By
Stuart Eatock
ECE@10 Profiles – Ben Gilada
Ben is based in our vibrant studio in Sussex by the sea. Having completed his Part I at the University of Brighton and achieving both his Part II and III at Oxford Brookes University with First Class honours, Ben has worked on projects both locally and internationally within a variety of sectors, including Education, Commercial, Mixed Use, Residential and Defence. Ben has a very diverse design skillset, successfully delivering design led projects from inception to completion.
Ben joined ECE in 2017 as an Architect and was promoted to Senior Architect in 2019. As a key member of the Education and Commercial team, Ben is invaluable through leading projects and his BIM knowledge.
We caught up with Ben about his passion for design, giving back to his community and what inspires him as an Architect.
Why did you want to become an Architect?
I first knew I wanted to become an Architect after studying 3D design at college – I went through a stage that I think all younger people go through where I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, but during my 3D Design course there was a module on Architecture where I created my first model, that’s when I fell in love with it!
Which project are you most proud of?
It has got to be the Central Brighton Campus for Greater Brighton Metropolitan College. I grew up in Brighton so it was rewarding to give back to the city by providing a building for the next generation to develop and grow. It was a fun building to design and allowed me to express creativity by adding intricate details and harmonising both the internal and external environment. We have had great feedback from the client and students too, which is always nice to hear.
What inspires you as an Architect?
For me it is designing buildings that will have a legacy, impact, and provoke emotion.
Knowing what you do now, what advice would you give to your younger self while you were training to become an Architect?
One thing I would tell my younger self is that Architecture is a lifestyle, not just a career. You don’t switch off at 5pm, you carry on finding design inspiration everywhere whether on social media or on holiday. That isn’t a negative thing, you’re always thinking of what you can do to make a project stand out which is great for our clients.
What brought you to ECE?
During my first years in practice I always worked in larger teams, I liked ECE’s smaller and more intimate approach to working and the idea of seeing a project through from design to completion. I felt my skillset could make a difference here, plus it’s great to be by the sea and so close to my hometown.
Who would you invite to a dinner party if you could?
Interesting question! I’d love to have a chat with Carlo Scarpa, his thought-provoking design really influences me and I designed a building at college based on his work. I’d also invite Kobe Bryant, I’m a huge basketball fan and play in my spare time. Kobe also had a creative background so I think the three of us would have an interesting conversation over dinner and a few beers!
Share this