Tell us a bit about you.
I believe in the power of technology can be harnessed in order to bring the human civilisation closer to nature. From mimicking the complex order of life and natural processes, to creating carbon negative buildings that are at one with their surroundings.
I believe the power of art has a strong influence on the social, economic and political dynamics of the world. It can provide respite from the monotony of daily like and spark creativity and joy in the population.
By burrowing into the intersection of art, nature and technology with a burning passion, I am interested in solving at least some of the many problems facing our global society now, and in the future.
What made you want to do the job you currently do?
After graduating from university in the summer of 2020, the pandemic had made traditional architecture jobs very hard to come by. Luckily by learning a programme called unreal engine at university, I was hired by Hayes Davidson, an architecture-visualisation company, to lead their research in the field of interactive architecture experiences. I had no idea this was a job that even existed! It’s really exciting for me to be at the cutting edge of innovation within the industry.
How did you get started?
I fell in love with architecture during my undergraduate training at the Bartlett, UCL. I enjoyed the multi-disciplinary nature as well as the atmosphere of exploration and drive. I learned that architecture is a combination of so many things; art, nature, technology, science and film to name a few. It’s like combining every creative discipline into one! The biggest take-away from the course was that failing is good. A design has to go through many iterations, each time it changes it becomes a little bit better.
What did your early years in the role involve?
Something that really helped me get my current job was a paid internship at a small architecture practice in the summer of my second year at university. By working in a professional environment, I was able to pick up a more organised and efficient mindset. Having a strong routine in a creative discipline is really important for me. For extra money I am currently working on a side business where I design and 3D print ceramics with a self-built printer. I am hoping to get this up and running before I start my masters in order to fund it.
Re-thinking Broadmarsh: A Green Icon for Nottingham
What’s an average week look like for you now?
During the week my routine stays fairly stable, this is the best way for me to consistently produce work. Each day before breakfast myself and my flatmate go to the local calisthenics park and do an hour long bodyweight workout which helps wake us up for the day. Then from 9-6 its remote working from home. After dinner is time I use either to make a little bit of music for fun or to pursue some of the side projects that I have going on. Nature is my biggest inspiration and so on weekends I will always go for a long walk in the countryside, soak up some rays and get lost in the open space.
Tell us about the best thing that’s happened in your job.
At the moment I am working on a project for Tir na Nog, a charity that is creating a children’s village for orphans in Tanzania. The experience is an interactive, cartoon-stylised environment where the user can tour the village before it’s been built. The hope is that it will be shared round and contribute to raising funds for the cause. Although it hasn’t been released yet, the reaction from the architects has been amazing and I’m really excited for the children to see their future home!
What’s the one thing you wish someone had told you as you embarked on your Creative Career?
Failing is good! In each project aim to learn new skills and push what you already have. Rather than taking the skills you have and making something, decide what you want to make first and then figure out how to make it afterwards. It’s scary to set out not knowing if something will work or not but it will 100% pay off at the end. Most of all have fun!
You can keep up to date with Josef's work on Instagram @stogerhaus or at www.stogerhaus.com
