Meet The Minds Behind C+A: Darren Pickens, associate director

Darren, who is now an associate director, discusses the projects that have made him most proud, what the future could hold for the industry and his interests outside of work.

What is your background and what are your areas of expertise?

A wide range of experience spanning several sectors, including hospitality, leisure and commercial as well as working on large private housing projects. I particularly enjoy refurbishment projects and working with existing buildings.

What first drew you to your profession, and what’s kept you in it?

My engagement with the profession developed over time. As a kid I enjoyed sketching, making things, model villages, den building – I guess this is where it stemmed from. Latterly, I enjoyed design, history, archaeology and culture. I see it as an amalgamation of various interests through the years.

Can you describe a moment on a project that made you feel particularly proud?

As architects, it is important to take pride in all the work we undertake. However, I’m not sure we ever take the time to stand back and take stock until well after project completion.

Since joining C+A, I have been involved in some refurbishment projects in my hometown of Blackburn, including King George’s Hall. It is nice to be involved in the regeneration of buildings you have experienced as a child.

Where do you tend to find your best ideas and moments of inspiration?

Normally, in the quiet moments hidden among a busy day. 6am with a black coffee, during the commute or on a stroll taking in some fresh air. Silence and a pencil always help.

What’s been the most interesting challenge you’ve worked on recently?

Moving roles to join C+A – working in a larger practice, understanding different software and practice procedures has presented its own challenges personally, all very much worthwhile. I have also been involved in a complex blue light project, which is new to me and has been a bit of a learning curve.

What building or regeneration project (that you have not worked on) do you admire and why?

San Siro Stadium, Milan, which was renovated for the 1990 World Cup, has fascinated me since I was young. Its monumental concrete towers and spiral ramps have become a symbol of both modernism and football culture – two of my greatest loves. Sadly, it will soon be lost forever.

If you had a blank canvas to shape a place, town or city, where would it be and what would you do?

Production design and the architecture of film have always interested me. I could happily have a go at set design – a Star Wars planet perhaps or some dystopian city of the future!?

What do you value most about working at Cassidy + Ashton, and the people you work with?

Cassidy + Ashton has developed a great team of professionals across various disciplines. I have had a great deal of trust from directors and senior team members since arriving two years ago, while the support of my colleagues in both design and technical roles has been fantastic.

What excites you most about the future of the built environment?

Like everyone else, we are trying to get to grips with the capabilities of AI to harness its capabilities. It is both exciting and scary what the future holds with these powerful tools.

Outside of work, how do you like to spend your time?

I enjoy spending time with my family, my wife and two boys – our summer holiday is an annual highlight.

My boys and I are all football nuts. A typical weekend would involve grassroots matches every Saturday and Sunday (where I coach one of their teams), torturing ourselves at Ewood Park supporting Blackburn Rovers, before taking what we can of Sunday to relax, walk, visit the local pub or make a Sunday roast.

If you weren’t working in the built environment, what do you think you’d be doing?

I’m really not sure. I might have tried my hand at archaeology or maybe something sport related. Perhaps I’d have taken myself off to a quiet island somewhere, grown my hair and become a beach bum?