Daniel Wallace joined us for the second interview as part of our “Get to Know” series, where we are shining the spotlight on members of the team in various roles across the Practice.

Dan, based at our Leeds Studio, is celebrating his recent promotion to Associate.

“I’m eager to build on the already strong team spirit we have and take it to the next level, ensuring we continue to work as a collaborative, high-performing team.”

“As a Senior Architect, I’m now overseeing multiple projects, often larger or more complex schemes, and ensuring they not only meet client expectations, but also align with broader business goals.”

Congratulations on your promotion Dan! What are you most excited about in your new role?

I’m most excited about the increased responsibility that comes with my new role, particularly the opportunity to contribute to the strategic growth and direction of the business, especially within Yorkshire. I’m also looking forward to developing stronger client relationships and building meaningful connections with consultants and contractors. With greater autonomy in project delivery, I’m excited about driving innovation and pushing boundaries. Finally, I’m eager to build on the already strong team spirit we have and take it to the next level, ensuring we continue to work as a collaborative, high-performing team.

When you were little, what did you “want to be” when you grew up and how does that differ from where you are today?

I have known I wanted to be an architect since I was 14 years old. I’ve always had a passion for both drawing and science, and architecture seemed like the perfect way to combine those interests. While my career path has remained true to that early aspiration, my role has evolved significantly over the years. Today, I’m not only focused on design but also on leadership, project management, and business development, which adds new layers of challenge and excitement to my work.

Has your journey to becoming an architect been easier, harder, or similar to what you envisaged it would be?

The journey to becoming an architect has been much harder than I initially anticipated. It’s a difficult and time-consuming process, and after completing my undergraduate degree, I found myself questioning whether architecture was the right career for me. I decided to take a couple of years off between my undergraduate and master’s degrees to reassess my path. I’m glad I did, as once I started working in practice, I rediscovered my passion for architecture and realised this was exactly what I wanted to do.

At what age did you know architecture was the career for you?

From an early age I’ve always enjoyed drawing and making things, but I never saw architecture as an achievable career when I was in school. That changed when I started at Leeds College of Building at 16 and discovered that the course it offered provided a pathway into architecture; To this day, I still distinctly recall the induction presentation on architecture within contemporary society and the success of LCB alumni. It was at that moment that I knew I wanted to take my first step toward a career in architecture.

If you weren’t an Architect, what do you think you would be doing?

When I first started out, my plan was actually to become a Civil Engineer. So if I wasn’t an Architect, I’d probably still be working in construction in some capacity. It’s hard to imagine myself in a completely different field!

This is probably a really tough question to ask an Architect but what is your favourite building you’ve ever visited and why?

This is a difficult question! However, I visited Rome in 2019, and the Pantheon has to be one of the most impressive buildings I have visited in person in terms of its historical significance, detailing, and engineering of the unreinforced concrete dome – especially considering it was built nearly 2,000 years ago. No photo can do it justice; it’s something that has to be experienced in person.

“The best part of my job is seeing ideas and sketches come to life—taking something from a sketch, through design development, and then finally seeing it built is incredibly rewarding and satisfying.”

In 2023, you took a sabbatical. What did you find most rewarding about taking this time out to explore other things?

I spent nearly a year travelling across Asia, visiting countries like Singapore, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Japan, and South Korea. The experience allowed me to slow down, take a break, and fully immerse myself in the cultures of each country. One of the highlights was visiting Sulawesi, where I discovered Tana Toraja and had the rare opportunity to witness a traditional funeral ritual – it was one of the most surreal experiences of my life. I also faced my fear of the deep sea and learned to scuba dive, exploring shipwrecks and diving with sharks, manta rays, and whale sharks, ultimately earning my Advanced Open Water certification with around 35 hours spent underwater.

While I’m not about to design buildings with roofs inspired by Torajan houses, my time away gave me a valuable perspective on architecture rooted in local vernacular and cultural history. It reinforced the importance of context and how it influences design. The sabbatical helped me reconnect with my passion for architecture, offering fresh insights that I can now bring to my work.

I could talk for hours about the places I visited and experiences I had, but I’ll leave it there!

“One of my greatest career achievements would be getting onto the RIBA Principal Designers register, which is no easy feat. Being recognised by the RIBA for having the required behavioural, management, legislative, and technical competencies to be considered a Principal Designer under CDM and Building Regulations was a proud moment. Especially as there are not many architects on this register.”

If you could be an Architect anywhere else in the world, where do you think would most interest you?

If I had to be an architect anywhere else in the world, Japan would be a place that really interests me. The country is known for its incredible contemporary architecture, where the structure itself is often expressed in the design. They push the boundaries of what can be achieved with timber, showcasing some of the most innovative uses of wood I’ve seen. The craftsmanship in Japan is remarkable and can be seen everywhere, and the way they blend traditional techniques with modern design is truly inspiring.

Since returning to GSS in 2024 we’ve opened a new studio in Leeds. What positive impact has this had on you and the team?

The new office in Leeds has had a really positive impact. The space is fantastic, and its location – just a five-minute walk from Leeds train station – makes it incredibly convenient for meeting consultants and clients. Having a presence in Leeds has also opened up new opportunities, and the team’s energy and collaboration have played a huge part in driving this forward. It’s been great to see more of the team, including junior staff, being able to attend networking events and build valuable connections. I’m excited about the future of GSS and the role our team will continue to play in growing the business in Yorkshire.

Talk us through current projects you are involved in and which ones you are enjoying the most.

I’m currently involved in a variety of projects, each at different stages and covering a broad range of sectors. In education, I’m working on the RIBA Stage 1 feasibility study for a replacement school building at St Thomas a Becket Secondary School for the DfE and Turner & Townsend. I’m also overseeing the relocation of the Department of Archaeology at the University of York, which is currently at RIBA Stage 3. Additionally, I’m involved in the INTERIORS project at the University of York, a new Indoor Air Quality Research Building that’s under construction.

In terms of larger-scale developments, I’m working on strategic masterplanning for an energy-from-waste provider across multiple sites, and I’m leading the concept designs for a new £10m college building, though I’m unable to discuss it in detail yet. I’m also working on a new pre-cast concrete production facility, warehouse, and head office, as well as a refurbishment project for Abbeyfield Ripon & District Society Ltd, which involves a later living facility.

Of all these projects, I enjoy the education schemes the most. They have a direct, positive impact on the local community by improving teaching and learning environments, and they provide a great sense of job satisfaction, knowing that the work helps students thrive.

What stands out as your greatest career achievement to date?

One of my greatest career achievements would be getting onto the RIBA Principal Designers register, which is no easy feat. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to lead a wide range of projects, from ecclesiastical and educational buildings (spanning early years schools to PhD research facilities) to commercial and housing projects, covering all RIBA stages from 0 to 7. Being recognised by the RIBA for having the required behavioural, management, legislative, and technical competencies to be considered a Principal Designer under CDM and Building Regulations was a proud moment. Especially as there are not many architects on this register.

What do the next 12 months have in store for you?

I’m looking forward to continuing the growth of the business, particularly in Yorkshire with the new Leeds office. I’ll be taking on more leadership and business development responsibilities, expanding my role in high-profile projects such as those in education and strategic masterplanning. I’m also excited about further developing my skills in project management and building stronger client relationships. Additionally, I look forward to mentoring junior staff and helping support their professional growth. I’m also keen to explore new opportunities, especially in sustainability and innovative design, as the industry continues to evolve.