Remembering Sam Potts 1978 - 2011

This evening I went along to RARA studios for a celebration of the life of Sam Potts. It was an evening of music, thoughtful words and beer, a fitting tribute to Sam, who died recently at home with family in Uganda. It was only two years ago that I met Sam for the first time. However it is not understating things to say the effect of that meeting on me was profound. In the midst of a tough year, in which we had both been made redundant along with many other architect's, Sam's optimism and vision were infectious. It wasn't long before I rented a desk space, in the studios which he co-founded.

I have maintained the space, despite having returned to the world of paid employment, which post banking crisis, is a very different place, filled with the fast moving far eastern projects, that fund much of the profession today...The space at RARA is a reminder of a vision of a very hands on way of practicing and architecture, one closely connected to the people one is creating it for. This was something Sam conveyed a passion for in that first meeting, when I arrived at RARA to interview him for this blog. I turned up, characteristically a little flustered after rushing; Sam was, characteristically, cool - he offered me a beer and we went and sat out by the railway line.

I left that day buoyed up by his sense of fun and positive vision...much needed in 2009.

RARA outlives Sam; this is also a fitting tribute to the spirit of the man.