Kind, reflective, and not so good with the words (until he is), Johannes Hempel is the classic quiet person in the group. He thinks thoroughly, deeply and when he talks, it is usually with heavy insight and consideration. As the second child and eldest son, Johannes has grown up both in the spotlight of expectation and in the shadow of his older sister Rosanna. He does not harbour a grudge against her—after all, she is his best friend—although sometimes, childhood jealousy nibbles at him.
Johannes was 10 when he discovered beautiful buildings and architecture. With Rosanna, he snuck into the gated grounds of Number 10, only to be chased down and caught by the young Duke Osborne himself! That day, he saw the beautiful sandstone mansion up close for the first time, and from then on, was hooked with the thought of one day designing his own places.
After being articled (1) to an older architect who died just as Johannes was on the verge of finishing his training, he has spent months applying for positions, only to be rejected again and again. Finally, he has secured a place with an older architect who has returned to London after spending thirty years in Australia. Things are finally going his way.
Age: 22
Family: Second child (with nine siblings). Eldest son of Lawrence and Wilhelmina Hempel.
Work: Assistant to Mr Holt, Architect.
Interests: Wood carving, leathercraft, drawing.
Books: Appears in Undercover with the Heiress, main character in Blueprints, Battlelines and Ballrooms.
Footnotes
1 - Articled was similar to being apprenticed, except that the student paid a fee to the teacher, rather than the student receiving a wage while they were learning a profession or trade.
