Name: Terry Cowan
Company: rpa:group
Position within company: Architectural Team Leader
Website: www.therpagroup.com

. What projects are you currently working on?

As a practice we have a varied client base from large scale residential developments to schools and student accommodation, to multinational retail clients. Currently we are in the midst of a large scale refit of the World Duty Free Group’s Heathrow T5 offer.

. If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?

If someone mentions the term “design freeze” they obviously have not worked in the industry long enough. Be flexible and always ready for change. Own your design, but don’t be precious with your design.

. How important are The International Yacht and Aviation Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?

Any recognition of talent within our industry is valuable. Too often when deliver the work, we are asked to produce and then move on to the next project. It is important to take stock every now and then and recognise that there are people out there doing some fantastic work and producing some amazing designs day in a day out.

. What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?

To watch my “home” country retain the Rugby World Cup being played in my “adopted” country.

. Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself

The car you drive?

I have lived in London for the past 12 years, so have not owned a car in that time. With the transport system here, I have not found the need to have a car. If I were to own a car however going by my track record I believe it would be pre 1970’s Made from real steel and chrome. Something with a soul that looks like it has been designed by a person, not a production line.

Your favourite place to travel to in the world?

Home to New Zealand and Australia to visit family & friends. It does not happen often enough but the chance to get back down the opposite end of the world and recharge the batteries in a different pace of life, is one I enjoy not nearly enough.

Your favourite hotel/ restaurant/ bar?

There are a few but recently we have re-discovered the Riding House café in the heart of London. Good for a Saturday Brunch pre shopping excursion or dinner and cocktails in the evening.

The place that gives you the most energy?

Radnor Gardens (my local park). Most nights spent there on the way home, racing around playing with my 2yr old son. It’s great how having a child allows you as an adult to regress and become a child yourself.

And the place that enables you to totally relax?

At home with my partner and my son enjoying life, loving and laughing and watching all of us grow with each day that unfolds.

Your favourite food and drink?

A well prepared and perfectly cooked steak accompanied by a large glass of Malbec. With a big group of friends around me. Non complicated tastes for a non complicated person.