In this edition of Built Perspectives, we spotlight Estelle Besson, Senior Associate | Design Principal, who shares her reflections on creativity, collaboration, and the timeless values guiding her architectural approach. With over 25 years of international experience, Estelle brings a deep understanding of how context, culture, and purpose converge to shape meaningful and enduring design outcomes.

From reinterpreting architectural heritage through a contemporary lens to leading multidisciplinary teams that translate complex ideas into built form, Estelle emphasises the importance of simplicity, proportion, and sustainability in every project.

What’s the best part of working in architecture for you?

“The best part of working in architecture is the opportunity to create something tangible and meaningful in collaboration with a diverse team of designers, engineers, and specialists. Each project becomes a collective journey where we bring together different fields of expertise such as design, technology, construction, and social context, shaping environments that influence how people live, work, and connect.

Architecture is never just about the building itself. It’s about growing knowledge through every interaction, understanding people’s needs, and recognising the responsibility we hold toward the environment. Whether it’s a hospital that supports recovery, a school that inspires learning, or a destination that enhances cultural exchange, each project deepens both our technical expertise and our understanding of society.

What makes it most rewarding is that no two projects are ever the same. We are constantly creating bespoke solutions tailored to context, culture, and purpose, with the ambition to design sustainably. That ongoing process of discovery, collaboration, and translating ideas into built reality is what makes architecture both a profession and a lifelong passion.”

What key inspirations have shaped your design philosophy throughout your career?

“My design philosophy is to link timeless architectural values with contemporary challenges, creating buildings that sit in harmony with their surroundings rather than in opposition to them. I focus on simplicity, balanced proportions, and strong geometry, qualities that bring clarity and elegance to both contemporary and traditional architecture.

I’ve been particularly inspired by architects such as Tadao Ando and Jean Nouvel, whose work demonstrates how timeless principles can be reinterpreted through a contemporary and cultural lens. I believe architecture should draw on the richness of the past while responding to today’s society, culture, and technology.

Above all, I see each project as an opportunity to design spaces that are environmentally responsible, contextually sensitive, and tailored to the people who will use them.”

Tell us about a project that taught you something you still carry into every design today.

“It’s difficult to single out one project, as over more than 25 years I’ve had the privilege to work on a wide range of projects from hotels and airports to residences and schools, across diverse environments including coastal and mountainous sites.

Each project brought its own challenges, whether related to location, innovation, technical complexity, or management, and each contributed to a growing body of knowledge that I carry forward into every new design.

The true strength of an architectural career is that it is never static. It constantly evolves with society, technology, and the tools we use to deliver better outcomes that meet client expectations and vision. This continuous learning process is what keeps architecture both challenging and inspiring.”