Architect - Lucy

Lucy works for the New South Wales Public Service and has 9 years professional practice. She commenced her study of architecture at the University of Newcastle (two hours north of Sydney) in 1997 after growing up in the Nelson Bay area. After completing her first degree Lucy spent a year living in the United Kingdom working in an architectural practice before returning to Newcastle to complete her Bachelor of Architecture. Lucy has post graduate qualifications in heritage conservation, her area of specilisation.

Lucy said she considers the role of an architect as a problem solver and communicator. Additionally she says that they are required to communicate to a number of stakeholders including, the client comprising the; contractor, other consultants and at times the public.

Photo by Simon Dance.

Jeds Blog interviewed Lucy on her experiences as an architect. 

JEDS: The stigma of women in construction, is it an outdated phrase and have you had any issues in your career to date?
Lucy: Excellent question, I haven’t experienced any discrimination or harassment arising from gender issues. . I have a few people raise their voices but in no way was that due to being a women. I think women bring harmony to the work site. The recent reports indicate the split for women to men coming out of universities for architect is close to 50:50. So the industry is well represented by women educationally. There is a marked shift in these statistics with relation to practicing architects however.

JEDS: What about women on construction sites and their representation?
Lucy: Women in the trades are low in representation. It is assumed that a women’s role in construction (by women too) is best as a consultant. Women need to be encouraged into apprenticeships and these opportunities need to be marketed with a collaborative approach from bodies such as the master builders association, educational institutions and government.

JEDS: What is notable about women on the construction site say in lieu of men in your opinion?
Lucy: Women don’t bring their egos – all have earned their credentials and worked hard to gain respect professionally. Men are a times reluctant to say they don’t know the answer to something, where as a women is more likely to bring a resolution by a collective approach.

JEDS: Ok – so if you were a tradesman what would you do?

Lucy: Easy, a stonemason or similar traditional craft such as lead worker or slate roofer.

JEDS: Is there something as an architect you still wish to do?

Lucy: As I work in conservation and preservation of buildings. I would like to see a design of my own constructed.

JEDS: Do people appreciate the role of an architect in construction?

Lucy: I think people undervalue the contribution that an architect can make to a project after all the statutory approvals are gained. There is a tendency to seek savings on an architect’s professional fees, without realising the savings that an architect can contribute to a project with things such as materials selection, innovations and the like.

A client who employs an architect for only statuary approvals is not giving the opportunity for the true design intent to be reaslised. The onus is then placed on the Builder to realise a vision that they may not fully understand.

I would engage an architect if I was looking to build my own home.

JEDS: Most famous building you have worked on?

Lucy: I did some consultancy for the Harbour bridge a few years ago.

JEDS: Hobby outside of architecture?

Lucy: Cooking, needle work, trying to learn the harmonica.

JEDS: Where is architecture heading?

Lucy: I would like to see it move toward a less developer centric focus, where the quality of space and materials is better appreciated. Architecture is meant to improve our quality of life. The materials selected should ensure that a building will last; they don’t build them like they used to! I would also like to see a greater respect for the heritage significant buildings within our environment.

JEDS: Any comment on heritage issues in the state of NSW?

Lucy: I visited Tasmania recently and was overwhelmed by the authenticity of their heritage buildings. This is something that is being slowly eroded in Sydney at least. I will be interested to see how the NSW Planning review addresses heritage.  

JEDS: If you had your time again, would you choose architecture again?

Lucy:Yes, I love it.!!!

JEDS: Perks of the job?

Lucy: Eye candy. I think if women knew the options they would trade the girth of the office man very quickly!!