Pete Collings Architect

When I finally got into architecture school, it was a huge let down. I quickly realised that I wasn’t learning anything that would make me a better architect. Dissatisfied with my situation, I applied for an exchange. Thinking I would attend one of the great architecture schools of Europe, my hopes were once again dashed when I was told it was Washington State University in America or nowhere. I took it and it was the best thing that ever happened to me. I tell all students to take a year abroad as it will change your life. It certainly changed mine. It was there that I met my wife who would prove to be the best thing that ever happened to me. After a failed attempt to move back to the U.S. with the family, I found myself in need of a job. But the underlying frustration of not being able to design anything environmentally conscious or less mainstream began to get to me. When I was told to put a rangehood on an outdoor kitchen, I knew I couldn’t take it much longer and when the firm downsized me a week before Christmas, it was for the best. I took some time to feel properly sorry for myself and then at the urging of my wife I decided the world was ready for me to go out on my own and the world is also a great teacher and I knew a bit more going in this time.