MICROHOME Kingspan edition 2024/25 Public favorite winner - Jeffrey Daniel Clancy

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the Public favorite winner of our "MICROHOME Kingspan edition 2024/25" competition – Jeffrey Daniel Clancy from United States!

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 am an architect at Arizona State University (where I received my Bachelors and Masters degrees in Architecture), serving primarily in a planning and programming role in what is essentially a small city of 70,000+ students spread across several campuses. In the past, I have worked as a design architect for Weddle Gilmore Architects in Scottsdale, AZ working on projects ranging from national wildlife refuge visitors centers to museums and high-end residential.

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 currently work on large scale planning efforts, taking stock of existing campus buildings that need infrastructure and renovation upgrades in order to meet the needs of college students both currently and into the future. This also includes programming for new university buildings.

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

Architecture plays a larger role in people's daily lives than most realize. It has the capacity to influence moods and feelings on a small scale. On a much larger scale, architecture plays a major role in the story of the fight against climate change, with buildings accounting for a substantial percentage of total carbon emissions. In that way, I believe architects have a lot of power to use their skills to make an impact.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

I enjoy the experience of diving into a new subject, exploring it, learning from it, and ultimately proposing a design solution. I also enjoy seeing the diversity of solutions that others put forth.

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

Just go for it! It's a good experience and you won't regret it. If portfolio building is important for you as a young architect or designer, competitions are a great way to create breadth and depth.