How I Became - an architect w/ Kate Wyatt.

Welcome to the ‘How I Became’ series where Billie talks to girls across New Zealand who are killing it in their chosen career and see how they got there!

Trying to decide what you ‘want to be when you grow up’ is hard enough as it is and your careers counsellor probably won’t have all the answers you need.

HIB aims to give you a bit of insight into different career paths and what it takes to get there.

Name: Kate Wyatt

Age: 33

Job title: Registered Architect

Current job: Architect at Crosson Architects

Firstly, what drew you to architecture?

My dad designed our family home and from that moment he instilled a passion for architecture in me. I started designing floor plans on Microsoft Word at a very early age and would ask my dad to critique my work. As I grew older I was admiring the work my older brother was doing in graphics at school and wanted to do the same.

What subjects did you take in high school that you think helped?

I took Graphics, English, Calculus & Physics. I also did this gateway programme where I got to work in an Architects office one day a week. I used this time to prepare my portfolio for Uni and find out if Architecture was the right pathway for me.

I did not appreciate at the time that a large part of architecture is problem solving. So the skillsets I gained from Calculus & Physics have definitely helped me in my career.

What did your pathway towards starting your career look like?

After completing NZQA Level 3 I moved to Christchurch and studied a Bachelor of Architectural studies at CPIT now called Ara. In my third year of study, the devastating February 2011 Christchurch earthquake occurred. Unfortunately CPIT was situated within the Christchurch ‘Red Zone’ and our school was closed for the first term. Our curricular had to be condensed into three terms.

The following year I moved to Auckland to study my Masters of Architecture Professional at Unitec. During this two year course, I was one of four students selected to carry out a real life design paper at Jasmax, one of New Zealand largest architectural practices.

After finishing my thesis as joint top student, I was offered a full time job at Jasmax in Auckland, as an Architectural Graduate.

What did you study/where/how long did it take?

Bachelor of Architectural Studies - CPIT 3 years

Masters of Architecture Professional - Unitec 2 years

What’s the best thing about your job?

The connections we make with our clients and the journey we go on together to create something beautiful. Seeing your designs built and your clients happy is so rewarding.

What’s the hardest part?

The hardest part for me is being comfortable when faced with moments of uncertainty. Our role as architects is to find solutions to issues, obstacles and challenges, and as a developing architect it is easy to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to those with a higher level of experience.

What surprised you most about your job once you started working?

Probably the confidence it has given me. Running a design team meeting as the only female and youngest in the room does not phase me anymore, but it definitely was daunting at the beginning!

What does an average day look like for you?

This can vary so much depending on what projects I am working on and what phase of design they are in. I am typically juggling 3-5 projects at any one time so a loose example would be:

Read and respond to emails from clients, consultants, builders, or council. Call the builder and discuss any site queries, sit down with my boss and go over any design changes, sketching design options for clients, editing the 3D model and drawings in the computer, responding to council RFIs, meeting with consultants or clients to discuss the project.

What advice would you give to those looking to follow a similar career path?

Reach out to someone you know who is working in the industry, so you can get a better insight into the day to day runnings of an architectural practice.

What are the biggest challenges in your opinion to getting into architecture?

Having to prepare a portfolio to apply for the course.

There are only three recognised schools of Architecture in New Zealand so it can be quite competitive to get into or depending on the university, getting accepted into second year can also be quite competitive.

What kind of skills does your job require?

• Creativity - Being creative goes without saying. You also need to be able to think outside the square and push the limits

• Multi-tasking - Always juggling different projects at different stages and multiple clients

• Driven - Always wanting to learn, improve and be better than you were yesterday

• Self motivating - When you are managing your own projects, you have to ensure you are managing your time efficiently to meet programme

• Communication - Being able to communicate your ideas clearly & concisely

What part of your job gives you the most satisfaction?

The first Concept Design presentation to the client that goes really well and then the handover to the client after the build is complete.

Most projects we work on span across quite a few years so you build up the most amazing relationships with your clients during this time.

What has been an absolute highlight of your career?

Having a number of projects I have worked on being built. I do have a very exciting project on Waiheke Island finishing up this year so I think this will trump my current career highlights.

What’s an unexpected element to your job that people don’t realise you have to do?

Architects often manage Construction Contracts between the client & contractor. This is an important document which establishes the legal rights of both parties. We will also review payment claims and issue payment schedules throughout the duration of the project.

Describe your job in three words

Rollercoaster of emotions (LOL)