Name: Fabrizio Cazzulo
Job title: Associate principal, Woods Bagot
What I do: I am a lead designer and have led numerous projects spanning a spectrum of sizes and complexities. Currently, I am the project leader for 85 Gracechurch Street, a 30-storey mixed-use office tower in London. I’m overseeing an ambitious brief for a striking building that will become a Square Mile destination, with a publicly minded design spirit.
Why I got into the property industry: Although I wasn’t raised in a creative environment, I had a strong curiosity for creative endeavours. I vividly remember my fascination with quirky furniture and my ambition to become a professional. I was also attracted to the status of a professional and was eager to belong to a community that shared goals, standards, skills, knowledge, and behaviours. However, I was aware that I needed to find my unique elements if I ever wanted to have a chance. Architecture seemed particularly appealing because architects can focus on invention and style without being perceived as superficial, so I gave it a shot.
How I did it: Alternating doses of patience, impatience and enthusiasm.
My first proper job: Between 16 and 19, I spent my school holidays working on fishing boats. It was incredibly hard work, but very well compensated for my age. This experience taught me valuable life lessons which I still treasure today.
My first big break: Winning a scholarship to study in Barcelona transformed my perspective on architecture. This opportunity allowed me to learn from fantastic professors – living embodiments of architects passionate about their work – who became my first role models. One piece of advice from my design professor that still resonates with me today is to “look for the life of things to find their form.”
My inspiration(s): All the people who have taken the time to mentor me throughout my career. Forging a career is an almost impossible proposition without mentors.
The biggest challenge I’ve encountered to date: After my experience in Barcelona, I felt less afraid of packing my bag and pursuing my passions. However, repeating that journey in the UK proved to be a significant challenge. I arrived in London with a limited English vocabulary and joined a master’s programme in architecture, where everything was unfamiliar – new ways of working, new ways of thinking and new ways of evaluating my work. That experience not only taught me the importance of trusting the process, but the value of optioneering and experimentation. Fast forward to today and I’m contributing to enhancing London’s skyline. I recognise that I wouldn’t be doing this if I hadn’t embraced those earlier challenges.
My greatest achievement/proudest moment to date: My work is built on many small wins, accumulated over the years. And many failures, which I believe are just as important as the wins in shaping my career. My greatest achievement is navigating these combined balance of wins and failures every day while staying true to my dreams.
The biggest misconception people have about the property industry: That it can continue to thrive without change. Many believe that they can repeatedly apply the same formulas without questioning them. However, every building is ultimately a unique prototype. To me, the paradox lies in taking the risk of creating prototypes without realising the value of innovation.
My biggest bugbear about the industry/the one thing I would change about the industry: A lack of longevity leads to weaker propositions. Buildings need time to have an impact on society, so they need to age gracefully, ideally over centuries.
Who I’d invite, living or dead, to a dinner party: Federico Fellini, who exemplified a blend of creativity and pragmatism, with an exceptional ability to represent his ideas. He was a poet with low expectations who became one of the most influential directors in cinema history. We also share the same taste for food and wine.
What I do in my downtime: I enjoy remaining active. Boxing is my second greatest passion. I have boxed for over 25 years and I still enjoy a sparring session despite my age. Boxing isn’t purely about violence – it’s about balance. Every instant you’re in the ring is about controlling your balance. Don’t rush forward or backwards. Try to stay in control. Strategy and instincts are equally important. Good outcomes usually result from endless repetition.
The job I’d be doing if I was not doing this: I could have easily settled as a fisherman. I remember being an uninspired student wanting to quit school. My dad persuaded me to continue and at least finish my high school education. Over time, I found new motivations that ultimately led to a brilliant university career.
My advice for someone just starting out: The industry needs people who genuinely love what they do. Focus on what you love and find like-minded mentors. Don’t worry about what the market expects of you.
