Case Study - Architect

Background

Alistair Cairns, of Crossgar, Co Down, runs his own architectural business, Gifford and Cairns, in Belfast. He gained a BSc (Hons) in architecture at Queen's University, Belfast and is a member of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). This is how he decided on a career as an architect.

"I had a connection with the architectural industry through my father who had a building business. This gave me a background interest. At school I was good at maths and also had a flair for art. I was drawn towards architecture because it is a creative profession that is concerned with design of buildings to satisfy both physical appearance and technical requirements."

"I had good GCE A levels in maths and art and applied for the architecture course at Queen's University in Belfast (QUB) because the course had a good reputation. "

"I opted to join an established architectural practice in Belfast and was subsequently given a chance to buy part of the business with a senior colleague"

ARCHITECT