From Setbacks to Success: Ste Taylor's Inspiring Journey to Head of Design at Turley

Navigating the Complex World of Urban Design

In a time where urban development and innovative design are crucial to our rapidly changing cities, we had the pleasure of hosting Stephen Taylor, the Head of Design at Turley, on our latest podcast episode. Alongside Stephen Drew, Taylor shared his fascinating journey from an aspiring architect to a leading figure in urban design, touching upon career pivots, personal challenges, and the evolving landscape of architectural design.

A Journey Stumbling into Architecture

Ste Taylor's journey into architecture wasn't a straight path adorned with certainty. Initially just fond of drawing, Taylor stumbled into the world of architecture through a career advisor's suggestion at college. He lacked a compelling calling to become an architect, which is a sentiment many can resonate with. Taylor's early architectural education at Sheffield University posed challenges, such as dealing with imposter syndrome and transitioning from creative university projects to practical industry work.

Switching Gears: From Architecture to Urban Design

One of the major themes of Taylor's story is his career shift from architecture to urban design—a move spurred by a realization of what architecture entailed in the real world. His transition to working with Bovis during a master planning project marked the start of his journey towards urban design. Through his experiences, he unwittingly confirmed Steve Jobs' idea that life makes more sense when connecting the dots looking backwards.

Resilience in the Face of Challenges

Taylor's career was not exempt from downturns, most notably during the economic recession of 2007-2010, which led to multiple redundancies. Despite the emotional toll, Taylor viewed this tumultuous period as a learning curve—one that ultimately shaped his resilience and adaptability. This time served as a reminder that out of hardship comes growth and opportunity.

Rebuilding and Thriving at Turley

In 2010, Taylor joined Turley, embarking on a journey that saw him rise to Head of Design. Over time, he's been involved in diverse and significant projects across the UK, leveraging his expertise to design and consult on new settlements, port developments, and landmark urban regeneration projects. This role has allowed Taylor to explore a wide range of opportunities, continually learning and adapting to new challenges in the field.

The Significance of Design Coding

In recent years, design coding has become increasingly essential, and Taylor is a passionate advocate for its benefits. Design codes help standardize good urban and architectural design principles, creating cohesive and sustainable environments. Taylor's engagement with the Office of Place has put him at the forefront of shaping how design codes will influence urban planning in the UK.

Looking to the Future

Despite inevitable challenges, Taylor remains optimistic about the future of urban design, especially under the new government agenda focused on extensive housing development. He sees promise in the evolution of technology and artificial intelligence within the industry, viewing them as tools that can manage routine tasks and allow human creativity to flourish.

Conclusion

Stephen Taylor's story is one of perseverance, adaptation, and innovation. Emerging from the setbacks with strengthened resolve, Taylor exemplifies how embracing change and overcoming adversity can lead to profound personal and professional growth. His journey offers inspiration to aspiring architects and designers seeking to make their mark in urban development.

If you’d like to delve deeper into Taylor’s insights and learn more about the world of urban design, follow his work at Turley or connect with him on professional networking platforms. Our discussion with Ste Taylor is a testament to the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of architecture and design.