Architectus senior associate Liz Seuseu deals with “all the things that don’t tip out of a building when you turn it upside down”. Find out why our latest Secret Star shines.
Elizabeth (Liz) Seuseu, Senior Associate, Architect, Architectus
Three words to describe my job… Detailed. Dynamic. Creative.
When I explain my role to people outside the property industry, I say… Sometimes we forget we’re talking in code every day because we talk and work with people who know the language of architecture and get it. So, it’s important to always bring our work back to a simplicity. I often describe it as designing spaces and places for people which provides a background to everyday life.
When I was previously working as an interior architect in London, I used to describe it as dealing with all the things that don’t tip out of a building when you turn it upside down!
My three daily work essentials are…
- A coffee – flat white.
- A plan – I like to have a clear vision of the day ahead.
- A team – Architecture requires a significant amount of collaboration and I can’t do my job on my own, so a big part of my daily tasks is facilitating and providing an environment where the team can turn up, be engaged and perform at their best.
The biggest lesson I’ve learnt in my role… is to be agile, adaptable, and resilient. It is important to be flexible in your thinking and in your way of working. As the dynamic landscape of the architectural profession does keep you on your toes. Also, know what you don’t know!
My career motivation is… to ensure my practices are ethical, timely, up to speed, cutting edge and always best practice, with the goal to make meaningful change. I test this through teaching and being involved with academia, where research can have a fruitful relationship with practice.
My advice to others considering a career in my field… For those wanting to pursue a career in architecture, devour everything you can about the field – this will help you decide which parts of the built environment you are most passionate about.
Be curious about the world around you, a team player and aware of the different ways of working on projects. There’s no ‘copy and paste’ to projects, so you need to be flexible in your ways of working and thinking.
The building or project that embodies what I do… Recent projects for social housing and multi-unit residential schemes have explored ideas regarding the creation of new and engaging neighborhoods that are connected to landscaped open space. I have a deep sense of social obligation so have greatly enjoyed the responsibility of being involved in these impactful projects.
The inspirational quote I live by… Do it with passion or not at all.
This year I’ll be… looking to do some thought leadership work around affordability and the future of apartment design in a post Covid-19 world such as exploring adaptive re-use scenarios for existing apartment buildings.
Who nominated Liz? Oliver Mayger, Principal, National Sector Leader, Residential, Architectus
Why is Liz a Secret Star? Liz exemplifies the way that we aspire to practice architecture at Architectus. Her passion for the industry, for people, and the positive impact the built environment and good design can have on our society and community is evident in her work and in the way she practices.
This commitment to design and community, and Liz’s energy, makes her a great advocate for socially sustainable architecture, our industry and a positive role model within the Architectus studio.