In the Spotlight: Peter Minnis on crafting spaces for the future

Q: Could you tell us a bit about yourself and your role at Todd Architects?

A: My name is Peter Minnis, and I'm a director at Todd Architects. We're an AJ 100 practice with studios in Belfast, Dublin, London, and Manchester.

Q: When did you know you wanted to be an architect?

A: Oh, it's been a long time now. Back in school, I always had an interest in art and buildings, and I sort of fell into it in some ways that I picked the perfect combination, I suppose, of maths, physics, and art, which led me to architecture. There’s no family history in this field for me—it was just a love for art and buildings.

Q: Can you tell us a bit about the history of Todd Architects?

A: Our business was established in 1976 by Barry Todd. Barry was an entrepreneurial architect who started the firm during a very challenging time in Northern Ireland, amidst the Troubles. He started as a sole practitioner, and we bought the business from him in 2000 and have built it up since then.

Q: What does architecture mean for you?

A: For me, architecture is about making a difference and designing places for people. Some of the most rewarding projects are schools and healthcare buildings where we can truly contribute to society and give something back.

Q: What kinds of projects does Todd Architects work on?

A: Given the size of our practice, with about 90 people, we handle large-scale projects. We work on everything from education and healthcare to office accommodations and residential projects. We've delivered around 7,000 homes across the UK and Ireland, with 2,500 of those in central London.

Q: How has the architecture field changed since you started?

A: I've been in this profession for about 36 years, and the changes have been extraordinary. When I started, CAD was just beginning to be used. Now, we have advanced 3D modelling software like Revit which has transformed the way we work.

Q: What are some current challenges in the construction industry?

A: One of the significant issues is the lack of young people entering trades. This has led to a greater move towards offsite fabrication. It's challenging to find skilled tradespeople who can do specialised work, like intricate bricklaying.

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Q: What do you love about your job?

A: I love what I do. The saying goes, if you find a job you love, you'll never work a day in your life. Even now, I enjoy coming in on a Sunday to draw and design. My role involves a lot of oversight, reviewing work, preparing proposals, and managing our offices in Manchester and London which is interesting as they are generating different work to that we do in Belfast and Dublin.

Q: How important is working closely with manufacturers in your job?

A: It's crucial. Having reliable products and trusted people to work with is essential. For example, in Northern Ireland, we have a great setup with wienerberger, who provides samples and technical advice quickly, ensuring we use quality products that won't cause issues down the line.

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Q: What does the specification process look like for you?

A: Typically, we specify products that we are happy with and have had good experiences with. Legislation and regulations change, so we rely on manufacturers to keep us updated. We tend to stick with tried and trusted products, but we're always open to updates and improvements.

Q: Can you share a memorable project?

A: The Titanic Quarter in Belfast is a notable one and is where the Titanic was built. We designed several buildings there, including the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland and office buildings for the Belfast Metropolitan College. The area has grown significantly, and we've done some beautiful work there.

Q: How do you approach design projects?

A: We don't have a house style; instead, we react to each brief, budget, and context individually. We strive to give each client a unique response tailored to their aspirations and vision. For example, in healthcare, we've designed buildings that feel more like hotels, providing a more pleasant environment for patients.

Q: What are the differences in clients you work with?

A: Clients vary greatly. Some are very budget-conscious, while others are willing to invest more to get things right. In the public sector for a new school or a healthcare building, we feel a responsibility to ensure that taxpayer money is spent wisely. Flexibility and understanding the client's unique needs are key.

Q: Can you tell us about your work with Queen’s University?

A: We recently completed the Riddel Hall project for Queen’s University, which is a beautiful woodland site. We aimed to create a building that blends with its surroundings and maintains the heritage of the existing listed Edwardian building. The client loves it, which is the most rewarding part.

Q: How do you stay motivated and inspired in your work?

A: I love the diversity of projects and clients. Each project presents unique challenges and opportunities, keeping the work exciting. Whether it's a school, a healthcare facility, or residential development, the goal is always to create something that meets the client's needs and stands the test of time.