be offered a position as a Project Architect and have been working on exciting projects with a group of fantastic colleagues.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
In my spare time I like hiking and exploring the countryside, I also enjoy painting when I have the time, landscapes are my favourite.
Where is your favourite place you have visited?
Whilst I was studying for my masters I travelled to Japan, staying in Tokyo and Kyoto. It is an amazing country with such a juxtaposition between the futuristic architecture and technologies and the respect for tradition and heritage. The food is incredible, I’ve never had better coffee or sushi, and the people are so warm and welcoming, I would love to go back one day.
If you could go anywhere tomorrow, where would you go and why?
Anywhere there is snow! I was fortunate to learn how to ski from a young age and now the ski season is a time of year I most look forward to. I’m one of those people who is queueing for the lifts to open in the morning and stays out all day until the last lift closes. I love the fresh mountain air, the scenery and just getting away from it all. I tried snowboarding once and broke my arm on day one, safe to say I’ve learnt my lesson and will be sticking with skiing from now on.
Name one thing on your Bucket List
Staying on the theme of mountains, climbing Kilimanjaro has always been something I would love to do one day.
Are there any famous buildings that you would really love to visit and why?
I have visited Notre Dame on several different occasions and seeing the devastation of the fire in 2019 was shocking. I have worked as an Architect on several conservation projects restoring historic and listed buildings, including a Grade I mansion and I find the most interesting parts of historic buildings are the places you never get to normally see, such as the roof structures and I admire the skills of traditional craftsmen. It’s fascinating to consider how they were constructed without the modern machinery and techniques we use today. I would love the opportunity to visit Notre Dame as it is today to learn more about the restoration project and to see how they bring the beauty of the cathedral back to life.
Are there any Architects that particularly inspire you?
I find the work of Swiss Architects Herzog &de Meuron particularly inspiring. The forms of their buildings are usually simple, but their treatment of façades and materials turns them into something special. During a trip around Europe, I visited their Signal Box in Basel which was designed for Swiss Federal Railways. It’s an example of how a functional space can beautiful and it always inspires me to explore how seemingly simple materials can be used to create something unique.
What do you like about your job?
Since my first day working for RRA there has always been a warm and welcoming environment where creativity is encouraged. The office culture is nurturing and supportive with a diverse team who are all happy to share their skills and experience and are generous with their time.
