Main Responsibilities of an Architect Partner at Frederick Fisher and Partners
Marisa, an architect and partner at Frederick Fisher and Partners, directs "concept design," a process Marisa describes as "visioning, programming and planning," guiding clients to connect their institutional identity with spatial needs. Beyond design, Marisa's leadership responsibilities encompass marketing, business development, and employee success, including "everything from insurance to flexible work hours."
Visioning and Planning, Project Management, Business Development, Leadership and Management, Human Resources
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Marisa Kurtzman
Architect, Partner
Frederick Fisher and Partners
Wesleyan University, BA 1999
Yale School of Architecture, B.Arch 2006
History, Art History
Architecture, Construction & Design
Creative
Honors Student
Video Highlights
1. Marisa's role as director of concept design involves visioning, programming, and planning, essentially shaping the initial vision of a project and connecting client needs with institutional identity.
2. Beyond design, Marisa actively participates in the firm's marketing, including proposal preparation and client interviews, showcasing the business development aspect of architecture.
3. Marisa's involvement in 'employee success,' which encompasses HR functions like policy development and conflict resolution, highlights leadership and management responsibilities in the architectural field.
Transcript
What are your main responsibilities within your current role?
As an architect in my firm, my main responsibility is directing concept design. This loosely translates to what I call visioning, programming, and planning. It's the very beginning of the process.
When we have a new project, I work with our clients to help them understand not only what they want in terms of spaces and the type of building, but also who they are as an institution. I help them connect their institutional identity and goals with a proposal for a type of space that will help meet their needs.
That's my role as an architect and a partner. Besides participating in office leadership, I have two focuses for managing the practice. One is that I'm very active in our firm's marketing department, so I'm involved with proposals, interviews, and business development.
The other aspect of my job as a leader is being involved with what we call employee success, which is essentially HR. This involves helping determine policies, from insurance to flexible work hours, and also troubleshooting when needed.