Harriet Spring - Non-linear careers

In this episode, Vyasa McPherson and Daniel Moore speak with architect Harriet Spring shares her diverse career journey, from working on Parliament House to leading public projects as a government architect and project manager. Harriet reflects on the impact of civic architecture and how working beyond traditional practice can deepen an architect’s contribution to the public good. She challenges the stigma around leaving private practice, encouraging architects to embrace broader roles in policy, delivery, and project leadership. Her insights reveal how architectural thinking can shape outcomes far beyond the drawing board, offering inspiration for those exploring alternative career paths within the built environment and public sector.

Harriet Spring is a Registered Architect and design professional who worked for many
years in traditional architectural practice across residential, heritage, public, and
commercial sectors, and has subsequently moved on to develop a range of expertise
across other fields, however, still working within the construction and building
management sector.

During her career that followed, Harriet applied the skill set she developed through her
architectural practice. She found her core architectural strengths in strategic thinking,
having a certain design sensibility, and taking a structured approach to problem solving,
have been directly transferable skills to managing complexities and delivering solutions in life after architecture.

Our sponsor Brickworks also produces architecture podcasts hosted by Tim Ross. You can find ‘The Art of Living’, ‘Architects Abroad, and ‘The Power of Two’, at brickworks.com.au or your favourite podcast platform.

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This is a production by the Australian Institute of Architects Emerging Architects and Graduates Network, in collaboration with Open Creative Studio. The Institute production team was Katie Katos, Claudia McCarthy, and Mark Broadhead, and the EmAGN production team was Vyasa McPherson and Daniel Moore.

This content is brought to you by the Australian Institute of Architects Emerging Architects and Graduates Network, in collaboration with Open Creative Studio. This content does not take into account specific circumstances and should not be relied on in that way. This content does not constitute legal, financial, insurance, or other types of advice. You should seek independent verification or advice before relying on this content in circumstances where loss or damage may result. The Institute endeavours to publish content that is accurate at the time it is published, but does not accept responsibility for content that may or will become inaccurate over time.

We respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia where this podcast was produced, as the first storytellers, the first communities and the first creators of Australian culture. I extend that respect to the Traditional Custodians of country throughout the multiple places abroad where this podcast was recorded. We thank Traditional Custodians for caring for Country for thousands of generations. and recognise their profound connection to land, water, and skies.