Recently appointed practice director, architecture, at HBO+EMTB, Allyson Wolff has experience in a range of projects, including high-rise and medium density residential, commercial buildings and educational projects.

Architecture & Design spoke to her about the importance of multi-tasking, dealing with unhappy neighbours and why choosing a business partner is like choosing a spouse.

How do you think Sydney’s architecture compares to that of other capital cities?

As there is a lack of common heritage style in Sydney’s architecture, this gives architects the freedom to experiment in a way that’s not possible in many other capital cities. I believe Sydney’s eclectic architecture juxtaposes different periods and styles and compares favourably with other international cities. It reflects the work of both local and international designers, but we need to outgrow our ‘cultural cringe’ and trust our own outstanding design talent rather than defer to international ‘stars’ on our way forward.

You managed your own practice for 15 years. Why have you decided to move back to working in a large firm?

I decided to join a large firm as I believe there are many advantages of working with other design professionals within an international, multidisciplinary practice. For example, HBO+EMTB is currently working on a major project in the Middle East, which has had input from our Sydney, Bangkok and Manila studios. It’s a ‘design without borders’ philosophy that matches skills with needs anywhere within the network — I really like that! It’s great for the client who has a bigger pool of talent available to them and also for the team, who wouldn’t have the same variety and opportunities if working in a smaller firm.

What was one of the most important lessons you learnt in running your own firm?

To run a successful architectural practice you need to be able to multi-task, with the ability to design, document and also manage the staff, clients and finances of the business. You need to actively market your firm and not wait for clients to knock on your door. I learnt the importance of having strong market awareness and establishing enduring relationships with clients. You also need to be aware of your own strengths and weaknesses and surround yourself with a team that complements your abilities.

What advice would you give young architects looking to run their own practice?

Make sure you have a solid business plan with at least four existing clients, achievable cash flows, PI and PL insurances in place and an appropriate budget for setting up the practice. Be totally clear on your professional architectural strengths and decide which specific sectors of architecture you wish to specialise in. Make sure you have completed courses in business management and pay a professional to set up a good website. If your practice is going to be a partnership, make sure you both have similar goals and that your partner complements your own skill set. A partnership is like a marriage and you should carefully choose with whom you go into partnership, as you would for a marriage.

What projects provided you with the biggest challenge? What were the challenges and how did you solve them?

One of the biggest challenges I have had in my career was working on luxury apartment projects in some of the most exclusive streets of Sydney’s eastern suburbs. At the time, the zoning changed from single dwellings only to allow for apartment buildings. We had to create beautiful and exciting architecture while dealing with the council’s strict codes, unhappy neighbours and active community groups objecting to the developments. My solution revolved around managing stakeholders, listening to the objectors’ views and taking into account their concerns of over shadowing, view loss and noise. I then addressed these concerns in the design while balancing the needs of the client.

Do you prefer to have free reign or work within set parameters?

I really enjoy the challenge of working within set parameters and believe this is when I produce my best designs.

If you weren’t an architect, what job would you like to be doing?

I would like to be a property developer as I love the excitement of the chase in finding suitable sites for development, working with consultant teams and coming up with an innovative sustainable design solution that satisfies the brief. I really enjoy the development process as well as the design.