Professional Profile: Amy Papas
Amy Papas is senior laboratory planner with HDR in Sydney, Australia. Lab Design spoke to Amy about her early career, the buildings that inspire her, and her love of gardening.
Q: How did you get started in your career? Did you major in your field in college, get an internship, switch careers mid-stream, etc.?
A: I have dreamed of being an architect since I was 11 years old. I remember going to visit project homes with my family and excitedly sketching my dream house plan on lined writing paper. Since then, I have rarely waivered from my ambition. Even when I was actively discouraged by a high school teacher from taking a technical drawing subject and told I would be a potential distraction for the class made up exclusively of boys, I didn’t give up.
I am Sydney born and bred. I went to school in Sydney, completed my undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Sydney (other than a semester abroad in Sweden) and my career has been largely based in Sydney. I became a registered architect shortly after completing my master of architecture and, so far in my career, I have worked in residential architecture, K-12 education, tertiary education, health, and most recently, science.
There was a point in time where I did seriously consider changing careers following a period of work-induced burnout. I quit my job and took some time off to do some soul-searching. Not long after, I met a laboratory planner for the first time. After several stakeholder engagement sessions, I found myself feeling instantaneously inspired and re-energized by these in-depth conversations about research and day-to-day life in the science sector. So, in 2018 I joined HDR with the goal of becoming a laboratory planner.
Q: If you weren’t in this profession, what job would you like to have instead?
A: I was a bit of an art and drama geek when I was a kid. My dad is a retired English teacher, so I was into debating and Shakespeare over chemistry and physics. I’d like to think I’d have been an actor but I’m also really interested in the way the world works and I’ve always loved to read and learn, so perhaps a researcher or a librarian would have been good alternative careers for me!
Q: What is your favorite building, lab-related or not?
A: The Sydney Opera House. I’ve loved it since I was a child. It is an iconic building in a beautiful location, and it makes me appreciate what an incredible city I live in. When I was older, I learned about the history and construction; I think the spherical geometry used to derive the final form of the shells is so ingenious!
When I was studying architecture at university, I would have to catch a bus across the Sydney Harbour Bridge. I would look down at the Opera House and it would inspire me to keep going, even when I was exhausted and struggling to find motivation.
I would also like to give a special mention to the Tate Modern in London. When I first visited, I remember being in awe of the vast and dramatic Turbine Hall.
Q: What lab projects are you working on at the moment?
A: We’re contributing to some fantastic jobs here in education & science at HDR, including some game-changing ‘Australia first’ projects. I am currently working on the Sydney Biomedical Accelerator, Westmead Viral Vector Manufacturing Facility, Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness Part Life Re-fit, and the NSW RNA Pilot Manufacturing Facility.
Every project experience is unique and exposes me to different research methodologies, facility structures, and workplace cultures within the world of science. I love the opportunity to listen to researchers talk about their science and I learn something new every day!
Q: What kinds of hobbies or interests do you have outside of work?
A: When I’m not working, some of the ways I switch off are by indulging my love of gardening, reading, or riding my bike. My HDR colleague and dear friend Alex Wessling introduced me to road cycling and together we’ve completed some of my longest rides, up to 130 km. Her energy knows no bounds and she’s an inspiration to me every single day.
My education and career in architecture have taken me to some amazing places and introduced me to many lifelong friendships. It is so important that we support each other both inside and outside the workplace so that we can shape the future trajectory of the profession.
Q: What do you hope to accomplish in the next few years in this new position?
A: I’m looking forward to the construction of HDR’s ‘Australia first’ projects. For me, it is equally important to celebrate the execution and make sure I take away lessons learned from every project.
In 2022, I was promoted to associate director and sub-sector life sciences lead at HDR. I want to promote opportunities for more women to get involved in our STEM projects and shape HDR’s culture. I’ve only been on the laboratory planning path for about five years so I’m still discovering all the different sub-specialties, emerging typologies, and considering where I best fit within them.
Architecture can be a noble cause. Every day we have the privilege to contribute to the built environment that exists around us and, as a laboratory planner, I feel like I’m contributing to the future. Future research. Future discoveries. Future innovations. It makes me feel like what I have chosen to do with my working life is helping make the world a better place. That is deeply important to me.
