Rachael Kelly
Ask me about
- What it's like studying architecture
- If I build anything in my role
- Where I see myself when I'm 50
- About the best part of my job
About me
- Regional Background
I always loved to draw and use technology in an artistic expression. I also spent a LOT of my time as a child on my dad’s building sites, where he built speculative homes. Looking back, it makes perfect sense to me that architecture would be a natural outlet and career path. That didn’t stop me choosing to study law after high school! I chose to select a course I could do, rather than what I wanted to do.
After 6 months of a combined law and commerce degree, I knew I had to go with my passion, and changed into an architectural degree at UTS, Sydney. I haven’t looked back since.
After over ten years of practice in Sydney with diverse experience across all building typologies, I settled down with my own family in Brisbane. A role in education architecture sparked my interest in the field. However, in needing a change of pace as a working mother, I sought alternative careers that were less demanding in documentation. A role as Design Coordinator appeared at just the right time and I can safely say it has been my most enjoyable role to date.
About my role
- Creative
- Curious
- Observant
- Passionate
- Resourceful
As Design Coordinator, I use my extensive experience from an architectural background to manage design teams. Made up of architects, engineers, energy consultants amongst many other disciplines, they are responsible for putting together all the information and approvals required in preparation for a built project. My main role is to make sure this documentation is correct, on budget, on time, complies with building laws, and meets our clients needs. After working as a project architect for a long time, I understand the coordination and technical skills required and applied by these teams. This positions me perfectly as a mediator between the crew building the projects and the initial designers to ensure everyone is happy! I also get to participate in design development by means of coordination meetings, sketches, drawing reviews and product sourcing. Another fun part of my role is assisting in Tender bids. I assist by reviewing preliminary drawings and flag risks and opportunities to strengthen our submissions. I also regularly attend site (typically fortnightly) to touch base with clients and site managers, and resolve any live construction design issues.
Education
- High School Certificate (NSW)
- Bachelor of Arts in Architecture
- Hons 1 Bachelor of Architecture
- White Card
- CPR / First Aid
Subjects
- Art
- Biology
- Business Studies
- Digital Design/Information Technology
- English
- Mathematical Methods (Maths B)
- Science
Awards
- NAWIC Scholarship recipient 2008
- RAIA (NSW) Award for Construction & Practice 2007
Hobbies
- Art
- Gaming
- Pilates
- Renovating
- Seeing family and friends
15 year old me!!
My career journey
-
Left home to study in Sydney
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Married another architect (+ made two humans)
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Worked remotely during COVID, got frustrated
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Went from architecture to building
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Love seeing things built each day, with a great team
My typical day
My employer
