Pamela Wackett
is a Director at Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF)
Tell us about your career journey. How did you get started in the field of architecture?
I’ve always had a strong curiosity about how to make places nicer. As a child, I was constantly reimagining my surroundings. I grew up in a city in the desert of Chile, with sand dunes along a long beach but very few green areas, so I would dream up improvements like lush gardens. I knew architecture was for me, and I studied at the Universidad Nacional Andres Bello in Santiago, Chile.
Were there any pivotal moments or experiences that solidified your decision to pursue a career in architecture and design?
My degree showed me that I was on the right track, and then I was lucky enough to work on some fantastic projects and with great mentors when I started my career, so I’ve never looked back.
If you hadn’t followed your passion for being an architect, what other career path would you have pursued?
As a child, I loved dance, music, sports, acting and photography, all activities that allow people to express creativity and connect with the world around them. I like to think that if I wasn’t an architect, I would be spending my time on these hobbies.
Who has been your greatest influence and source of inspiration?
I don’t think I can name one person here. I’ve been lucky to work on some incredible buildings with dedicated and talented colleagues and consultants. On every project, I find something to inspire me – such as responding to a historic neighbourhood or finding the most efficient way to detail a complex facade. There’s always someone to learn from, too. We work with such a broad range of people, all of whom are experts in their field, whether in computational design, structural engineering, or art.
What’s been the most memorable project you’ve worked on, and for what reason?
I’ve worked on a wide range of projects, including the Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi and a supertall tower in Shenzhen, China. But I’m always most focused on the project I’m working on now, and that absorbs me completely. The Lucan is a really lovely residential project in Chelsea, which has 31 apartments and state-of-the-art amenities that are currently under construction. Inspired by Chelsea’s classic Victorian-era mansions, there are some beautiful details, such as integrated artwork and bay windows. The apartments are going to be wonderful!
Can you share a personal anecdote or experience that taught you a valuable lesson about being an architect?
Watching the way that Gene Kohn, one of the Founders of KPF, was able to connect with people was a valuable lesson for me. Architecture is all about communication. As architects, we need to understand our clients’ briefs and aspirations, and we need to be able to express those to the various consultants that make up the project team. We need to be good storytellers. Often, people are worried when they hear that a new development will be built nearby; we need to be able to be storytellers who can bring people along on the journey, making sure that they understand what’s being proposed and how it will benefit them.
Could you walk us through a typical workday in your current role?
My days can vary depending on the stages of projects I am working on. It could start with a site visit, then the daily team catch up to review the progress of a project design. Meeting with a client or a consultant. Respond to emails, hand sketch ideas, prepare a presentation and make phone calls. The Lucan is currently under construction and is in its final stages of completion, so I might go on a site visit there to assess the progress and check material samples. Days finish very quickly!
What is your favourite building and why?
Palacio la Alhambra, in Granada, is the closest to perfection I have ever experienced. Beautiful architecture merges so well with the landscape that it makes you flow between gardens and interior spaces, bringing dramatic emotions of joy, isolation and peacefulness. Views, light, nature and the sound of water are all integrated so magically that I could just stay there and never leave.
In your opinion, who is the greatest architectural mastermind of our time?
It’s so hard to choose just one. Zaha Hadid transformed architecture with limitless innovation and creativity and showed how a woman could succeed in a profession that had been traditionally male. Tadao Ando, for his unique vision of spiritual spaces. And Antoni Gaudi, for creating the most beautiful places using nature, light and challenging engineering.
Looking ahead, what exciting projects or initiatives can we anticipate from you in the coming year?
The Lucan, which marks the very first standalone Autograph Collection Residences in Marriott’s Global residential portfolio, is near completion. I’m looking forward to seeing the project completed and people moving in. I’m working on a couple more residential projects in London, and I’ve also been looking at some adaptive reuse as well, investigating ways that an outdated building can be reimagined to provide new uses.
