• James Marks

• Associate
• MA Hons BArch Dist RIBA

Having researched bridge aesthetics as a student, James Marks was attracted to Wilkinson Eyre by the practice’s reputation for bridge design. ‘Bridges are very pure. In a way they’re the essence of architecture. They only exist to cross a void, so they have to be honest. Each site has unique constraints which inform the type of structure and enable us to design a bespoke scheme that is contextually responsive yet distinctive.’ He recognises the importance of integral engineering in bridge design: ‘You can’t ignore the structure. It’s great collaborating with engineers to use structures in innovative ways, to find something new and unexpected.’ James has also used his understanding of complex three‑dimensional geometries to develop a number of important building schemes for the office. ‘It’s all about rationalising the geometry. On these kinds of projects working in three dimensions becomes second nature.’