Simone de Gale is the CEO and director of Simone de Gale Architects, whose style is grounded in mathematical principles; each project is an exploration of Rhythm, Pattern, and Repetition tectonic, shaping innovative paths to advance architectural form throughout Central London and Internationally. Winner of ‘Architect of the Year’ UK Women in Construction Awards, RIBA Honorary Treasurer and Board Trustee, CEO, and named inventor of next-gen patented materials technology, developed with UK Ministry of Defence at TRL6 transforming material usage into sustainable construction systems.
Simone's portfolio consists of super-prime residential, mixed-use schemes, luxury retail, and commercial interiors in Central London and Internationally. The company is developing an international portfolio, with two masterplan projects underway in Tbilisi, Georgia. The company is expanding further with international projects, in Croatia, and the Caribbean, as well as developing business opportunities in the USA, Czech Republic, Ukraine, and Hong Kong.
Questions:
1) Which place, or city or country do you most feel at home in?
I feel most at home in my City of London, UK. I was born and raised in London, completed my university education in London, and now run my company headquartered in Belgravia, London. It will always be my favourite place to be.
2) What are your proudest achievements?
My proudest achievement is becoming a Chartered Architect and setting up my company straight after university. I am proud because of the growth journey that has made me the person I am today.
3) What inspires you?
People inspire me. I am always inspired by human nature and relationships, how people work together and strive for certain initiatives. When people work together for a cause, the whole world can change in a moment.
4) What has been biggest obstacle in your career?
The biggest obstacle in my career has been the operations of the construction industry and the standard of our profession. It is imperative that we as Architects continue to enhance building safety standards and create buildings where people are safe.
5) Who has been the biggest influence on your career to date?
The biggest influence on date is Architect Norman Foster. In my lifetime he is the most successful architect in the world, both artistically and financially. I very much respect his journey, design philosophy, and attitude.
6) What is the best aspect about your current role?
The best aspect about my current role(s) is that generally I am a decision maker and in particular with our architecture, this means that I can steer the terms and conditions of our contracts and can demand high standards for constructing our designs.
7) And the worst?
The worst aspect of my role(s) is that with each decision comes responsibility and consequences. Decisions must be well thought through and beneficial to all stakeholders.
8) What are your long-term goals?
My long-term goals are to build an international corporation with over 1,000 employees working on architectural projects across the world. It is very satisfying to give someone a job and to see that person grow through their work and enhance their career.
9) If you were Prime Minister, what one aspect would you change?
If I were prime minister, I would accelerate the levelling up policies to build a better equitable UK across the UK and not just London-centric. The quicker we mobilize our other cities and towns, the better standard of living for everyone.
10) If you were marooned on a desert island, which historical figure would you like to spend your time with and why?
I would like to spend time with Muhammed Ali. He was a beautiful man and his attitude toward life was always concerning sacrifice, dedication, and striving for the best. I would like to learn from him.
