Miruna Stroe is an Associate at Lees Associates and a Chartered and Registered Architect with a PhD in Architecture who has been with us for seven years. Since joining LA, she has been involved in a number of our high-end residential projects, including a renovation in Holland Park and a substantial listed penthouse redevelopment in Belgravia. So, what does a typical day look like for Miruna at Lees Associates?
My mornings typically kick off with a ritual that revolves around coffee. Whether it's crafting a perfect flat white or experimenting with a new roast, brewing coffee sets a calming tone for the day. I find solace in the process; it's my little moment of flavour exploration and anticipation before diving into the day's tasks.
I opt for public transport to reach the office, but my journey begins with a brisk 15-minute walk to the station. During my commute, I immerse myself in a podcast or some music or dive into a good book.
When I arrive at the office around 9 am, I start by catching up on emails from the previous day and revisiting my to-do list on Notion. I like to prioritise tasks as they come in – juggling multiple projects sometimes requires me to shuffle priorities on the fly. As our Quality Manager, one of my proudest achievements has been implementing Notion as our primary tool for information storage and project management. It's gratifying to see the LA team fully embrace it and explore its capabilities further, such as automating processes like this interview and publication scheduling. It’s a neat and efficient system that adds value to our daily operations.
Miruna works on a project model
On site days, I switch things up, preferring to start on site and then wrap up my day by setting up the to-do list for the following day.
I also check in with my colleagues in the morning to ensure everyone’s up to speed on tasks and deadlines. In addition, I use this time to prep for meetings, review drawings, or handle project management tasks like approvals and information requests. While my role lately involves more reviewing drawings than creating them, I still find joy in tackling complex details, sometimes resorting to hand sketches for problem-solving. It’s a rewarding aspect of the job that keeps me engaged in the creative process.
Internal team meeting
At LA, we primarily use ArchiCAD for design work, but as responsibilities expand, so does the software toolkit. Additionally, we utilise specialised software like InDesign for document editing and Archisnapper for site visits and snagging reports. One tool I particularly enjoy is PDF Expert, which simplifies drawing mark-ups on my iPad or laptop.
For lunch, most of us gather around the communal table in the office. It’s a nice opportunity to chat and bond with colleagues over a meal.
My workday also typically involves a number of meetings. I lead regular design team meetings for the projects I’m managing. Occasionally, I also participate in client meetings, which these days often happen online due to the global nature of our clientele. We also have internal team meetings where we synchronise on project updates and review resource allocation to ensure we're well-prepared for upcoming tasks.
The projects I’m involved in at the moment vary in their progress stages. For one project in the planning phase, site visits are sporadic, mostly for investigations and surveys. The visits keep me excited at the prospect of getting to site on this Grade II-listed building in a coveted location in Belgravia later this year.
Another Belgravia project of mine is nearing completion, which keeps me more engaged with frequent site visits for snagging. I’ve gained a bit of a reputation for having a keen eye during snagging sessions! I’m looking forward to seeing the family home completed, as we started the project back in 2022. Additionally, I’m involved in a Design and Build project in Kensington, which is progressing smoothly on-site.
Enjoying some rare downtime!
In addition to my daily tasks, I make a habit of staying updated on regulations, materials, and construction methods – which is crucial for any architect. I like to stay informed, whether I’m developing details or working on planning applications. Lately, I’ve been exploring the potential of AI in design, which has sparked my curiosity.
Lastly, while I don't conduct surveys frequently, I’ve had introductory training and experience with scanners on-site. This reinforced the importance of accurate surveys for project success, and I advocate thorough surveys post-strip-out to ensure reliable information on existing buildings.
“Working at LA is a fulfilling experience, thanks to the exceptional team dynamics fostered by Andrew and Kathryn. We have a diverse and gender-balanced team, which contributes to a rich professional environment. The projects we handle are incredibly rewarding, even if I can’t always discuss the most prestigious ones. Detailing our projects to the highest standard and seeing them executed accurately on-site by contractors who take pride in their work is immensely satisfying. It’s a testament to our collective dedication to excellence.”
Outside of work, my partner and I indulge in London's vibrant cultural scene. We're passionate theatre and contemporary dance goers, frequenting venues like Theatre Royal Haymarket or Sadler's Wells. We also love exploring museums and exhibitions. Spending time with friends over dinner and a show is a favourite pastime, and on weekends, we sometimes venture outside London for longer walks.