The Magnificent Seven buildings, Queen’s Hall, the Twin Towers and more recently NAPA and SAPA, have been called architectural gems. The beauty of these buildings is evident and we tend to be drawn in by the external façade. But, before a single brick is laid, it is the architect who sets the tone for the project by creating a design that is suitable for the climate, culture and its purpose. Stein Carrington is a locally based, regionally-trained architect, who started his own firm in 2019. According to 35-year old Stein, “since I am one of the youngest practicing architects with his own company, I wish to use the lifetime to build a company that will make an impact. Beyond that, I want to be remembered as a man who did the best he could, with what he had and what he knew. I want to create a positive legacy for myself and hand the keys to a successor.” This is his MENtions story:

My childhood was a nice balance of everything: good amount of play, church time and the mandatory school work. My parents ensured that my sister and I always had what we needed to excel. As children, we just had to say what we wanted to do and they would be there to support. Their approach and consistent belief in us, certainly helped shape who I am today. They continue to provide daily counsel.

Acclimatising to new places
While I enjoyed school life, I had to change schools often. I attended four primary schools and three secondary schools. This caused some challenges but the experience did teach me to get better at acclimatising to new places. After a brief period at Tranquillity Secondary, I transferred to St. George’s College, which was an enjoyable experience. There, I received good CXC grades which helped me to get into Fatima College to do Sixth Form. My final grade in the Advanced Level exam for Geometrical and Mechanical Drawing, allowed me to receive the world ranking in this subject area.

“You have too many masters, focus on one thing at a time”
My love for design and my success at A’ Levels, sparked my interest in Architecture. However, back then, I was not aware that the Caribbean School of Architecture in Jamaica (where I eventually studied) existed. So, I started to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Surveying and Land Information at The UWI, St Augustine (2004). Around 2006, I attempted the SAT exam with the intention of enrolling in schools in the USA but my scores were not what they should have been. One lecturer told me, “you have too many masters, focus on one thing at a time”. I took his advice and began to concentrate more intently on completing my current programme.

After completing that Bachelor’s degree (and a brief stint in a surveying company and a Bank’s marketing department), I moved on to the Caribbean School of Architecture to read for the Bachelor and Master’s degrees in Architecture. This experience was enriching and rewarding. I was awarded Best Research Project at the Post Graduate Level, Best Academic Performance at both undergraduate and post graduate levels and made the Dean’s List more than once. I even worked on a design challenge for the National Housing Trust in Jamaica and copped the Student Award for my designs and input. The words of my lecturer were always top of mind so I made these programmes my main masters and placed a lot of energy, drive and passion into them. I knew the impact that I wanted to make so I worked extremely hard to successfully complete these two degrees so that I can start to contribute to the development of my country and the Caribbean.

“No room was too big for me”
On returning home, I spent about seven years working on a number of really rewarding projects while gaining experience from the senior architects at a few recognized firms. I was also able to participate in discussions on possible projects with prominent businessmen. At one point, I even went to St. Lucia to discuss speculative projects with government ministers. Those experiences led me to believe that no room was too big for me and the time was right to thrust myself deeper into the business of architecture and lead my own projects. I therefore embarked on the path to start my own design office in 2019. As an architect, I am focused on creating spaces or enhancing them. Therefore, as a firm, we are able to undertake any type of project: from civic to institutional, healthcare and commercial etc. Our specialty, however, is Residential Architecture at any scale. In fact, we’re currently doing some apartment buildings and as much as possible, we aim to produce architecture that has some sustainable principles woven into its fabric.

Since starting the business, I have realized that things don’t get built and work doesn’t just happen because of a good design. One has to build relationships and develop an attitude of resilience and positivity to stay the course.