"Everyone who tells a story tells it differently, just to remind us that everybody sees it differently. Some people say there are true things to be found, some people say all kinds of things can be proved. I don't believe them. The only thing for certain is how complicated it all is, like string full of knots. It's all there but hard to find the beginning and impossible to fathom the end. The best you can do is admire the cat's cradle, and maybe knot it up a bit more."

-Jeanette Winterson, Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit

Some of my earliest memories were of a small, island in Canada where I lived with my parents for 6 months.There, houses emerged from driftwood, shaped by the hands that would call them home. When I returned to that island after my Part 1 studies, I expected my trained eye to find amateurish attempts. Instead, I found genius in their simplicity, the heartfelt artistry of untrained builders.

Back in Gloucestershire, after failing my Part II and moving in with my parents, I was adrift. Then, an old friend from Edinburgh invited me to help build a treehouse. It was like finding that island spirit again. What began as a single project turned into three years of designing and building whimsical, beloved structures. We became architects who built with our own hands, blending traditional craftsmanship with innovative technology, and people were drawn to that dual identity.

As we evolved into a more traditional practice, something was missing. Professional practice felt like pushing uphill.On weekends, I found solace in tech projects—another childhood passion—rigging stepper motors from printers to Raspberry Pis, crafting time-lapse camera sliders. A business coach noticed my enthusiasm and suggested integrating tech into our practice. This gave me permission to be at play with work again.

We began capturing sites in 3D with drones, VR headsets, photogrammetry, and game software like Unreal Engine, iterating designs rapidly, and presenting them in virtual reality. Clients were enthralled, and the work was exhilarating. This blend of tech and architecture felt exciting. Delving into project management literature, I discovered "Creative Inc." and "The Lean Startup," which resonated deeply, emphasising quick iterations, learning, and discovery over rigid planning.

However, architecture's business model—hourly rates—felt constraining. Despite our innovations, the gains were marginal. We explored property development but quickly veered away from becoming traditional developers. Inspired by the self-built homes of Hornby Island, we sold serviced plots, letting end-users infuse their creations with love and care. This approach mirrored my roots and brought immense satisfaction.

Collaborating with other architects, we embraced a broader vision. Now inspired by Y Combinator's startup ethos, we aimed to revolutionise homebuilding, making it personal and heartfelt yet tech-enabled. Angel funding propelled us forward. The emergence of AI nurtured my coding abilities. Now, merging tech, architecture and traditional craft, we strive to transform how homes are built, focusing on innovation, end-users, and the joy of creation. It feels like a new beginning, yet it's built on the foundation of all that came before.

Reflecting on this journey, I see a tapestry of influences and ideas. The takeaway? Lean into your passions. Venture off the beaten path, and you'll discover uncharted landscapes where you lead the way. Whether finding a niche within your profession or crafting a new business model, pursuing what you love can be personally fulfilling and commercially rewarding.