Palmer Trinity School

65 F A L L 2 0 15 ALUMNEWS AS A CHILD, PALMER TRINITY SCHOOL ALUMNUS EDWARD LUCKMANN ALREADY KNEW THAT HE WANTED TO BE AN ARCHITECT. "I CAN REMEMBER DRAWING REALLY COOL HOUSES, A POOL WITH A GARAGE UNDERNEATH, OR SECRET SPY HOUSES." TODAY, EDWARD'S DREAM HAS BEEN REALIZED. WORKING AS AN ARCHITECT IN LONDON, ENGLAND, HE CREATES CUTTING EDGE DESIGNS FOR COMPANIES WORLDWIDE. Edward entered Palmer Trinity in 8 th grade, having grown up in Curacao, then part of the Dutch Antilles Islands in the Caribbean. Coming to a school with an internationally diverse student body was still an adjustment: "Moving between classes was new, and even a school with 600 students was really big for me," said Edward. "8 th grade was about getting adjusted." Entering high school the next year "got exciting". Edward decided to take advantage of the open environment at Palmer Trinity and tried his hand at many different sports including football, lacrosse, tennis, and baseball. He also studied music, art, and drama, and even played the role of Vince Fontaine in the production of Grease in 2006. Some of Edward's most memorable teachers included English teacher Mark Hayes. "Edward always proved to be quick-witted and articulate, thoughtful about the world and always kind and gentle teasing with his classmates," said Hayes. "In many ways, even in grade nine, he was sophisticated beyond his years. It's no surprise to me that he's become successful as a global citizen." Of course, ceramics and architecture teacher Robert Moorhouse was also one of Edward's mentors at Palmer Trinity. "In high school, I learned about form, and aesthetics," remembers Edward. His dream of designing homes and buildings became more of a reality as he studied with Mr. Moorhouse. "He was consistently funny, warm, and upbeat," said Moorhouse. "He worked hard, but I never saw him struggle. While he was mostly jovial and even comedic in the studio, he also showed signs of deep contemplation and creative intuition." Edward earned his bachelor's degree in architecture from Northeastern University. His studies "laid a foundation to understanding what the real profession is like, and what the job was like in relation to what we were studying." From Boston, Edward moved to London and was accepted into the prestigious Architectural Association School of Architecture, where he earned his Master's degree. "My studies were the polar opposite of undergrad. For the first time, I went into a digital dreamworld to learn how to design." Edward landed a job as a design assistant at Zaha Hadid Architects and began working the long hours and fast pace that many young architects experience. e famed and award-winning Hadid has come to be known for futuristic design, building unique and recognizable projects all over the world. Edward describes it as "avant-garde" and as an architect he enjoyed the "freedom to think of crazy and bold design." He learned a lot from his colleagues at Zaha Hadid Architects. " I learned how to model correctly, making the transition from digital design. How the projects actually come together, they are so technically difficult, it's actually amazing." Most notably, Edward got the chance to work on the Bee'ah Company headquarters, which will be completed in the United Arab Emirates in 2017. "I am deeply, ineffably proud of Edward's rapid ascent in the bustling, complex world of architecture," said Mr. Moorhouse. "Knowing that one of my students has worked for the architect I admire above all others, Zaha Hadid, gives me immense personal and professional satisfaction." Last fall, Edward came back to PTS to speak with students in Mr. Moorhouse's 3D Architectural Design class. He gave an overview of the team approach to design in Ms. Hadid's office, and shared a bit about their cutting-edge computer programs. "It was good to re-evaluate where I'm going with my work as an architect, back in the room where it all began." Today, Edward's work is "completely local," he explains about working with the firm Sheppard Robson. Working in a smaller firm, he most enjoys living and working in London. "Now I have more time to enjoy my work and make friends outside of my field." As for advice for current Palmer Trinity School students, Edward says, "I was really goal-oriented. ough not every high schooler knows what career path they'd like to take, the most important thing is to surround yourself with people who think like you. Dump the whole idea you can do everything by yourself. e world we live in is a lot more complex. Today you have to work as a team and you're not going to know some things, but that's ok. Keep being curious and try new things. It's easy to get really overwhelmed and stuck in one thing. e way that professions are going, if you only know one thing you'll be a fish out of water. So keep learning!" Edward at his PTS graduation with his father, Laurens Luckmann Design conceived by team ThinkTank (Edward Luckmann, Armando Bussey, Maggie Wang and Vichayuth Meenaphant)

• Cover