Get to know… Gaynor Taylor, Director

We’re taking you behind the scenes to catch up with Gaynor Taylor, Mansfield Monk Director and Senior Designer, to find out what makes her tick.

Who’s your favourite artist/architect?

G: Carlo Scarpa – Italian Architect and Designer. I visited a number of his buildings whilst studying at university which strongly influenced my own work. Especially the Brion Cemetery near Treviso which is beautiful and tranquil. His use of light and water throughout the design juxtaposes the concrete structures to create a truly memorable experience.

What are you reading?

G: The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman – I am a big fan of Gaiman’s books and love his descriptive writing which transports me to another world. Perfect escapism!

When you’re not working, what do you do?

G: I like to exercise and do a mix of Pilates, running and strength training – it’s a good way to shake off the working day. I also have an allotment which I took on a couple of years ago. Its been a true labour of love but I am finally reaping the rewards and enjoying lots of my own produce. Its also a wonderful diverse community of growers who are all happy to share their tips and swap produce. Its just round the corner from my house but often feels like a million miles away with the birds singing and the insects buzzing.

What have you learnt at MM?

G: Goodness, where do I start? From joining as a relatively new designer with just two years experience under my belt to becoming a Director and shareholder of the practice, MM has been such a big part of my life rather like an extended family. I have learnt that if you enjoy your work and the people you work with its really rewarding. It can often be very stressful but there is not a day which goes by in the studio where we are not laughing about something – we are very fortunate to have an amazing team of talented, hard working individuals who come together to make MM wonderfully unique!