Introducing Joe: DAY Architectural’s New Board Director (and Part-Time Adventurer)

DAY has welcomed Joe Morgan to the team as our newest board director. With over 26 years of experience in the industry and a remarkable journey along the way, Joe is ready to bring his unique touch to DAY.
His achievements include three RIBA Awards, with designs recognised regionally and nationally for their ingenuity and excellence. We sat down with him to get to know more about the man behind the achievements – both in and outside of the studio.
Q: Why did you choose to join DAY Architectural?
A: I’ve admired DAY’s entrepreneurial spirit for years. The practice isn’t afraid to take risks, and I’m thrilled to join at this exciting time as DAY continues its transition to the second generation of owners as an EOT and expands internationally.

Q: What is one thing you’re most excited to bring to the table?
A: I am looking forward to building the Education Sector already established in the practice, with my experience across schools, colleges, universities, and the research sector. But it’s not just about the projects, I want to help mentor the next generation of architects. Creating opportunities for people to thrive is just as important as creating great spaces.
Q: What has been your favourite project that you have worked on?
A: An early one in my career from 2012, The Sir Tom Finney building for UCLan in Preston. The concept is clean and rational, with stacked fitness suites and changing rooms to the city facing side. By sinking the mass of an eight-court sports hall into the centre of the site and topography ensures the stepped form reduces to a single storey nursery and external walled garden. It is one of those projects where the execution matched the vision.

Joe's Favourite Places and Spaces
We couldn’t resist asking Joe about his love of travel and his architectural inspirations:
Q: What is your favourite building in Manchester?
A: The John Rylands Library on Deansgate! For the full experience, you need to walk through the front door, it is like stepping into another world. And the staircase? Sublime!
Q: Favourite City?
A: I had the pleasure of visiting Krakow recently. I was struck by the quality of the public spaces between the beautiful buildings, the prevalence of trees and the street furniture. It is a stunning city.
Q: Favourite Country?
A: Nepal is my favourite. I have been lucky enough to trek in the Everest and Annapurna regions, and I would go back in a heartbeat!
Q: Why did you choose to be an Architect?
A: I remember so clearly deciding to be an architect. It wasn’t a lighting bold realisation about love for building, but more practical than that. I was a decent artist, and I wanted to channel that skill into something tangible and secure. Architecture was a perfect mix of creativity and structure. Looking back, I am so happy I made that choice. Architecture has challenged me and enabled me to appreciate and experience the world in a much deeper way.
Q: What has been your biggest challenge as an architect?
A: Finding time to think! The pace of the industry often puts pressure on quick turnarounds. The digitisation of architecture has disconnected us from purposeful design and turned it into a design by database. I am a big advocate of sitting down with pen and paper and getting several minds together to solve problems.
Getting To Know Joe: The Fun Stuff
We wrapped up with a few quick-fire questions to learn more of the important stuff:
Q: Favourite Food?
A: French mountain food, Tartiflette. Cheese, potato, and bacon, what’s not to like?
Q: Favourite Drink?
A: Depending on the time of day, black coffee or a good pint of Timothy Taylor.
Q: Favourite Band?
A: Radiohead is a staple but I also love the Manchester band WH Lung.
Q: Favourite Film?
A: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.
Q: Favourite Car?
A: I would love to have a 1970/80s Fiat Panda 4×4.
Q: United or City?
A: United, but I’m now more of a Wigan Rugby League fan. Some call me a Plastic Pie Eater, and I wear it with pride!

With a love for adventure and a sharp mind for design, Joe Morgan is the perfect addition to DAY Architectural. We cannot wait to see where this next chapter takes us, welcome aboard Joe!