Jim joined Orms in 2024 after six years at Grimshaw, where he worked between their London and Paris offices. He earned his Bachelor of Design at Oxford Brookes University before returning to join the first cohort of their newly launched architecture apprenticeship programme, through which he obtained his Master of Architecture and Part 3 qualification —his academic research focused on the Circular Economy, establishing a foundation for his approach to sustainable design. His international experience spans multiple sectors with particular expertise in transport infrastructure projects.
What does ultrapractical mean to you? Ultrapractical architecture brings sustainability principles from theory into tangible built form. Working on 7 Soho Square—a new build in Central London designed as an exemplar showcase for sustainable design—requires balancing innovative environmental strategies with the distinctive character of Soho. Drawing on my thesis research into the Circular Economy, I focus on identifying practical opportunities to reduce embodied carbon, minimise waste and create architecture that demonstrates how sustainability and exceptional design quality can work together harmoniously.