David Kirkland is an architect, designer and co-founder of Kirkland Fraser Moor. He is also a photographer and co-founder of d-lab, a creative design lab which pushes boundaries and is inspiring a new generation of architects and designers. We discuss biomimicry, primitive design, architectural education, the Eden Project, Para Homes and much more. This is also a call for a “flourishing”, over and above just “sustainability”.

David talks about his early upbringing in a remote part of in Zimbabwe, exploring mud and experiencing nature, raw, first-hand which has informed how he looks at our relationship with our built environment. How, by stripping back to a primitive narrative, we get down to the foundation, we can get back to the stories which are elemental to being human. Regenerative design is central to his practice. Our built environment creates about 40% of our carbon emissions, and architects are at the forefront of helping solve this. His belief is that architects have a huge opportunity here, with head in the clouds but feet firmly on the ground, to think laterally to minimise this. For him, it is all about Life, with a capital L.

This is also a call for more beauty, and awe in our world. A respect for our planet. We discuss his educational, home and other projects; how natural light, plants, greenery, views all have a positive impact on the health of the people living and working in the buildings they create.

You might already be aware of the “Para” house concept? I wasn’t until he described what these are and how his architectural practice creates these iconic homes of the future. Listen to the podcast, but Para homes echo who we are, and are designed to be cultural assets for future generations to appreciate; they should also be exceptional.

Having discussed principles behind the creative architectural process, we also look at how architects can use economic triggers, such as showing the benefits of local materials, to help create arguments for improved design. David touches on some of the themes expressed at Rio and expands this by speaking passionately about how, when we design a space, we need to look proactively at how what we build can improve the economy, society, ecology, justice and equity.

To find out more about David Kirkland and follow his practice, look at https://www.k-f-m.com