The Legendary Highway 14 Tower Honorable mention winner - Peter Byrne

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the Honorable mention winner of our The Legendary Highway 14 Tower competition – Peter Byrne from United Kingdom!

Peter Byrne

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 a Chartered Architect and Certified Passive House Designer based in Belfast, Northern Ireland. I undertook my undergraduate degree at Ulster University and postgraduate diplomas at the Glasgow School of Art and Newcastle University, qualifying as an Architect in 2021.

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 at StudioPARK Architects, a small practice based in Belfast, and have previously worked at medium and large practices throughout the UK, including Elder & Cannon Architects and Hawkins\Brown Architects. My professional experience as an early career architect has predominantly been in the residential sector, working on varying scales of projects, from house extensions and refurbishments to one-off houses and collective housing. However, my portfolio is diverse and also includes several cultural, education, retail and hospitality sector projects that I have worked on.

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

Architecture is about shaping the built environment and how people interact with their surroundings. Well-designed architecture has the power to enhance quality of life by creating spaces that are aesthetically pleasing, functional and conducive to human well-being. An architect’s role is to contribute to the fabric of society by creating spaces that address human needs, promote sustainability and foster innovation and creativity. Their responsibilities are multifaceted, including designing and planning, critical thinking and problem-solving, advocating for accessible and sustainable design practices, preserving and celebrating cultural heritage, as well as collaborating with other construction professionals.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

I participate in architecture competitions as they can be a rewarding experience and offer me opportunities for professional growth, networking, portfolio enhancement, exploration of ideas and receiving feedback from jury members and peers in the industry.

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

I would suggest assessing your reasons for entering any architecture competition. Consider the time, effort and resources required to participate and carefully review the brief to ensure it aligns with your interests and expertise. If you're hesitant about taking on a large-scale competition, try starting small. Ultimately, trust your instinct when deciding whether to participate or not.