Max de Rosee

Image

Tell us about your time at the University

Coming from London, I was keen to explore a different part of the UK. I knew since GSCE level that I wanted to read Architecture, and having visited Edinburgh, it was my first choice. It seemed to have the advantages of a capital city but with so many students and different universities, also the atmosphere of a campus University.

My first year took a bit of adjustment mainly because my non-architect friends had a lot more free time than us architects who needed to go into the studio every day. Once adjusted, I loved the remaining years in the Architecture department and have strong friendships still. The department had a very good atmosphere.  There were the inevitable all-nighters before final presentations, which seemed a good idea at the time, followed by a visit to the Phoenix pub at 6am.

The degree project I remember most vividly was for a Contemporary Art Gallery with tutor Dr. Dorian Wiszniewski, and as a result, I still harbour a dream to eventually design an Art Gallery. There was also a field trip to the Isle of Scalpay in which we explored the island on foot, lost our way and nearly spent the night outside.

Edinburgh has had a big impact on the course of my life because that is where I met Claire Sa, who was also studying architecture there. We are now married, have five children and run an architecture practice together.

The degree project I remember most vividly was for a Contemporary Art Gallery with tutor Dr. Dorian Wiszniewski, and as a result, I still harbour a dream to eventually design an Art Gallery.

Co-founder and director of De Rosee Sa

Tell us about your experiences since leaving the University

I left Edinburgh University and returned to London to do my Architectural Diploma at the Architectural Association. A more experimental school, I thought it complimented my degree experience very well.

I then started working for a small architecture practice called DSDHA, who are now very successful; I think I was employee number 4. I was invited to do a bit of teaching at the Architectural Association that I combined with working at DSDHA.

I worked for a larger practice, Penoyre and Prasad, before joining a friend’s practice as a partner, Nick Cross Associates. Around 2006, Nick and I came up to Edinburgh to give a Friday evening talk to the Department, which was enjoyable.

In 2007, Claire and I set up our own practice; we are now 14 strong, and our Little Hall project won two Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) awards in 2016.

Alumni wisdom

I am still learning every day so I don’t think I have much wisdom to pass on yet!

I am very grateful that I am passionate about what we do. If I had to change a few things, I would show more determination in my 20s but I would probably have started our practice five years later. So I would pass on the following to current alumni: Show determination but be patient.

Related Links

Architecture MA/BA at Edinburgh College of Art