With over 25 years’ professional experience from the Commercial Architecture and Interior Design world, Patricia’s primary role is to manage and monitor projects with a focus on project Delivery.
Her key involvement is to ensure through the implementation of correct procedures and management systems, the elimination of contractual issues and conflict wherever possible.
As a highly motivated, level-headed individual, Patricia has developed strong analytical, organisational, interpersonal and communication skills as well as the ability to analyse unstructured problems in a dynamic environment. An independent-minded team player with a wide range of professional experience who thrives when engaged with people. Considers professionalism and commitment to client service as essential for success.
Patricia is a keen rower and is still able to terrify the opposition on a netball court! She has held the post of Master of the Worshipful Company of Constructors Livery company in the City of London, is a Chartered Architect and Council Member of Queen Mary UCL.
Tell us a bit about yourself, background and your current role?
I am half Italian, born, raised and educated in London.
I have worked as an Architect, Project Manager, Expert Witness, helped set up a Design and Build arm of a Contracting firm (I was the Design element), have been involved in the City Livery Companies, and became a Master of the Worshipful Company of Constructors (the second lady to do so), and am also a Draper. I am currently a member of the RSA, RIBA and Faculty of Building and a former member of the British Academy of Experts. I have been a Queen Mary UCL Council member for four years chairing multi million pound projects.
I decided in 2001 to set up on my own, and set up an Architectural practice, and was Managing Director for 9 years, and now Principal Director of Engineroom. My role is that of Operations Director, bringing in Projects and focussing on delivery/Client liaison
Did you ever sit down and plan your career?
Yes, I decided when I was 16 that I wanted a career and a profession, and wanted to be an Architect due to my love of art and design and of building and making things!
Have you faced any challenges along the way and if so, how did you deal with them?
In a very male dominated industry, when I started my career in construction, it was hard to be taken seriously, so I had to work extremely hard to prove I was twice as good! My view was always that to win respect you had to earn it: look, learn and listen. Working with rather than against the tide rather than standing on a soapbox demanding respect and alienating the individuals around me. My profession relies heavily on team-work and co-operation and I have found in my experience that being a female in this industry can often reduce conflict.
On a typical workday, how does you start your day and how does it end?
Every day is a challenge and no two days are the same – this is what gets me up in the morning.
My day usually starts with an action plan of key priority objectives and a focus on what needs to be delivered – architecture is about problem solving, and my day revolves around resolving issues and problems, often completely changing direction by the end of the day. This requires an element of mental agility and “thinking on your feet”. I try to avoid micro managing and focus on the bigger picture of where we need to aim for.
How do you feel about mentoring?
I enjoy mentoring and am happy to guide and advise – it is very rewarding to see an individual flourish and develop their potential.
Have you ever had a mentor or do you mentor anyone?
I never had a mentor, but relied on asking and seeking out help and guidance when I needed it from people I admired and respected
Do you have any advice for anyone looking to get into the architecture sector?
They need to possess an analytical mind, be passionate about what they do and strive to be the best that they can. I also think that they need to enjoy solving problems and challenges and enjoy working with people in teams.
If you could change one thing for women in the workplace, what would it be?
Being taken seriously and attitude.
As an 18 year old, one of my first work experiences as a student was working for a Large City Insurance firm updating floor plans for their fire records. When I entered the MD’s office I was asked what I was doing and promptly explained. When he discovered that I was studying Architecture I was asked “what do you want to do that for? You are going to get married and have children” …this stayed with me all my professional career and I was horrified that anyone would say such a thing or that that was how I was perceived! All my life I had had the view that I could be and do whatever I put my mind to!!
What has been your biggest achievement to date?
Setting up my own company from nothing but three projects – the ultimate challenge!
What is your next challenge and what are you hoping to achieve in the future?
Surviving Brexit and building the business up to develop our London presence!
