Full name: Alexander de Caires
Title or occupation: Architect
How long have you been a YPG member: 6 months

Professional Spotlight

Tell us a bit about your background; what is your current role, and why did you decide on a career in the construction industry?

My journey began on-site as a labourer, working alongside my father, uncles and cousins, before progressing to independent work as a painter, decorator, and carpenter. This foundational experience provided me with an invaluable on-site perspective of the industry, particularly regarding the logistical challenges contractors face in managing materials, workloads, and site dynamics. 

Now a qualified architect, I have a diverse international portfolio that bridges technical precision with artistic creativity. My experience ranges from contributing to offshore coastal artworks in the Maldives to delivering bespoke furniture for the London Festival of Architecture and collaborating with timber manufacturers in northern Spain. Currently, alongside artistic activities, I work in traditional architectural practice with The Architects in London, delivering high-end residential projects for homeowners and developers. 

I have recently enjoyed significant success with The Architects, working on a mews development that was Highly Commended by the Inside Housing Development Awards, shortlisted for the London Construction Awards, and featured in the Brick Association Bulletin. Having worked within several RIBA award-winning practices, I possess a deep understanding of the project lifecycle, from navigating complex planning constraints to thorough detailed design and completion. I am particularly passionate about uplifting challenging London sites, such as my current projects with The Architects, which involve backyard infill units in central London and a new flat, vertically extending an existing block, in the heart of Notting Hill.

 

What are you most proud of about the construction industry as a whole and where do you think it most needs to improve? 

I am incredibly proud of the innovators pushing the boundaries of timber construction. I am particularly inspired by the advancements in C16 homegrown timber and modular systems, which are elevating the quality and aesthetic potential of sustainable architecture. 

However, there is significant room to refine our regulatory frameworks and procurement processes. As the Building Safety Act takes full effect, the industry is grappling with a degree of uncertainty and a perceived lack of public sector funding to support these transitions. Furthermore, I believe we must move toward a more collaborative mindset. The current complexities of the industry often strain professional relationships; we must prioritize partnership over adversity to avoid damage to the critical networks that allow us to build. 

 

What future goals and aspirations do you have for your career?

My goal is to continue delivering complex, high-quality construction projects within London while expanding my reach further into international markets, with a particular focus on northwestern Spain, where I hope to leverage my professional connections and language skills. 

Looking ahead, I aim to further advance and utilise my experience in UAV piloting and point cloud scanning to bridge the gap between site capture and building information modelling.  Using this technical knowhow, construction law knowledge, and craftsmanship to support innovative approaches in timber construction, delivering more technically robust, creative solutions across the projects I’m involved in. 

I also intend to maintain an eclectic professional life. Alongside my architectural practice, continuing to pursue projects that challenge my craft skills and artistic creativity, ensuring my approach to the built environment remains dynamic, tactile, and innovative. 

 

Does JCT and the Young Professionals Group have a wider role to play in the industry beyond producing contracts?

I attended my first JCT YPG event last year at Devonshires. It was a fascinating deep dive into specific cases of construction law and a brilliant opportunity to engage with a diverse cross-section of industry professionals.   

I was also grateful to connect in person with fellow member Bethany Penman; her transition from architecture to construction law at Devonshires offered a unique perspective, and her advice was invaluable during my application for the MSc in Construction Law and Dispute Resolution at King’s College London. To me, this embodies the true value of the YPG, a network that fosters cross-disciplinary support, which is essential for the collective development of our industry. 

 

Favourite place you’ve travelled?

I recently returned to Brno, Czech Republic, where I studied on an Erasmus exchange over a decade ago. It is a city that perfectly balances my professional interests and personal history. Architecturally, it is a masterclass in materiality with finely detailed brick, stone, and timber buildings, as well as featuring Mies van der Rohe’s Villa Tugendhat.  

Brno holds a deep personal connection for me as the site of my first Erasmus exchange, a program I revisited more recently through the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs initiative. Having experienced firsthand how these programs foster vital European growth and lasting professional connections, I am a strong advocate for the UK’s return to such exchange frameworks. In this sense, Brno represents the ideal intersection of refined architectural craftsmanship and the kind of international collaboration that remains essential for the continued development of our industry across borders. 

 

Describe what a perfect day outside of work would look like for you?

Outside of the office, I prioritize disconnecting from screens to reconnect with family, friends, and the outdoors. My perfect day involves a mix of hiking, surfing, or tinkering on artistic projects in my shed. I am a firm believer in eclecticism, both in architecture and in life. Engaging the mind and body in varied, creative ways is the best way to maintain the agility and focus required for a demanding professional career.