At home with the architects… meet Kate Ha
Here at RBA, we’re incredibly proud of our team – after all, we wouldn’t be here today
without it!
Home to more than 20 different nationalities, each one of our colleagues brings something
to the table – and deserves their moment in the spotlight.
This month, we’re getting to know a little bit more about our architectural assistant Kate Ha,
from her role at RBA to her top three smartphone apps.
- Summarise your role at Reid Brewin Architects in one paragraph
As a London-based Part 2 architectural assistant, my day-to-day responsibilities involve
looking after reports and drawings on various data centre projects. I am also about to
embark on my RIBA Part 3 course to become a fully-qualified architect, supported by RBA. - What’s one thing that surprised you about working at RBA?
How incredibly international the team at RBA is. Since joining, there have been so many
new accents I’ve become familiar with. - If one of your colleagues could win an award (work or ‘fun’) who would it be and
why?
It’s difficult to pick just one as there are so many great people at RBA. After mulling it over,
I’d say Bruno Espinho – always fastidious and willing to take time out to spread the
knowledge. I’ll sneak in Yvonne McCormack too for her optimism, million-mile-per-hour
brain, and the welcome she gave me upon joining the team. - What led you to this career?
I knew I wanted to do something design-orientated but wasn’t sure exactly what it’d be. I
had studied product design and sciences at school, and thought architecture could be a
nice mix of the two and found the idea of designing a challenge appealing. I also, perhaps
naively, thought that I could draw all day and wouldn’t have to write much — yet here I am
writing! - What topic could you give a presentation on with little to no preparation?
The optimum way to eat a pear! Or, ways to build a physical sketch model using recycled materials.
- If you could trade places with anyone in the world for a day, who would you
choose?
Louis Theroux. He seems like an inquisitive and easy-going guy who gets to travel to the world’s wackiest places whilst meeting extraordinary people.
- What’s the best advice you were ever given?
Work smarter, not harder.
- What trend do you hope makes a comeback?
I don’t really follow trends and think most crazes that have died should probably stay that way. The one I’d hoped to be resurrected has made its return already — the flip phone!
- If you could only have three apps on a smartphone, which would you pick?
WhatsApp, Citymapper, and Monzo. - What’s one song or artist that you’re embarrassed to admit you like?
The Pokémon theme tune!