AT Awards 2021
As Cogan Terrace had been so technically successful, showing exceptional real-world energy performance, I entered it into the CIAT annual competition; The AT Awards. The project was selected as a finalist. I duly purchased, and had gifted, some costly smart-casual clothes, in accordance with the invitation. I travelled to Kennington Film Studios in South London, staying in a hostel for a couple of nights.
The venue room was full of business suits and tuxedos. I felt underdressed and like an outsider. I didn’t win, and although I was at a table with those who did, it felt like I didn’t matter. Upset and overwhelmed, I sloped away from the room to pace the street. I happened back only for an unwitting photograph with TV star Matt Allwright. As I stepped into the lights for my photograph, Mr Allwright immediately noticed that I was wearing the finest shoes in the room; I had made a friend. We avoided the suits together as best we could at the reception, talking in a huddle about footwear.
I found the whole experience very challenging. Thus gave me further impetus to my personal quest to receive an Autism diagnosis, which I had started in 2015. I received a diagnosis in 2022. This has joined-the-dots for me of both my talents, and limitations.