Introducing Lyssandra!
As a child, what was your dream job and when did you know Architecture was calling you…
When I was little I actually wanted to be a vet nurse because my dad was a vet and I loved helping at the surgery – I even had a full set of second hand vet instruments to play with! In the end I chose architecture because I wanted to work in a field that was both creative and tactile and scientific, something that was both intellectually and emotionally stimulating, and Architecture seemed like the perfect balance to me.
When did you start at Ecotect…
It was the day after my birthday in mid-May 2019 – an awesome present!
What does a day look like for you here at Ecotect…
I like to call myself ‘an assistant student’ as I am doing work experience so that I can graduate from my masters of Architecture at UWA. I help with drawings, 3D modelling for visualisation and sun shadow studies, as well as do materials research.
Can you tell us more about your studies…
At the start of this year I finished my studies in Architecture at UWA, and simultaneously began my masters of Urban Design.
Interestingly, the last unit I completed was an overseas studio in Lisbon that really opened my eyes to a completely different way of Architecture and building to what we have here!
What do you like most about your role with us…
Learning about the Client-Architect relationship is really interesting and working on real projects with all their individual challenges and conditions is exciting!
Knowing that my work is part of allowing people to fulfil their dreams is a great feeling.
What’s your ambition…
One day, I’d like to work for myself and take on local jobs such as small-scale urban projects and dwellings, with ecological sustainability in mind, and always designing comfortable and healthy spaces to be in, whether indoors or outdoors.
I also want to use the skills and knowledge that I acquire to make our shared habitat more conducive to social interactions that bond local communities, I would love to see car-less communities in areas of Perth and an increase in housing diversity and options (in condensed areas) that encourage neighbourly interactions.
Broadly speaking, my ambition is to use Architecture and Urban design to encourage lifestyle change as well as environmental awareness and at the same time finding ways to address social inequalities (through design of public spaces) so everyone benefits not just the groups who finance the design.
Where can we find you in your spare time…
I love going jogging along the beach, or bush walking, if I want to re-energise after work or on the weekend. I also get involved with my local wetland conservation group and go to their volunteer weeding and planting days!
If I have a few hours I will set up a drawing board and paint or sketch, mostly landscapes of whatever place I’d rather be in that moment. I also take classes in silver jewellery making, dance and boxing (though not all at once). Learning guitar is next on the list!
What does your future hold…
Travel and get as much experience as possible all over the world.
I find different vernacular building technologies fascinating, and I’d love to get involved in building overseas too, such as helping in post-disaster community re-building projects.
(I visited Christchurch NZ not too long after their big 2011 Earthquake and was really inspired by the different ways big and small that the community was reviving their city…being involved in something like that would be a dream!
Finally I’d like to finish my thesis…I started research into urban design interventions to increase incidental physical activity in everyday life for all ages and abilities, I think with more experience the topic will change but it’s a good starting point and one I have a lot of empathy with.