At the intersection of creative design and functional accessibility, Josh Ram is shaping homes that don’t just look good—they work for the people who live in them. As an architectural designer at PLG, Josh brings a sharp eye for detail and a strong background in 3D visualisation to projects that are as personal as they are practical. With a career that spans major London landmarks to custom-accessible homes across the UK, Josh shares how his passion for architecture, sparked by family roots in property development, has evolved into a purposeful role at PLG. In this Q&A, he reflects on design challenges, the power of visual storytelling, and what makes a space truly feel like home.
Q: Tell me a bit about your career path. How did you become an architectural designer?
Josh Ram: After completing my undergraduate degree three years ago, I went straight into project coordination. I worked on some significant projects in London, including Wimbledon Centre Court and a few buildings in the business district, like Cannon Street. From there, I moved into an architectural practice where I gained most of my experience. That really helped build up my knowledge, and eventually, I applied to PLG after seeing a job vacancy.
Q: What does your day-to-day role entail at PLG?
Josh Ram: We often juggle multiple projects at a time, so time management is key. Day-to-day tasks depend on the project stage. For example, during the concept design phase, I work on drafting up initial designs for clients to review. We follow the RIBA stages through to completion. I also do a lot of 3D visualisations here, which helps clients better understand how a space will look and feel.
Q: What’s the purpose of creating 3D property visuals?
Josh Ram: 3D visuals give clients a clearer picture of the space. Sometimes, it’s difficult for them to visualise from 2D drawings, so 3D models help them understand the configuration and design of the space. While they are artistic impressions, we can make them as realistic as possible, especially if we have specific elements like kitchen designs. It really helps the clients see what their home could look like.
Q: How did you get into 3D design?
Josh Ram: It’s something I’ve always worked on, starting from university. In my previous practice, I was hired specifically for my 3D work, so I brought those skills over to PLG as well. It’s something I enjoy and have been given the opportunity to develop further here.
Q: How has designing accessible properties been different from your previous work?
Josh Ram: Before PLG, I was working heavily on residential projects, so the main difference here is the adaptations needed for accessibility. The scale of projects is larger because we have to account for equipment and spaces that meet the client’s specific needs, which makes the design process more intricate.
Q: What’s the most interesting aspect of your work?
Josh Ram: The variety of projects is fascinating. Each client has different needs, and no two properties are the same. It’s about creating a space that’s tailored to the individual, which makes each project unique and keeps the work engaging.
Q: What’s been your favourite project so far?
Josh Ram: My favourite so far is a single-storey house from the front, but because of the sloped site, it opens into a double-height space at the back, making it a two-storey house. I love that it looks unassuming from the front, but when you see it from the back, the design really stands out.
We also had a project in Wales where we adapted the existing house to make it more accessible. It’s interesting to see how you can transform a standard home into something that’s wheelchair-friendly by reconfiguring the layout.
Q: Describe the culture at PLG?
Josh Ram: It’s been great. Everyone is friendly, and there’s a real sense of collaboration. No one hesitates to offer help if you need it, which makes it a positive place to work.
Q: Do you find the impact of the work rewarding?
Josh Ram: Definitely. It’s really rewarding to give clients their forever home, especially knowing the difficulties they’ve been through. Being able to create a space where they can feel comfortable and at ease is something I find fulfilling.
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in architecture?
Josh Ram: My granddad was a property developer, so I grew up watching him buy properties, renovate them, and turn them into something new. He’s just finished building a custom house, and I’ve always found that process fascinating. It inspired me to pursue a career in property and design.
Q: What’s your ideal day at work?
Josh Ram: I enjoy the design process, particularly the technical side of things. Understanding how a building comes together is fascinating, so my ideal day would involve working on designs and technical details.
Q: How do you incorporate future-proofing in your designs?
Josh Ram: Energy efficiency is a big one. If we’re knocking down a building, for example, it’s important to implement energy-efficient solutions from the start. Future-proofing properties for long-term sustainability is always on my mind.
Q: What’s your favourite building?
Josh Ram: There’s a building in France called the Centre Pompidou Metz by the architect Shigeru Ban that I like. He bends large pieces of wood into dynamic shapes, which is amazing because timber is usually rigid. The combination of modern design with classic materials like timber creates something unique.
Q: How do you bring those design elements into your own work?
Josh Ram: I think about how to use light and natural views, especially for wheelchair users who might not go outside as often. In one project we had to level out the site to make sure the outdoor space was accessible, and incorporating natural light was key to making the space feel open and connected to the outside.
Quick Fire Qs:
What was the first single you bought or downloaded? Jay Z & Kanye – Watch the throne
What are 3 words to describe yourself? Creative, Confident and Collaborative
If given a chance, who would you like to be for a day? Marine Biologist (so I can swim with great white sharks)
People would be surprised if they knew this fact about you? I’m a dinosaur geek!
Accreditations
BA(hons) Architecture, 2:1.
