Caroline Pidcock CAROLINE PIDCOCK ARCHITECTS

Caroline Pidcock is the director of the architectural practice to which she lends her name. The passionate force behind CPA, Caroline plays an active role in the wider profession and academia where she has held a number of prominent positions.For more than fifteen years, Caroline has pursued Environmentally Sustainable Design principles in her practice, her teaching and through involvement in a number of committees aiming to promote these issues. Having completed her term as the second ever female president of the NSW Chapter of the RAIA in March 2005, she has taken up the position of President of the Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council (ASBEC). Caroline tries to swim regularly and kayak on the harbour to keep herself sane!

Why did you decide to become an architect?
I decided that architecture might be a good way of combining my interests in maths, science, art and psychology. Very happily I found this rather than engineering or psychiatry!

If you weren't an architect what would you be?
I can't imagine doing anything else, as I don't know any other job that combines using the left and right sides of your brain so well. Unless I was independently wealthy and being an artist!

What keeps you motivated?
Every day brings different challenges, which build upon lessons learnt in the past, keep pushing the limits of my comfort zone and open up exciting new horizons. The prospect of the weekend is also good.

What do you consider to be your greatest achievement?
Completing my first Palm Beach to Whale Beach swim.

Strangest architectural experience?
Finding so few women in the higher levels of the profession, and finding so many directors of large practices unable to see the importance of such involvement for the future of architecture.

Have you ever said no to a client?
Yes. I think it is really important to try to ensure you work with people who are aligned with your visions, and to help clients who aren't able to find someone they will be happy with.

City or Country?
I love living in the city with all its potential for connections and interaction, with breaks in the country and by the sea for rest and relaxation.

Straight line or curved?
Both have their place and often together.

What do you find inspiring about the natural environment?
I love its exquisite detail, great diversity, fragility and strength.

Which Australian building excites you the most?
The Sydney Opera House- not only because of its inherent and absolutely appropriate beauty, but also because of its transformative effect on Australian design, culture and construction industry.

What possible future or futures do you foresee for the built world?
A return to understanding the importance of buildings working positively with the environment and the need for built environments to encourage positive interaction between people rather than alienating them from each other.

An inspiring work environment is . . .
Lots of natural light and ventilation, good projects to work on and people who are excited about the opportunities that can be found in the work.

Do you have a favourite architect? Why?
I admire many architects for many different reasons. Good design skills, attention to detail, desire to celebrate sustainability, ability to both lead and be part of a team, strong ethics and the ability to make things happen are skills I admire.

The Empire State Building or the Pyramids?
The pyramids have got serious longevity on their side, which is a pretty powerful sign of their validity to many people over many years. I am not sure how the Empire State Building is going to survive potential future power shortages.

An ideal weekend is . . .
Reading the Saturday papers from beginning to end with good coffee, some kayaking, swimming and walking, and catching up with family and friends over delicious meals.

What concerns do you deem most important for environmentally sustainable design?
The need for all of us to reduce our levels of consumption and for each person to accept responsibility for their own impacts.