Michael Stiff, Architect, London, United Kingdom

What inspired you to want a life in Architecture and the creative industries?:
I originally wanted to go to art school to study painting, however career advisors steered me towards a vocational career and architecture seemed the obvious choice. It is a decision that I do not regret, architecture can be a diverse creative worlds to be in, and after 40 years I am still learning.

Who inspired you in finding your path to Architecture/Film and the creative industries?:
I struggled in my second year at University, the course work was proscriptive and I found that I could not agree with the philosophical stance the tutors took. Fortunately that all changed in my third year when I joined a much more creative and open minded studio lead by an inspirational tutor who is still friend of mine today.

How you unlock obstacles and overcome bias in your work?:
My first proper job was with Rock Townsend, this was a democratic and radical practice that seemed to populate without rigid hierarchy. This became the model for the way we run our practice, there will always be leaders but there must not be barriers to progression if you are talented, confident and creative.

What improvements do you feel are required to promote effective change in the academic and working environment?:
Architecture is in a state of flux, statutory regulations, the relationship between us our clients and contractors, and technology are all changing. For exampl we need to get control of AI before it gets control of us.