Christian Kiehn

Why this persona fits the audience

25-year-old man in London finishing an architecture dissertation and portfolio text, using LaTeX for the report sections, SketchUp notes for figures, and a shared citation list with three classmates from his studio group.

• Age: 25
• Location: London, UK
• Occupation: Master's student, architecture
• Income: £14k part-time work
• Education: BArch; MSc candidate
• Company size: n/a
• Years in role: n/a

“The beauty of a building isn't just in its form, but in how it sits within its context and how it's built – the integrity of the materials, the precision of the joinery. That's what I'm trying to capture.”

Christian Kiehn grew up in a quiet suburban town in Kent, developing an early fascination with the interplay of old and new architecture he observed during visits to London. This led him to pursue a Bachelor of Architecture, where he honed his foundational design skills and developed a keen eye for detail. He chose to pursue a Master's degree at a prestigious London university to deepen his theoretical understanding and specialise in urban regeneration. His current Master's thesis, focusing on the sensitive integration of contemporary design within historic urban fabric, is the culmination of this academic journey. He is deeply invested in the process, viewing his dissertation and portfolio not just as academic requirements, but as a crucial stepping stone towards a professional career. His part-time role at a small art gallery provides a modest income but also exposes him to the curation and presentation aspects of creative work, influencing his own approach to visual communication. Christian is acutely aware of the financial constraints of his student life in London, making him pragmatic about spending and always seeking value. He sees time as a precious commodity, meticulously planning his days to maximise productivity, yet he also understands the importance of stepping away, often finding inspiration and clarity during solitary walks or while developing analogue photographs. His decision to use LaTeX for his report stems from a desire for precise control over typography and layout, reflecting his appreciation for craftsmanship in both digital and physical forms. He views his studio group's shared citation list as a necessary efficiency, but prefers to manage his own writing and design elements with meticulous personal oversight.

Background & daily life

A day in their life

Christian's typical weekday begins around 7:30 AM. After a quick breakfast of toast and coffee, he heads to the university library or a quiet co-working space. He dedicates the morning to writing, wrestling with LaTeX code and refining his dissertation's theoretical chapters. Lunch is usually a packed sandwich eaten at his desk. The afternoon is split between working on detailed SketchUp models for portfolio figures and collaborating with his studio group via shared documents and quick calls. He might grab a cheap dinner from a local market before an evening session of sketching or reviewing architectural journals, often working until 10 or 11 PM, before heading home.

Lifestyle

Christian shares a slightly cramped but characterful flat in Hackney with three other postgraduate students, two of whom are also in design fields. His income from a part-time role at a local gallery barely covers rent and living expenses, so he's perpetually budget-conscious, favouring home-cooked meals and free city events. He finds solace in long walks through London's diverse neighbourhoods, often with his vintage film camera, and dedicates evenings to sketching or reading architectural theory. Socially, he's more of a listener than a talker, preferring deep conversations with a small circle of close friends over large gatherings.

Work life

Christian's days are consumed by his Master's thesis, a deep dive into the adaptive reuse of post-industrial spaces in East London. He juggles writing extensive report sections in LaTeX, meticulously crafting figures and diagrams in SketchUp, and managing a shared Zotero library with his three studio group members. The pressure to produce a cohesive and visually compelling portfolio is immense, especially with the looming deadline. He collaborates closely with his studio mates, often exchanging feedback on drafts and design iterations, but much of his work is solitary, requiring intense focus and self-discipline.

Relationships

Christian maintains close ties with his family back in Kent, speaking to his parents weekly. His primary social circle consists of his university studio group, with whom he shares the intense pressures of their academic program. He also has a few long-term friends from his undergraduate days, though their busy schedules mean meetups are infrequent. His studio mates, particularly Sarah and Ben, are his most consistent collaborators and sounding boards for his academic work.

How they decide

Christian approaches decisions methodically. For academic or work-related tasks, he researches extensively, weighing different approaches and tools before committing. He values input from trusted peers but ultimately relies on his own analytical assessment. For personal purchases, he tends to be conservative, prioritizing durability and value over fleeting trends, often waiting for sales or seeking out second-hand options.

How they sound

Speaks with a measured, slightly formal cadence, typical of educated Londoners but without excessive slang. His tone is thoughtful and precise, often pausing to find the exact word. He avoids hyperbole and tends to understate his achievements. When discussing technical aspects, he becomes more animated and specific. He might use phrases like 'rather,' 'quite,' 'one finds,' or 'it seems to me.'