KENTWOMENINBUSINESS
KENT WOMEN IN BUSINESS :
STEPHANIE
MASON
DIRECTOR OF OPEN ARCHITECTURE , SEVENOAKS
How did you get into architecture ? Architecture and interior design have always been something that I ’ ve been interested in and to be honest , I never wanted to do anything else ! From a young age I would sit at the desk in my bedroom drawing floor plans and imagining the families that would live in them . Family friends bought me architecture books for Christmas and birthdays , so I had quite a back catalogue by the time I was ready to leave home .
Architecture is a degree that you specialise in early within your university career , so I started researching the best architecture and design schools in the US and came across the Savannah College of Art and Design ( SCAD ). SCAD is not only located in an absolutely beautiful city , but it is also a highly competitive and rigorous design school which appealed to my ambitious nature . Plus , I ’ d never complain about doing homework at the beach .
Tell us about OPEN architecture ? OPEN architecture is a multidisciplinary practice based in the heart of Sevenoaks . We pride ourselves on designing beautiful buildings and homes , but also really listening to our clients to come up with ideas that challenge and excite them . The ethos of the practice is to put people first , be it clients or colleagues , with the functionality of a space at the forefront .
What do you love most about designing homes ? I absolutely love immersing myself in how other people live and using my design skills to improve not only their homes , but also their lives . We should never underestimate how important our homes are for our minds , bodies and souls and it is my absolute pleasure to be able to step into someone else ’ s world to help . I ’ m also a people person , so it ’ s wonderful to meet new clients and really see a vision through to the end . Architecture is an incredibly tangible profession and it ’ s a joy to be part of someone ’ s journey from start to finish .
As a business owner , what are you most proud of ? My business partner and I took over OPEN architecture in 2019 and I am most proud of the resilience we showed during the pandemic both in terms of growing the business when it could have been an absolute disaster , but also in how we have cultivated a team and connections within the industry over the past few years . This is very much a relationship business and it will only benefit our clients that we have found great suppliers , contractors and team members which lead to a smooth building and design process .
What advice would you give to your 18-year-old self about becoming an architect ? I would tell myself to keep pushing forward , challenging others and never let myself stop shining . It ’ s easy as a woman in the architecture industry to be overlooked or to step back from the long-hours culture due to family commitments , but you can do both . You can reach the top and make a change in the industry that will make waves for future generations . Go get ‘ em girl !
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