Name: Caoimhe Loftus
Job title: Digital lead at architecture practice CRTKL
What do you do: I bridge the work from our architecture and digital teams. I am passionate about finding new ways that technology can improve the way we work. That includes everything from optimisation and automation to looking at new software adoption and developing training programmes to support that both internally and for our clients.
Why I got into the property industry: I love being an architect – we get to combine both design and technical skills in an incredibly practical way. I believe those of us who work in the property industry have a huge responsibility as our work has a massive impact on the world around us.
How I did it: I studied a five-year degree in architecture at Dublin Institute of Technology and completed my post graduate diploma at the University of Westminster. I’ve supplemented this with lots of learning on the job and some short courses, the most recent one on Digital Transformation for the Built Environment at UCL. In this industry we are always learning and looking to improve the way we work
My first proper job: I graduated when a recession was happening in Ireland and moved to the UK for work. I worked with a small architecture practice in Essex and got amazing hands on experience before moving to London to apply the skills I’d learned at a larger scale.
My first big break: For digital design it was having a manager who recognised that working on scripts and developing automations was a worthwhile way for me to spend my time. It’s so important that senior leadership figures appreciate the importance of “digital solutions” even if they don’t know exactly how they work!
My inspiration: I’m fortunate to work with some really amazing colleagues who have helped inform the way I think about design and technology. With digital tools it’s very easy to become enamoured with the solution but keeping the problem you are trying to solve and the end user in mind is key to getting successful adoption. It’s wasteful to spend time designing tools that nobody will use.
The biggest challenge I’ve encountered to date: Typically, it’s when our client’s present us with a challenging brief or site, but often those projects are the most rewarding as well. It’s a pleasure to work with clients who know what they want, especially when that means pushing the boundaries on what has been done before.
My greatest achievement/proudest moment to date: Last year, I got the opportunity to speak about how artificial intelligence is being applied to solve problems in architecture as part of the leadership forum in Autodesk University in New Orleans. At this global conference, attended by people from across the industry, it was great to showcase some of the amazing developments in this area.
My biggest screw-up: I think we need to be less precious about failure and focus on encouraging people to learn from their mistakes.
The biggest misconception people have about the property industry: How many people it takes to make a building project happen. In recent years there has been a trend for celebrating signature architects – the many talented designers, engineers and other consultants involved rarely get mentioned. It really is a collaborative effort.
My biggest bugbear about the industry about the industry: We need more joined up thinking, I see a lot of people in the industry wanting to “reinvent the wheel” instead of working together to share data and find sustainable and scalable solutions.
When I became interested in digital design: When I started working, I was amazed by how much manual production is required. I knew there had to be a better way. A colleague introduced me to visual scripting to automate repetitive tasks such as numbering apartments (when you’ve got 250-1000 apartments in a project this can be quite a chore!) After this I started identifying more ways to improve the way we work, and I’ve never looked back.
Why I’m so passionate about digital design: Because I see so much potential within our industry. New tools and processes can and have changed the way we work for the better.
Where I’d like to be in five years’ time career-wise: In five years’ time, I would like to see the industry embracing digital ways of working. For me it’s about connecting up many of the discrete solutions that are being developed to solve bigger problems more holistically.
My main career goals right now: To focus on how we can use digital tools to help address the climate crisis. We have a major challenge ahead to achieve net zero targets but I know digital tools will play a key part on getting us there.
Who I’d invite, living or dead, to a dinner party: Eileen Grey (architect), Dror Poleg (author), Jessie Ware (singer and podcaster), Mary Robinson (former Irish president)
What I do in my downtime: I love listening to podcasts and trying new restaurants. We’re spoiled for choice in London.
The job I’d be doing if I was not doing this: Probably a doctor. Both my parents worked in medicine, and I’ve always admired the dedication they showed to their patients.
My advice for someone just starting out: Be curious and don’t be afraid to take risks. Our industry is evolving and it’s important to grow with it.
My motto/mantra: If at first, you don’t succeed, try, and try again!
