ROBERT TOWELL,
ROBERT TOWELL ARCHITECT (RTA)
CAYMAN ISLANDS

ROBERT TOWELL, ROBERT TOWELL ARCHITECT (RTA)
CAYMAN ISLANDS

Words by Natasha Were.

Robert Towell, RIBA, is a Canadian-born registered architect who has been practising in the Cayman Islands since 1997. Over the course of his extensive career, he has worked on large commercial projects, boutique hotels and condominiums, and many custom single-family homes and renovations. Robert was an early adopter of modern architecture and is known for his bold and striking approach to residential design.

RL: What inspired you to become an architect, and how did you get started in this field?
RT: I remember my mother always sketching out and designing her dream house as a boy, which planted the seed in my mind. I was very good at drawing, math and science when I was younger, so I took design and drafting courses in high school. This prepared me well, and I went on to study architecture at university, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Architecture and, ultimately, professional registration with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).

RL: What do you think differentiates you from your competitors?
RT:
At the start of my career, I worked on some fantastic projects, including restoring downtown Toronto’s Elgin and Wintergarden 1913 theatre and an ultra-modern home in Forest Hill for an art curator and collector. I then spent four years designing and renovating banks at TD Bank across Canada. The exposure to artistic projects and straightforward, budget-driven design has provided a well-rounded approach, and I strive to combine the two to deliver the best designs possible, whatever the client’s budget.

RL: How do you approach the design process, and what steps do you take to ensure the success of your projects?
RT:
I always establish the client’s actual budget and then design according to that. There is no point in designing something the client cannot afford, but with nearly 40 years in the business, I can estimate costs fairly accurately.

RL: How do you incorporate environmental sustainability into your designs?
RT:
Electricity costs in big houses can run to thousands of dollars a month, so making homes energy efficient makes both financial and environmental sense. Photovoltaic arrays are the most obvious way to reduce energy costs, and the flat roofs of modern designs lend themselves well to these installations. Most energy consumption comes from keeping interiors cool, so we can also avoid this by reducing heat gain in the first place. Choosing the right windows – high quality with tinted, low-E glazing that reflects heat and using spray foam insulation in roof attics has a big impact. Some new, more environmentally friendly spray foams are available now, keeping indoor air healthier for the homeowner and family.

RL: Are there any ‘golden rules’ in architecture?
RT:
Architecture is all about proportion and scale, so there are certainly mathematical rules, but there is also the aesthetic side. When you see a church, a hospital, or a house, you immediately know its use, and the architecture conveys this. So, I would say that a less obvious ‘golden rule’ is that the architecture should declare the purpose and function of the building.

RL: What are some projects you are currently working on?
RT: Right now, I’m working on the second phase of Morritt’s Londoner Resort; it’s a six-storey addition designed in a traditional island style, so it’s a refreshing change for me. I enjoy going out to East End, where you still get the flavour of old Cayman. I am also involved in various multi-family townhouse developments, multiple custom houses, and a private 9,000+ sf seafront home on offer in the Harbour Reach area. So, I’m keeping busy!

RL: What qualities make a good architect?
RT:
Listening skills, creativity, and meticulous budgeting.

RL: Could you tell us more about your recent architecture awards?
RT:
In February 2024, I was recognised for Best Residential Property for the Americas at the International Property Awards held at the Savoy in London. It was quite an achievement and the highest recognition for one of my design submissions received to date. I was one of five contenders for Best International Property Design.

RL: Finally, what is your ultimate goal as an architect, and what legacy do you hope to leave behind with your work?
RT:
I started my career working on modern designs in Canada and was one of the first to introduce that style in the Cayman Islands. So far, it’s proven successful. If, in another 20 or 30 years, people still like the designs I’ve produced, that will be a good legacy to have left.

FOR MORE INFO ABOUT ROBERT TOWELL ARCHITECT (RTA):
CLICK roberttowell.com
CALL 345.916.8377
EMAIL rta@roberttowell.com

Robert’s Fave Five

Inspiration: Early 20th century modernism

Mantra: Simplicity, done well

Hobby: Work, health and fitness

Playlist: 70s & 80s music on vinyl

Destination: The Savoy Hotel, London, for the history and awards!

FOR MORE INFO ABOUT ROBERT TOWELL ARCHITECT (RTA):
CLICK roberttowell.com
CALL 345.916.8377
EMAIL rta@roberttowell.com