Returning to Oxford Brookes
It was a pleasure for our Director, Tamsin Lemesle, to recently revisit Oxford Brookes University, where her architectural journey first began.
Oxford has always held a special place in Tamsin’s heart. Alongside studying architecture, she spent countless hours on the water as a keen rower, developing a deep appreciation for the unique relationship between buildings, landscapes and riverside environments.
Looking back, it is easy to see how these two passions have shaped her career. Time spent rowing provided a perspective of waterside architecture that few experience – observing how buildings sit within the landscape, respond to changing water levels, capture views and connect people to their surroundings.
Today, ABL3 Architects has developed a particular expertise in waterside properties, designing homes and extensions that celebrate their setting whilst responding sensitively to planning, environmental and flood-risk considerations. Many of the principles Tamsin first observed from the river continue to influence our work today.
Revisiting Oxford Brookes was a reminder of how architecture and rowing have complemented one another throughout her career. Both require careful planning, an understanding of context, attention to detail and a clear vision of the destination ahead.
As we continue to work on waterside projects across the UK, those early experiences remain an invaluable foundation for creating thoughtful, responsive and beautifully crafted architecture.
