Icenian Interview – Tryfon

Tryfon was at Langley from 1973 to 1979 and finished with A-Level Biology, History, and Art. He went on to study at Birmingham as an undergraduate, and then Westminster as a post graduate, before becoming an Architect.

To start the interview, which extra-curricular activities were you involved in at Langley? CCF (Armory / MT sections), 1st 15 Rugby, Athletics, Table Tennis, Snooker.

Can you tell us how your career began?
I studied Architecture, which was five years at university and two years in practice to qualify for the Royal Institute of Architects Registration (RIBA). I also studied a Masters in Urban Design for a further two years.

What happened next in your career?
I was a design Director at Terry Farrell and Partners (a reputable architectural company) and then in 1998 set up my own practice The Kalyvides Partnership. The practice has achieved several awards at Wigmore Street, Paddington Basin and Marsham Street (close to the palace of Westminster).

Did your time at Langley help inform your career choices and your attitude to your career progression?
Yes; I was encouraged by then-Headmaster Mr Young to follow all my ambitions. This provided me with confidence to pursue a career in Architecture. The social development I achieved at Langley helped in the long term too.

What advice would you give to students currently considering their career choices?
If any student is considering it, Architecture is a vocation and requires a relatively high degree of dedication and determination.

Final thoughts
I enjoyed my time at the school and had a great group of friends. Perhaps I should have spent a little more time studying in Sixth Form rather than acting the school Prefect and exercising privileges.