Oliver Heath | Energy & Biophilic Design Consultant - Interface

After years of working in media and entertainment, Oliver decided to pursue his passion and start developing a new career in sustainable design.

THE CHALLENGE

After 18 years of experience I was keen to explore other routes in my career.

Having trained as an architect for many years that naturally led me into the design world, my work life has taken me in other directions through the media and television world. I worked as a media presenter for 15 years on numerous television design shows for BBC, ITV and the Discovery Channel, including BBC’s Changing Rooms and DIY SOS. I integrated my passion for sustainable design into presenting at Grand Designs Live, EcoBuild, WRAP and the Energy Saving Trust. But frustrations grew over the years with the minimal impact that individual traditional design and construction projects can have– so after 18 years of experience I was keen to explore other routes to bring my passion and experience in sustainable design to fruition.

THE SOLUTION

Through my work with Shannon during her Shift Careers program, greater clarity came about the potential opportunities that could exist.

Through my discussions with Shannon, carried out over a number of weeks, I was able to better appreciate and realize the values of my combined practical and media experience.

"I was able to reframe my experience, taking my career into a new and stimulating direction. Together we explored bringing these ideas to life through developing a framing of them to turn them into reality."

It wasn’t realistic to think I would or could step into a traditional career opportunity so throughout our discussions Shannon’s creativity and vision were essential in approaching possible tracks.

THE RESULT

Shannon’s coaching has allowed me to apply creativity to proposals that are now coming into fruition.

Developing my personal sense of value and position in the field of sustainable design through Shannon’s coaching has allowed me to apply creativity to proposals that are now coming into fruition in the fields of biophilic design with Interface flooring, domestic energy conservation and sustainable materials. Through our shared conversations and vision I was able to reframe my experience to combine my practical built environment experience with my media skills towards a more commercial direction, taking my career into a new and stimulating direction.