Senior Associate Architect
Name: Annabel Koeck
Career stage: Senior - 10+ years' experience
Working: Office
High School Subjects: 3 Unit Maths, Advanced English, Chemistry, Visual Arts, History
Favourite: Visual Arts, it could be academic through preparing research and artists statements but it allowed a huge level of independent thought.
Further study: University
where and what: Bachelor of Architecture and Master of Architecture at the University of Sydney
"Do as much work experience as possible. Even if you are at Uni and not at school anymore, still ask to go to someone's office for a week."
the inside scoop…
What does a Senior Associate Architect actually do? I work for clients (usually property developers) as their lead architect. They will own a site that they want to renovate, or construct a new building on. As the projects I work on are so large, they will need a whole team of architects, and so I lead the team of architects to design and document a new vision for the site (for example a new office tower or school building or art gallery). We will also need engineers and other specialists to contribute to the design and so I will coordinate with specialists to make sure that the design works.
What does a day in your life at work look like? I usually come into the office and have a meeting with the team of architects where we update each other on what progress we are making in designing different parts of the building/s. Then we will have some broader team meetings and workshops with the client and the specialists (like engineers) to make sure the client is on board with the design direction. We hold workshops with specialists to resolve clashes like if columns to support the structure are landing in the middle of a swimming pool (for example)! I might go on a site visit to analyse either construction progress, or if the project is pre-construction I might be checking dimensions and environmental factors (like what direction the sun and wind comes from).
What's the best part of your job? I love problem solving in collaborative workshops with people from so many different backgrounds.
What made you realise construction could be for you? A fabulous architect designed our family home when I was in primary school and I loved following her around. In high school I was passionate about a diverse range of subjects from chemistry and maths, to arts and history, so the architecture course sounded like it brought together my disparate interests.
Do you have any advice for young women picking a career? Do as much work experience as possible. Even if you are at Uni and not at school anymore, still ask to go to someone's office for a week. There is no better way to understand what direction you would like to take in your career. Also, you can start building an invaluable network of people in your chosen field while you are young.
Who has inspired you in your career? I have chosen jobs based on the admiration I have for people I will work for. You spend more time with individuals within an organisation than you will with your own family so seek out people that you aspire to be and that you think will be great mentors. Working for a company with a big brand might not be right for you if you are not working with great individuals.
What would you tell your high school self about working in construction? These days most jobs are pretty desk based, even in construction! There is not as much time away from a computer as I imagined.
Annabel 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: "Annabel Koeck engagement enquiry" and we'll pass your message on.