Architects learn to express themselves and their ideas through two- and three-dimensional representations – from pre-design sketches, through facade elevations and maquettes, to final construction drawings – that can be understood by trained professionals the world over.
Writing about architecture, however, is another story.
Architects communicate through the written word, too, be it honing a design idea into a coherent competition proposal, convincing a client of the merits of a particular design or supporting contractors in the building process. Today, there is also a significant role for writing as a strategic tool in winning new business and explaining how architecture can address social, environmental, health and economic issues.
Just like any field, architecture has its own vocabulary. In a globalised market, many practices work internationally and so use English to market themselves and communicate with clients, contractors and the public. This is where I come in.
My interest in architecture, both personal and professional, has developed over many years.
As a newly fledged freelance translator in the early 1990s, I moved to a remarkable Grade II-listed council estate in the East End of London – the LCC’s beautiful and ground-breaking Boundary Estate – where I became involved in a community-led project to build a children’s playground. While helping to raise funds and engage local residents, I was lucky enough to work alongside first the architect and then the contractors. I found the whole process completely fascinating!
15 years later I moved to France with my family and joined a group of locals trying to save their small rural church from closure. 12 years of fundraising, volunteer work parties and conversations with planning and heritage bodies have seen it rewired, connected to mains water and its wall-belfry saved from collapse. The work goes on, but it is still serving its local community.
After many hours of reading and independent study, I have learned to see buildings differently and have now been mixing business and pleasure, translating for architectural practices and structural engineering firms, for over 10 years. My work includes website and brochure content, video scripts, press releases, editorial, exhibition and academic texts. I can also assist in the preparation of meetings and negotiations with English-speaking clients and provide language support and training to individual architects and engineers.
I am an International Associate Member of the RIBA.
For a quote or further information, get in touch using the contact form.