At first glance, architecture and cake design don't seem to have much in common.

One creates buildings that last for decades. The other creates desserts that disappear in a few hours.

But the more I bake, the more I realise they're built on the same principles.

Great architecture isn't just about making something beautiful. Every line, curve, and material has a purpose. A building needs balance, proportion, structure, and function before it can become a work of art.

The same is true for a cake.

Before I think about colours, textures, or decorations, I think about the foundation. The sponge needs to be sturdy enough to support layers. The filling needs the right consistency. The cake has to travel safely, stay fresh, and hold its shape. Beauty comes later.

It's a reminder that good design always begins with good structure.

I've also learned that simplicity is often the hardest thing to achieve.

Many of the most admired buildings don't rely on excessive detail. They're remembered because every element feels intentional. Nothing is added simply for the sake of filling space.

I feel the same way about cakes.

A clean finish, balanced proportions, and thoughtful details often make a stronger impression than an overload of decorations. Knowing when to stop is just as important as knowing what to add.

Architecture has also taught me to think about scale.

A grand wedding cake and a small birthday cake shouldn't follow the same design approach, just as a family home and a skyscraper aren't designed with the same purpose. Every cake should feel right for the occasion, the number of guests, and the personality of the person it's made for.

That's why I rarely begin with the decoration.

I begin with the story.

Who is this cake for? What are they celebrating? What feeling should it create when it enters the room?

Once those questions are answered, the design starts to make sense.

Perhaps that's why I enjoy cake design so much.

It's not simply about frosting or fondant. It's about creating something where structure meets creativity, where precision meets personality, and where every detail has a reason for being there.

The best cakes, much like the best buildings, don't need to shout for attention.

They're thoughtfully designed, carefully built, and remembered long after they're gone.