Alex Nqai

I work as a Business Development Coordinator, supporting bids across theatre, acoustics, and experience design projects. With a background in architecture, I bring an understanding of the design process and the range of studios Charcoalblue collaborates with. I approach my work with curiosity and attention to detail, and I enjoy learning how teams operate and how projects come together in order to support clear, well-structured submissions. I am particularly interested in the wider context of the built environment and how it informs and shapes incoming projects.

What Excites You Most About Your Work

I’m most excited about connecting the dots between people, projects, and opportunities. I enjoy building strong relationships and leveraging existing networks to establish meaningful collaborations. I also enjoy the “detective work” involved in uncovering new opportunities through industry research, whether that’s tracking funding announcements or identifying companies expanding into new regions.

What Brought You to Charcoalblue

I was drawn to Charcoal Blue as soon as I saw the profiles of everyone on the company website. I could tell I would be joining a friendly and supportive team. Beyond that, I was excited to be part of a group working on so many creative projects and to learn from such a talented global team, collaborating with some of the world’s most renowned architects.

What Does Great Design or Experience Mean to You

To me, great design is about expressing an idea in its simplest form while still being impactful and memorable. It is functional, yet elevated with a sense of flair, through storytelling, a distinctive aesthetic, or a thoughtful commentary on society and culture. Whatever form it takes, it carries an intentional point of view.

A Project That Shaped How You Work

I would say my university education shapes how I work. I had the opportunity to study under Sean Griffiths and Kestenbury, who both had a maverick approach to architecture. They taught me to observe and respond to what already exists, using it to inform design and problem-solving, rather than trying to control every aspect. I learned to see what the environment naturally offers, and to understand what happens when control fails, and then work with that. This approach has stayed with me and is something I bring into my day-to-day life, both in how I solve problems and in my work.

What Clients/Colleagues Value About You

Clients and colleagues value that I’m friendly, approachable, and always happy to help. I have a strangely long memory, remembering both obscure and key details, which helps me build strong relationships and connect the dots across projects, alongside a forensic attention to detail that ensures everything is precise and well-executed.

A Place That Shaped or Inspires You

At Brion Cemetery, the architect designed a thoughtful landscape that incorporates a concrete building, combining striking form with emotional impact. The fact that Carlo Scarpa is buried here makes it that much for magical!

Cultural Value You Most Identify With

I most identify with creativity and innovation. For me, this value resonates because it’s about embracing curiosity and the unknown, which fundamentally shapes how I approach my work. Creativity isn’t just about generating new ideas, it’s about the mindset of exploration, experimentation, and pushing boundaries. Innovation comes from creatvity and encourages us to look beyond conventional solutions. This perspective influences everything I do, how I problem solve, and how I collaborate with others. It allows us to bring fresh perspectives to challenges, to iterate and improve constantly, and to create work that feels thoughtful, impactful, and forward-looking.