MICROHOME Kingspan edition 2024/25 1st Prize winner - Thomas William Ewing

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the 1st Prize winner of our "MICROHOME Kingspan edition 2024/25" competition – Thomas William Ewing from United Kingdom!

Thomas William Ewing

Please tell us about your company (when it was founded, where it is based, how many employees, etc) Alternatively, if you do not have a company, please give us some insights on your own professional/academia background.

I graduated with First Class Honours from the Manchester School of Architecture in 2018. Since then, I’ve gained experience working with several small architecture practices and a conservation company, as well as freelancing as an architectural visualiser. Currently, I work collaboratively as a conservation consultant and architectural designer, specialising in the restoration and preservation of historic buildings.

Brief information about the projects that you/your company have been involved with. For instance, what scale have you focused on/preferred, any significant projects where the company/ individuals have been Involved?

I’ve worked across a range of project scales, from bespoke residential extensions to larger conservation initiatives involving scheduled ancient monuments within the public realm. Currently, my focus is on listed residential properties, primarily involving sensitive internal alterations. One particularly engaging project I'm working on is the conversion of a historic timber-framed barn, which combines heritage sensitivity with adaptive reuse.

What does architecture mean to you and what is the role of an architect in your society?

To me, architecture is a deeply contextual discipline, one that must respond sensitively to the existing environment, both built and natural. It’s not just about creating new forms, but about carefully intervening in a way that respects the character, memory, and needs of a place. Architecture has the power to shape how people experience the world around them, and with that comes a responsibility to consider its social, cultural, and environmental impact. The architect's role is not simply to design buildings, but to act as a mediator between the past, present, and future. We must listen, to the site, its history, its users and work collaboratively to create spaces that are meaningful, sustainable, and enriching for the communities they serve.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

I participate in architecture competitions because they offer a unique opportunity to challenge and expand my design thinking beyond the constraints of everyday practice. They encourage creative risk-taking, allowing me to explore original concepts and test bold ideas in response to thought-provoking briefs. Competitions also serve as a platform for reflection, experimentation, and continued growth - pushing me to refine my creative voice while engaging with global conversations in architecture.

What advice would you give to individuals who struggle to decide whether it would be beneficial for them to participate in architecture competitions?

If you're looking to develop your skills as a designer, architecture competitions can be an incredibly valuable tool. They offer the freedom to experiment, the chance to work outside typical constraints, and the opportunity to sharpen your conceptual thinking. My advice is to find a brief that genuinely excites you -something that sparks your curiosity or aligns with your values - and dive in. Whether or not you win, the process itself can be creatively rewarding and deeply enriching.