In the dynamic world of architecture, few individuals possess the unique blend of creativity and pragmatism exhibited by Peter Lombo, the founder of Archsign Architecture.

With a career spanning over three decades, Peter has established himself as a visionary architect, renowned for his ability to translate clients' dreams into tangible, functional spaces.

Peter Lombo's insights provide a deep understanding of the architectural profession, blending creativity with practical wisdom. His commitment to client satisfaction and innovation continues to drive Archsign Architecture's success, shaping the built environment of tomorrow.

1. What inspired you to pursue a career in architecture?

My journey into architecture began over 35 years ago, significantly influenced by my upbringing. My father was a concreter who encouraged me to pursue architecture instead of following in his footsteps. This guidance, coupled with my early experiences working with commercially astute architects, shaped my career. I was mentored by industry veterans who taught me the importance of blending design with business acumen, leading to the establishment of my own practice.

Growing up, I was always fascinated by the built environment and how buildings could shape the way people live and interact. This curiosity led me to explore the field of architecture, where I discovered my passion for creating functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces. My father's advice to become an architect instead of a concreter was a pivotal moment that set me on this path.

2. How do you help your clients realise their dreams within budget constraints?

Our primary goal at Archsign is to transform our clients' dreams into reality. We provide practical advice and solutions while being transparent about budget limitations. It's crucial to balance aspiration with feasibility. Designing a building that remains on paper serves no purpose; our focus is on creating designs that are not only beautiful but also achievable and within budget.

We begin by understanding the client's vision and requirements in detail. This involves extensive discussions to ensure we capture their aspirations accurately. Once we have a clear understanding, we develop a design that aligns with their vision while considering budget constraints.

Our approach is collaborative, involving the client at every stage to ensure their expectations are met. By managing the client's expectations and maintaining open communication, we can deliver projects that fulfil their dreams without compromising on quality or budget.

3. What do you find most rewarding about your profession?

The greatest reward is seeing the satisfaction on our clients' faces when we successfully deliver a project that meets their needs and exceeds their expectations. The continual process of self-improvement and innovation drives me.

Every completed project is a testament to our team's hard work and dedication, and it fuels our passion to keep pushing boundaries.There is immense satisfaction in knowing that our designs positively impact people's lives. Whether it's a family home, a commercial space, or a public building, the joy of seeing a project come to life and witnessing how it enhances the user's experience is unparalleled.

This sense of achievement and the drive to create better environments keeps us motivated.

4. What are the biggest challenges facing your profession today?

One of the biggest challenges is navigating the ever-evolving regulatory landscape and the rising costs of construction. When I started, planning was less prescriptive, allowing for more conceptual freedom.Today, we need to produce near-construction level documentation at the design stage, which adds complexity and cost. Staying ahead of these changes and ensuring our designs remain practical is a significant part of our work.

Additionally, the increasing emphasis on sustainability and environmental impact adds another layer of complexity. While these are necessary and important considerations, they require architects to be more innovative and resourceful in finding solutions that meet regulatory requirements while staying within budget. This balancing act is challenging but also pushes the industry towards better and more responsible practices.

5. How do you balance creativity and practicality in your design?

At Archsign, we adhere to the principle of 'form follows function.' Our designs must be practical and achievable within the client's budget. Creativity is essential, but it must be grounded in reality. We aim to create solutions that are not only visually appealing but also functional and cost-effective, ensuring that they can be brought to life.

Our process involves thorough research and planning to understand the site, the client's needs, and the budget constraints. We then explore creative solutions that fulfil these requirements.

This approach ensures that our designs are not only innovative but also realistic and feasible. By maintaining a balance between creativity and practicality, we can deliver projects that are both beautiful and functional.

6. If you could go back and teach your younger self something, what would it be?

I would tell my younger self to be patient. Quality experience is invaluable, and it takes time to accumulate. It's not just about the number of years in the industry but the richness of the experiences gained. Patience, persistence, and a focus on continuous improvement are crucial to success in this field.

When you're starting, it's easy to get frustrated with the pace of progress or feel overwhelmed by the challenges.However, each experience, whether positive or negative, contributes to your growth as an architect. Embrace these experiences, learn from them, and be patient. The journey is just as important as the destination.

7. What motivates you to continue your work every day?

The opportunity to create and innovate keeps me motivated. Every project is a new challenge, a chance to push the boundaries of what's possible in architecture. The joy of turning a client's vision into a tangible, functional space is immensely rewarding and drives me to keep striving for excellence.

Architecture is a dynamic field where no two projects are the same. This variety and the continuous opportunity to learn and innovate are what make the profession exciting.Seeing the tangible results of our hard work and the positive impact it has on people's lives is a powerful motivator.

8. What would you like to achieve in your lifetime?

There are two main aspirations I have. Firstly, I want to experience the freedom of designing without budget constraints, allowing pure creativity to flow. Secondly, I would like to engage an architect myself to understand the client perspective better. This experience would provide valuable insights into the client journey and improve our practice's approach.

Designing without budget constraints would allow for the exploration of more innovative and ambitious concepts, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in architecture. Additionally, experiencing the client side of the process would provide a deeper understanding of their needs and expectations, leading to better client relationships and more successful projects.

9. How do you approach the challenges posed by evolving regulations?

We tackle regulatory challenges by staying proactive and informed. Keeping abreast of changes and adapting our practices is essential. We also work closely with our clients to ensure their projects comply with regulations while still fulfilling their vision and budgetary requirements. It's about balancing compliance with creativity and practicality.

We regularly attend industry seminars, workshops, and training sessions to stay updated on the latest regulations and standards. This proactive approach ensures that we are always prepared for any changes and can incorporate them into our designs seamlessly. By maintaining a close relationship with regulatory bodies and staying informed, we can navigate these challenges effectively.

10. What role does collaboration play in your architectural practice?

Collaboration is integral to our success at Archsign. We work closely with real estate agents, builders, and other stakeholders to ensure our projects run smoothly. Effective collaboration leads to better outcomes, enabling us to create buildings that meet the needs and desires of our clients while adhering to practical constraints.

Successful projects require a team effort, and each stakeholder brings valuable insights and expertise to the table. By fostering a collaborative environment, we can ensure that all aspects of the project are considered and addressed. This collaborative approach not only enhances the quality of the final product but also streamlines the process, reducing the potential for misunderstandings and delays.

11. What advice would you give to aspiring architects?

My advice to aspiring architects is to focus on gaining quality experience and continually seeking self-improvement. Patience and persistence are key. Balancing creativity with practicality is crucial. Stay informed about industry changes and be adaptable.

Most importantly, aim to create designs that are not only beautiful but also functional and achievable.Architecture is a demanding profession that requires a diverse skill set. Aspiring architects should be open to learning and embracing new challenges.

Building a strong foundation of experience and continually refining your skills will set you up for success.Remember, architecture is not just about designing buildings; it's about creating spaces that enhance people's lives.

12. How do you see the future of architecture evolving?

The future of architecture will likely place greater emphasis on sustainability and practicality. With increasing regulatory demands, architects will need to find innovative solutions to meet these requirements while maintaining aesthetic appeal.

Technological advancements in materials and construction methods will open new possibilities, requiring architects to be more adaptable and forward-thinking than ever.Sustainability will continue to be a driving force, pushing architects to develop designs that minimise environmental impact.

Additionally, advancements in technology, such as Building Information Modelling (BIM) and prefabrication, will revolutionise the way we design and construct buildings.Architects will need to stay at the forefront of these changes, embracing new tools and methods to create more efficient and sustainable buildings.