Practice Director / Architect
Name: Lisa Fathalla
Career stage: Senior - 10+ years' experience
Working: Office
High School Subjects: English, History, History Extension, Maths, Maths Extension, Chemistry
Favourite: History/Extension: For the attempt to comprehend multiple voices and perspectives at the same time.
Further study: University
where and what: University of Sydney; Bachelor of Design in Architecture, Masters of Architecture
“Architects make places that make you feel something.”
the inside scoop…
What does a Practice Director / Architect actually do? I lead the design team on large architectural projects such as schools, offices, hospitals and apartment buildings. I love discovering what makes each place special and designing buildings that belong. That means understanding its place in the history of the city, its topography, geology, flora and fauna, the people that occupied it historically and how, as well as who will occupy it into the future. And in the end, to make places that that make you feel something.
What does a day in your life at work look like? Coffee first. A site visit in the morning to a project site. Design conversations in the office reviewing current projects. A few meetings and design workshops. Research / focus time. Mentoring session with my mentee. More focus time, often with a digital model or plans.
What's the best part of your job? Working in big teams on complex problem solving and engaging with consultants from lots of other disciplines like structures, services engineering, fire engineers etc to make all the pieces of the puzzle come together.
What made you realise construction could be for you? I was always meant to do law. Or something wordy. On the day my preferences were due, plagued by indecision and fear... I opened the UAC guide and dared myself to pick anything from the page I landed on. Once a few people told me I shouldn't do it, and, having never done art or creative subjects at school, that perhaps I wouldn't be good at it... I wasn't giving it up.
Lisa is open to engaging further via: Speaking at a high school
If you'd like to enquire more, please email hello@tomorrowswomeninconstruction.com.au with the subject: "Lisa Fathalla engagement enquiry" and we'll pass your message on.