As a senior member of an architectural firm, what was your role?

I managed the project process, team members, consultants, clients, etc - from determining the client brief to design & development, through to authority submissions & approvals processes, detail development & documentation, services and structural design coordination, construction & contract administration, and post-occupation follow-ups.

Does the move to Project Management mean that you no longer want to design?

What a silly question. Design is a very small part of architectural practice. Management and project coordination takes up most of one’s time. Many larger projects are now managed by project managers who frequently have little appreciation of the architectural process or aesthetics. I believe that my background and experience in architecture can bring a better perspective to the management of construction projects.

What qualities do you think make for a great architect?

Good people skills, the ability to think creatively and onone’s feet, understanding of materials and tectonics, continuing curiosity as to what other architects are doing around the world and how things are put together.

Thinking back, what inspired you to study architecture all those years ago?

I have always wanted to be an architect since I was 5 years old! The ability for humankind to design and build an environment that shelters, nurtures, stimulates and inspires is a truly phenomenal thing. Unfortunately the projects that stimulate and inspire are not that common, but when they occur are truly special and worth cherishing.

Your new job with Cadence, what does it involve?

Cadence is a project management consultancy firm with a good reputation for its professionalism and skills. I am working as a project manager, part of a team managing the delivery of subdivisions and civil & infrastructure works for Landcom at Prince Henry Little Bay. It’s been great getting the brain and the adrenalin pumping again, working out of one’s comfort zone, certainly I’m getting the challenge I wished for.