In The Spotlight: Warren D'Souza

This month, Warren D'Souza (2010-17) is in the spotlight.

Tell us about what you do now. Has your time at the school influenced your life today?

I have just completed a Master’s degree in Architecture at the University of Bath. Having graduated this summer, I will begin my work in architecture while continuing to work on creative side projects. BMS first taught me of the importance of dreams, and the hard work required to chase them. The school has been very influential in shaping my life today, as I continue to dream and work conscientiously until they are realised.   

Tell us about your time at BMS. Do you have any special memories you would like to share?

My time at BMS is filled with troves of fond memories. From within the classrooms to on the rugby pitch to on the Howard Hall stage, the countless school trips, sports tours and house events truly formed such extraordinary memories. However, as time has passed, it is the ordinary memories that I cherish the most. And one, in particular, is just sitting on the sofas of the Oakley room laughing with mates, surrounded by the constant energy of the year group, where time momentarily stood still and all the outside pressures were paused, silently hoping that we could just have five more minutes together before period 5 began.   

Who was someone from your time at BMS who had an impact on you and why?

There are countless people at BMS who had an impact on me, from my teachers who continuously supported and encouraged me to the all the staff who have always been such kind role-models to my fellow peers who made even the toughest times enjoyable. My Art teachers (Mr McGregor, Mrs Nazir and Mrs Edwards) particularly influenced my creative drive and helped me to discover my passion and potential, all while making the art department feel so homely. Mr Tapper and Mr White also really looked out for me, helping me with some of my first jobs, at the BMS holiday courses and at an OBM practice (MK40 Architects). I was also fortunate enough to learn about people skills and leadership from Mr Hall, who I looked up to for advice as a young professional.   

What do you do like to do in your spare time?

I greatly enjoy constructing stories and expressing the narratives of a places, its culture and its people. I often go for walks or exercise to spark some creative inspiration. I find that time spent with good company in new and familiar surroundings helps to fuel my imagination, but I also relish time in solitude as it helps to coalesce my wandering ideas.  

What advice would you give to your younger self?

You don't have to internalise your fears so much, but rather, channel them and express them in the best way only you know how to. Things will keep changing, embrace it and enjoy the journey but every now and then take a step back and look around at the new environments you're in, the great people you're with and be grateful to live in that moment.  

Are there any other thoughts you would like to share with the OBM and BMS community?

Always remember where you're from and all those that have helped you along your way. It’s the people who make the place so special. We are all so fortunate to be a part of this amazing community and to be a part of the school’s everlasting story.