MEET THE TEAM: ELENA BARTI
In the next of our regular ‘Meet the Team’ series, we talk to Architect Elena Barti.
What got you into architecture originally?
Since a very young age, my family encouraged me to be creative and exposed me to different forms of art and design. At the age of 8, my parents who have an avid interest in interior design and architecture, commissioned an Architect for the refurbishment of our family home. Attending the meetings at the Architect’s office during the design process as well as witnessing the transformation of our house, ignited my wish to become an Architect. During my teenage years we travelled a lot and I found London so fascinating and ever-changing architecturally. At the age of 16, I knew I wanted to move to the UK to study Architecture and I specifically remember recreating the technical drawings from the Mind Zone at the Millennium Dome by Zaha Hadid Architects with my rapidograph pens!
Describe your role at Lees Associates
I joined Lees Associates in 2019 as Part II Architectural Assistant whilst pursuing my RIBA Part III qualification at the Bartlett School of Architecture (UCL). Day to day, I spend the majority of my time overseeing many of our retail projects within Harrods under the direction of the project architect, collaborating with external designers, attending design team and client meetings and producing design packages for planning, tender and construction.
Where do your particular passions, skills and interests lie?
During my Masters in Applied Design in Architecture (RIBA Part II) at Oxford Brookes University, I specialised in International Architectural Regeneration and Development which concerns the creative reuse and adaptation of existing historical buildings and wider areas. Undertaking this masters degree and specialisation, was pivotal to shaping my interests and career in architecture. Although my passions and interests are constantly evolving, they are deeply rooted within the realms of art, sustainability, socio-politics and cultural anthropology.
What do you enjoy about what you do?
The part I enjoy the most about working in architecture is constantly being challenged by the complexities of each project which in itself is quite humbling and exciting. Every project is unique and challenging no matter its size. Being naturally inquisitive, I find being analytical and having to consider each concept from a holistic point of view very intriguing. As architects, we consider our designs through many different lenses whilst also ensuring their viability from a business and financial perspective. Generally, buildings can have so many functions and mean different things to different people. Successful architectural interventions can directly enhance the lives of the occupants of a building, as well as have a profound impact on the community. With that in mind, designing spaces can be very empowering and rewarding; seeing a design concept turn into something physical and tangible is one of the most fulfilling experiences one can have.
What project are you most proud of?
Although I am really proud of all of our projects in the office, I am biased enough to say that the projects in Harrods are the ones that I am most proud of. Architecturally, the existing Harrods building is an amalgamation of construction methods from different periods and there’s an element of surprise with every new project as you never know what to expect. In addition to the fact that it is such a big privilege to be given the opportunity to design projects for an internationally renowned symbol of English heritage, this type of projects are also in line with my personal interests outside of work which makes the design process very compelling.
What are your plans for the future?
I look forward to completing my RIBA Part III qualification and become a registered architect, as well as see myself progress within the practice.
What do you get up to outside of the office?
Work and studies aside, I enjoy being active and staying creative. I make sure to do something fun every day from training in gymnastics, olympic weightlifting and Crossfit to creative direction, fashion design and photography. I thoroughly enjoy collaborating on projects with other creatives and constantly expanding my artistic horizons through self-expression using different outlets. As I am always really eager to learn new skills and broaden my artistic horizons, I firmly believe that working on multi-disciplinary collaborative projects outside of work is an excellent way to satisfy my childlike curiosity, find inspiration and share ideas with other creatives.