Lisa Mcfarlane
Lisa Mcfarlane
The crucial thing is that projects are people-centric in their vision and goals. This way, they can change communities for the better.
The crucial thing is that projects are people-centric in their vision and goals. This way, they can change communities for the better.
"Architecture can change lives. It has a clear social impact.
Regeneration has the potential to make a significant positive impact on communities and individuals.
The crucial thing is that projects are people-centric in their vision and goals. This way, they can change communities for the better.
The more our projects do this, the more they can improve the public perception of architecture as a profession. We need to appear accessible and approachable.
This improved perception should attract a more diverse membership, with better access through apprenticeships.
We need to invest in the future of our profession alongside the future of the society of which we’re all a part."
Lisa is the director of Seven Architecture and a RIBA specialist conservation architect. She wants to ensure future generations will enjoy historical buildings and that public buildings provide support and resources for local communities.
Q&A
Q&A
How did you get to where you are now in your career?
I’ve always enjoyed understanding the evolution of the built environment and found joy in dilapidated old buildings. After studying architecture and working in various sectors, I was drawn to historic sites, particularly masterplanning projects where heritage was the key focus. After delivering several new build projects, I realised my heart was in old buildings. My practice supported me in pursuing a Masters in Conservation and the Heritage Environment to enhance my skills and the skills the practice could offer. Since completing the course, I’ve continued to work on Scheduled Ancient Monuments, Grade II, Grade II*, and occasionally Grade I listed, sites. I relish the process of understanding heritage and unlocking its value through reuse. This has also allowed my role to grow, becoming a Practice Director responsible for leading the heritage sector workload. I feel I’ve found my place in the built environment sector.
How did you get to where you are now in your career?
I’ve always enjoyed understanding the evolution of the built environment and found joy in dilapidated old buildings. After studying architecture and working in various sectors, I was drawn to historic sites, particularly masterplanning projects where heritage was the key focus. After delivering several new build projects, I realised my heart was in old buildings. My practice supported me in pursuing a Masters in Conservation and the Heritage Environment to enhance my skills and the skills the practice could offer. Since completing the course, I’ve continued to work on Scheduled Ancient Monuments, Grade II, Grade II*, and occasionally Grade I listed, sites. I relish the process of understanding heritage and unlocking its value through reuse. This has also allowed my role to grow, becoming a Practice Director responsible for leading the heritage sector workload. I feel I’ve found my place in the built environment sector.
How did you get to where you are now in your career?
I’ve always enjoyed understanding the evolution of the built environment and found joy in dilapidated old buildings. After studying architecture and working in various sectors, I was drawn to historic sites, particularly masterplanning projects where heritage was the key focus. After delivering several new build projects, I realised my heart was in old buildings. My practice supported me in pursuing a Masters in Conservation and the Heritage Environment to enhance my skills and the skills the practice could offer. Since completing the course, I’ve continued to work on Scheduled Ancient Monuments, Grade II, Grade II*, and occasionally Grade I listed, sites. I relish the process of understanding heritage and unlocking its value through reuse. This has also allowed my role to grow, becoming a Practice Director responsible for leading the heritage sector workload. I feel I’ve found my place in the built environment sector.
Which project or piece of work are you most proud of?
Long Street Methodist Church and School in Middleton is one of only a few Arts and Crafts Churches in the UK. This was a challenging project with a limited budget and a need to expend Townscape Heritage Initiative Funding within restrictive timescales. The completed project is now an event space, wedding venue and community building. The energy it takes for community groups to make these projects happen is immeasurable and often overlooked. Having delivered the project, I loved it so much that I decided to get married there a few years later!
Which project or piece of work are you most proud of?
Long Street Methodist Church and School in Middleton is one of only a few Arts and Crafts Churches in the UK. This was a challenging project with a limited budget and a need to expend Townscape Heritage Initiative Funding within restrictive timescales. The completed project is now an event space, wedding venue and community building. The energy it takes for community groups to make these projects happen is immeasurable and often overlooked. Having delivered the project, I loved it so much that I decided to get married there a few years later!
Which project or piece of work are you most proud of?
Long Street Methodist Church and School in Middleton is one of only a few Arts and Crafts Churches in the UK. This was a challenging project with a limited budget and a need to expend Townscape Heritage Initiative Funding within restrictive timescales. The completed project is now an event space, wedding venue and community building. The energy it takes for community groups to make these projects happen is immeasurable and often overlooked. Having delivered the project, I loved it so much that I decided to get married there a few years later!
What’s your favourite place or building and why?
Liverpool Catholic Cathedral, designed by Frederick Gibbert. It was a pioneering building, applying modernist design ideas to create something striking and contemporary.
What’s your favourite place or building and why?
Liverpool Catholic Cathedral, designed by Frederick Gibbert. It was a pioneering building, applying modernist design ideas to create something striking and contemporary.
What’s your favourite place or building and why?
Liverpool Catholic Cathedral, designed by Frederick Gibbert. It was a pioneering building, applying modernist design ideas to create something striking and contemporary.
Should we prioritise infrastructure over design?
I think there are opportunities for infrastructure to be more creative and fully integrated into large-scale developments through good design.
Should we prioritise infrastructure over design?
I think there are opportunities for infrastructure to be more creative and fully integrated into large-scale developments through good design.
Should we prioritise infrastructure over design?
I think there are opportunities for infrastructure to be more creative and fully integrated into large-scale developments through good design.
If you could change one thing in the built environment, what would it be?
For architects to be more valued in the industry and recognised as playing a lead role in projects. Their skills go beyond just design and include a more acute awareness of the social, commercial and environmental impacts of buildings. This is often overlooked.
If you could change one thing in the built environment, what would it be?
For architects to be more valued in the industry and recognised as playing a lead role in projects. Their skills go beyond just design and include a more acute awareness of the social, commercial and environmental impacts of buildings. This is often overlooked.
If you could change one thing in the built environment, what would it be?
For architects to be more valued in the industry and recognised as playing a lead role in projects. Their skills go beyond just design and include a more acute awareness of the social, commercial and environmental impacts of buildings. This is often overlooked.
What’s the most effective way of collaborating?
Working in a way that encourages trust and openness and avoiding a blame culture when things go wrong.
What’s the most effective way of collaborating?
Working in a way that encourages trust and openness and avoiding a blame culture when things go wrong.
What’s the most effective way of collaborating?
Working in a way that encourages trust and openness and avoiding a blame culture when things go wrong.
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Salford M3 7FB
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Find us
Patn Studio
x+why
Embankment East Tower Cathedral Approach
Salford M3 7FB
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Find us
Patn Studio
x+why
Embankment East Tower Cathedral Approach
Salford M3 7FB
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Find us
Patn Studio
x+why
Embankment East Tower Cathedral Approach
Salford M3 7FB
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Find us