Name: Federica Buricco
Job title: Senior associate at CRTKL
What I do: I am an architect and urban design specialist with over 18 years’ of experience in designing large-scale residential, commercial, hotel and mixed-use projects.
Why I got into the property industry: I have always been captivated by the creative forces that shape our cities. Even today, I am passionate about urban regeneration processes, both on large and small scales, which enhance the quality of life in our neighbourhoods. Whether it’s a new transit-oriented development, a tactical urbanism intervention, or the adaptive reuse of a heritage building, all of these contribute to addressing the challenges faced by citizens today and in the future.
How I did it: I obtained my degree in architecture from the Polytechnic University of Milan. Following a few years working as a registered architect in Italy, I relocated to Switzerland. After that, when I moved to the UK, I became a member of the Royal Institute of British Architects. More recently, I joined the Urban Land Institute. By being a part of these leading associations, I’m constantly reminded how great and rewarding our industry is. I maintain connections with my polytechnic alumni, clients, former colleagues, and peers in the industry. I highly value the knowledge and experience gained from being part of an international network of like-minded professionals who share the same vision for the future of the built environment.
My first proper job: In my initial role, I worked as a junior masterplan designer for an Italian company. During my tenure, I participated in designing two masterplans focused on residential and hospitality projects in Surman and Sabratha in Libya. This opportunity allowed me to analyse a remote, untouched and underdeveloped site, learn how to assess its potential, and understand the steps required for its development. Unfortunately, due to complex political issues, the projects were not completed. Nevertheless, developing the conceptual masterplan and generating ideas to unlock the site’s potential convinced me that this was the career path I wanted to pursue.
My first big break: When I moved to the UK, I planned to take a break but it coincided with the financial crisis. Just three weeks after arriving in the country, I was offered a dream job opportunity, and I felt compelled to accept it immediately. This decision led to a nearly seven-year job that took me to various projects in the UK, Spain, UAE, KSA, Lebanon, Jordan and Turkey. It has been an incredible journey so far, but I still look forward to a significant breakthrough.
My inspiration(s): I am deeply passionate about cities and their ever-evolving dynamics, influenced by both internal and external factors. Cities transform rapidly as they mirror economic shifts, technological advances, social activities, and policies. My inspiration comes from travelling and meeting people. Only through observation and interaction can one identify and comprehend the changes experienced by all individuals. It is our responsibility to respond to their evolving needs and provide new solutions for shopping, dining, exercising, working and leisure.
The biggest challenge I’ve encountered to date: Some of the biggest challenges I’ve faced include the Global Financial Crisis, Brexit, the pandemic, and more recently the Ukraine war, which have all had significant impacts on the property industry. Throughout these periods, I focused on nurturing my curiosity, self-education, and staying abreast of the latest global trends. It required persistence, adaptability, and resilience to continue pursuing what I love during these challenging times.
My greatest achievement/proudest moment to date: Choosing a favourite project is akin to selecting a favourite child! However, I am immensely proud of the initial phase of a project we recently completed in the heart of Jeddah’s Old Town. This site falls within an UNSECO heritage property, presenting numerous regulatory constraints. I believe we have successfully understood the essence of the site and effectively guided our clients through a range of development scenarios. If all goes according to plan, we will retain existing structures, repurpose two heritage buildings, introduce new uses, and, most importantly, activate the public realm through community involvement. Our objective is to create a vibrant hub deeply rooted in its history and integral to the future of Al Balad, embodying the principles of community-driven growth and resilience.
My biggest screw-up: In the past, I accepted a project knowing that its chances of success were limited. I could attribute this to the client’s inexperienced management or changing circumstances. However, the truth is that I felt obliged to accept without voicing my concerns at that time. Experience has brought me awareness and confidence, empowering me to decline projects if the minimum conditions for success are not met.
The biggest misconception people have about the property industry: For a long time, speculation and gentrification have plagued the industry, and now concerns about building lifecycles and the social impact of large developments have emerged. The reality is that while discussions around sustainability and community effects fell on deaf ears for some time, there is now a greater openness and awareness of environment, social and governance (ESG) considerations among clients.
My biggest bugbear about the industry/the one thing I would change about the industry: One aspect that bothers me is the speed of design and construction. Often, developers are not local and lack a genuine connection to the place or community. Their primary goal is to build and sell as quickly as possible, moving on to the next project, with no real consequences for mediocre schemes. People deserve better. It takes time to understand places, demographics and the true potential of site. We need time for post-occupancy surveys to be undertaken and to refine and fine-tune strategies. I would love to see our cities filled with fewer average developments devoid of identity or character.
Where I’d like to be in five years’ time career-wise: In five years’ time, my career aspirations involve reaching a position where I can actively shape the future of urban design and architecture, contributing to sustainable and equitable development on a global scale. I aim to be at the forefront of innovative design strategies, working towards creating resilient and inclusive cities that prioritise the wellbeing of communities and the environment.
My main career goals right now: Presently, I am focusing on deepening my relationships with our clients. The industry is undergoing rapid change, faster than ever before, and our clients are grappling with enormous challenges, primarily driven by uncertainty. By listening attentively to their concerns, gathered from various sources, we can share our findings, guide clients through decision making processes, and instil confidence in investing in innovative solutions when necessary.
Who I’d invite, living or dead, to a dinner party: At the top of my guest list are many women who pioneered and excelled in their respective fields. These women, ranging from authors and designers to artists and politicians, lived outside societal norms and stereotypes. Jane Jacobs, Margaret Atwood, Vivienne Westwood, Elsa Schiaparelli, Nan Goldin, Angela Merkel, Zaha Hadid, and Fran Leibowitz are among those I would invite. However, Freddie Mercury would probably be the ultimate dinner party companion. Can you imagine a better date for a dinner party?
What I do in my downtime: Recently, I have been renovating my own space. I have undertaken similar projects before, and I thoroughly enjoy the process. In my spare time, I assist friends and family with their own refurbishment projects. This involves helping them visualise new spaces, suggesting materials and finishes, and overseeing construction work. I also find relaxation in reading, and one of my favourite activities is visiting high-quality art exhibitions.
The job I’d be doing if I was not doing this: I have a notebook brimming with ideas, and the truth is, if I were not in this field, I would likely be engaged in another design-related endeavour. I genuinely enjoy the creative process and collaborating to bring ideas from the conceptual stage to fruition, regardless of scale. Moreover, I thrive in a team-oriented environment.
My advice for someone just starting out: I observe that the new ‘woke’ generation is inundated with information and pressured to voice their opinions and be activists. However, I caution against hasty judgement and viral justice. My advice is to be quick to listen and slow in everything else. You don’t have to embrace every battle, but delve deeply into subjects, take time to form your own well-informed opinions, and if you discover a topic close to your heart, consider how you can contribute to positive change through your work. To paraphrase Mark Twain, find a job with purpose, and you will never have to work a day in your life.
My motto/mantra: Only those who do nothing make no mistakes.
