Bio:

The Great designer, Jo-Ann D M Murrell has been practicing as an architect for the past 30-years and is passionate about her work which demonstrates a strong response to the needs of her clients, the end users and a commitment to green building. A graduate of the University of Manitoba Canada and the Polytechnic of North London, London England, Jo-Ann chose to return to the Caribbean to practice. Carisoul she says “is architecture that captures the essence and the soul of the Caribbean and its people.”

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How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?

I grew up in the construction industry; my father was a Builder and Contractor. My childhood was spent accompanying dad to construction sites. By age 13 I knew that I wanted to be an architect who designed buildings and oversaw their construction.

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What do you do?

I am the managing director of Carisoul Architecture Co. Ltd and the sole full-time employee. I meet with clients, design, conduct site meetings, PM, meet and liaise with other disciplines and contract staff, do digital marketing, administration.

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What excites you in the work you do?

Construction, problem solving excite me. I am excited when: challenged to come up with a design that meets clients’ needs while adhering to the Conditions set by Planners and site constraints; pouring and placing of the concrete; installing finishes.

 

Who or what inspires you professionally?

The late Architect Colin Laird and Architect Rudylynn De Four inspire me;  their work reflects the Caribbean climate and people.  Inspiration also comes from nature, people, carnival,  media, traveling and by observing my surroundings.

 

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What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?

My proudest professional accomplishment has been keeping Carisoul Architecture Co. Ltd afloat in these uncertain times. My proudest professional achievement is repeat clients. I am in the Business of Architectural Practice and of this I am proud.

 

Featured Project Name: 

Contemporary Woodbrook Residence

 

Featured Project Location: 

Woodbrook, Port of Spain, Trinidad

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Featured Project Completion Date: 

June 2012

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Role in Featured Project: 

Architect

 

Featured Project Description:

This Contemporary Woodbrook Residence has three storeys with parking on the ground floor with the living areas safely on the first and second floors. The Demerara windows allow privacy when open; light and ventilation when closed. The first floor balcony addresses the busy street below. Pointed and sealed blocks are used for the external walls in order to reduce the maintenance cost. The expressed beams and columns are gaily painted to reflect the energy of the people and the city.

 

Photography Credit:

PERSONAL IMAGE PHOTO STUDIO - INTERIOR IMAGES; JO-ANN MURRELL - EXTERIOR IMAGES

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