BISI ASHIRU-SMILES
Hassell
SAY IT LOUD - Naarm Melbourne Exhibitor
MELBOURNE/AUSTRALIA Designer
Who or what inspires you professionally?
Good design: the ability to create, innovate and respond to a need. We often underestimate design’s potential to transform and bring joy to peoples lives. It is this force which drives and inspires me.
BISI ASHIRU-SMILES
Bio:
From London to Melbourne, Bisi’s experience has seen her leading large architectural and interior design teams across large-scale mixed-use projects in both the residential and hospitality sectors. Bisi’s understanding of planning policies and building regulations, and skills in space planning, sees her bring international knowledge to some of Hassell’s most notable projects. She’s played an important role as station lead for CBD North which forms part of Melbourne Metro.
How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
As a child I aways had a fascination with making and creating. Art was my favourite subject at school, and what had begun as foray into fine art quickly evolved into an interest in architecture and design.
What do you do?
Manage and develop architectural design for the station; ensuring a smooth implementation of the Project for all design and construction issues related to architectural design.
What excites you in the work you do? Who or what inspires you professionally?
Solving problems is key in the work I do, but also love the creative aspect of my work. My day-to-day work reminds me how architecture can improve people’s lives.
Who or what inspires you professionally? What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
Good design: the ability to create, innovate and respond to a need. We often underestimate design’s potential to transform and bring joy to peoples lives. It is this force which drives and inspires me.
What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
Working on a very low budget project, with a small and dedicated team and achieving a good outcome even with sever budget restraints. The project went on to receive a design award. It was rewarding to see the blood sweat and tears acknowledged.
Featured Project Name:
Melbourne Metro CBD North
Featured Project Location:
Melbourne, Australia
Featured Project Completion Date:
Due for completion 2025
Role in Featured Project:
Station Lead Architect
Featured Project Description:
The Melbourne Metro will transform the way people move around the city. The biggest ever public transport infrastructure project in Victoria’s history, it involves building twin nine-kilometre tunnels and five new underground stations including Melbourne Metro CBD North station. Like State Library Victoria above ground, the station platform below will be remarkable for its wide aisles and sweeping arches. At street level, the station’s entrance will echo the scale of the library.
