PROFILE: This is my story - Kate Foss

 

Please give us a brief summary on your career to date

I am an architect. I studied in Johannesburg and have worked at commercial practices in South Africa and the United Kingdom. I am currently based in London.

Give us details of a project you have worked on that stands out to you

In 2015 I began work on 'Living Systems Institute' at the University of Exeter, in the UK. The project is a 7,500 sqm, seven-story post-graduate building where the faculties of science, math’s, physics and biology are able to operate and collaborate in wet laboratories, seminar rooms, flexible open plan classrooms and imaging facilities. The new building faced various challenges such as    having to 'plug in' to two existing protected heritage buildings, an extremely steep site, strict construction time frames which tied in to terms times, noise and vibration restrictions and losing a main contractor with the replacement of another early on in the project timeline. Exeter is 2.5 hours by train from London which added to the challenges.

What was your position and duties on this project?

I was first assistant to the project architect. I was responsible for early design work, client collaboration, construction drawings and then site inspection under novation to the main contractor. 

Why does this project stand out to you?

Basement Construction photograph courtesy Hawkins/Brown Architects

The project is seminal to me due to the complex challenges it faced and then was able to overcome. The good quality of the building achieved by the contractor despite cost challenges and tight funding was something extraordinary. 

What were the important lessons you learnt from this project?

Maintaining good relationships often mean more to projects and clients than big budgets or completing on time. Additionally, mutual communication across the consultant team is of utmost importance when projects are faced with adversity and challenge. Architects very seldom achieve 'design buy-in' from the main contractor. This is often because various project teams have various project aims. The architect team should always communicate the building aim or 'design aspiration' so that the main contractor is able to deliver what the design team have promised the client.

North Elevation showing Construction Progress photograph courtesy Hawkins/Brown Architects

What were career mistakes or regrets you experienced on this project

Not working with specialist subcontractors during the design phases of the project to gain/enable a realistic facade design and protecting the client. Not being on site for quality inspection and design coordination enough. Not aiming for more holistic team communication which is so important. Not fully understanding project risk at the beginning of the job.

How did you overcome your mistakes/regrets?

Maintaining a good relationship between architect and main contractor so that issues could be discussed. Being able to negotiate effectively. Maintaining a good and professional relationship with the client. Understanding the client's funding mechanism to be able to understand and manage the project risk. 

What has been the most satisfying thing for you personally/career wise about this project?

The completion of the job alongside post-completion client feedback. Seeing students use the building. Receiving acclaim for awards the building received. Seeing professional photographs of the building also gives me great satisfaction. 

Also read: This is my Story - Errol Kerst

This industry is said to be one of the toughest industries, how did you manage to stay in for so long?

Construction is tough but overcoming these challenges is extremely rewarding. The construction industry has such an impact on the world. It has the potential to impact climate change positively and repair the damage already done. It has the potential to provide safety for the millions of displaced people living without refuge around the globe. It has the potential to provide spaces for education to the impoverished and previously disenfranchised. When construction is successful, it really lifts communities. It is truly the most exciting industry to be in.

East Elevation showing Service Road photograph courtesy Hawkins/Brown Architects

In your opinion what are the biggest challenges facing the industry currently and how can they be overcome?

Achieving funding for buildings and projects is a great challenge especially during the Covid pandemic. Quality workmanship and quality building material is also something which is difficult to achieve and getting scarcer even though the rate of unemployment is so great in South Africa. Construction can provide such a great opportunity for those unemployed and those wishing to build themselves.

Schematic Section through Buildings photograph courtesy Hawkins/Brown Architects

Aerial View of the completed Buildings photograph courtesy Hawkins/Brown Architects

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