The Architect's Chair #5 competition Sustainability Award winner - Clay Anthony Te Bokkel

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the 3rd Prize winner of our The Architect's Chair #5 competition – Clay Anthony Te Bokkel from Canada!

Clay Anthony Te Bokkel

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.

Hey! My name is Clay and I am an M.Arch candidate at the University of Waterloo School of Architecture. Throughout my education and early career, I have worked in various architectural and industrial design firms across the United States and Canada. I enjoy working and learning through many different project scopes and typologies.

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 am influenced heavily by my background in farming and construction, and as such, I have explored many scales, ranging from architecture to art installations and product/furniture design. Recently I led a design team from the University of Waterloo, where we designed and fabricated Crest, a winning installation in the Winter Stations competition, located on the beaches of Toronto, Canada. I am passionate about integrating my deep roots in nature and the environment and design from a functional, minimal perspective while exploring materiality and fabrication.

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

To me, architecture and the architect’s role is all about creating a built environment that subconsciously shapes the experience and lives of those that inhabit space in a positive way. I believe that furniture is an important aspect of these spaces, and utilizing natural materials in furniture design can contribute strongly to an architectural space.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

I participate in competitions to give myself an opportunity to creatively explore my ideas, while pushing boundaries of what is possible. I believe that it is important to challenge oneself to truly learn and grow.

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

Just do it, no matter what happens, you learn the most when you push yourself outside of your comfort zone!