Danica
-
Name and credentials:
Danica Djurkovic MAIBC LEED® AP
-
City and country of birth:
Sarajevo, Yugoslavia
-
Education:
Engineer of Architecture and Urban Planning (Honors) 1988 - University of Sarajevo, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning
-
Achievements:
- Excellence in Green Building Practices July 2009 for Trout Lake Ice Rink, Killarney Ice Rink and Vancouver Olympic / Paralympic Centre (as a client), and Whistler Sliding Centre (as a project designer)
- Surrey Outpatient Hospital P3 and Vernon Hospital P3 - 2008: preferred scheme by client (as a project architect)
- IESNA IIDA lighting award for Tsawwassen Retail building 2007 (as a project architect)
- “Jahiel Finci” Top of the Generation Graduate Award 1988 Sarajevo
- Architectural Institute Best Student Project Award 1987 Sarajevo
5. A few of my favourite things:
Skiing, playing piano and traveling
-
Tell us about your practice as an architect.
I have more than 20 years of “hands on” architectural experience in variety of project types, including some extremely interesting work on high-end projects like Prince Palace and Recreation Centre in Abu Dhabi, Vancouver mixed use residential, Hospital P3s, and Olympic projects.
-
What architectural work are you most proud of?
This is like asking a mother which child she likes better. I take great pride in every job I do, regardless of the size and importance.
-
What was it that brought you to architecture?
Passion for it - good mix of art, technical and social aspects.
-
How many children do you have? Ages?
A son age 14 and a daughter age eight.
-
How do you manage to practice architecture while raising children and running a household?
Having family and working full time is like any other skill: you need to be well-organized and know how to multitask, delegate, research, prioritize, make decisions and take responsibility. It is a transferable skill that helped me a great deal at my work. I guess it is also the other way around; my work skills help me with my family. I always make sure to find time to socialize and volunteer.
Daycares have worked well for me. Sure, it is not cheap, but it only lasts for some time. I do have full support of my husband. We do it together. I imagine that it would have been much harder being a single parent. It is hard work - that is all. But the “payback” is very gratifying.
-
Can you recall an instance where the dual responsibilities of being a parent and an architect came to a head?
Very often. I had to work around it. Architects are often required to work to deadlines, over evenings and weekends. It is always challenging to arrange for pick-ups, dinners, homework. I certainly paid my share of late pick-up fees.
-
Do you think that being a parent has actually influenced your approach to architecture?
Yes, very much so. It has influenced my approach to life, too.
-
“There is no more sombre enemy of good art than the pram in the hall.”
- Cyril Connolly, Enemies of Promise, 1938
What do you think about this quote?
He must have had some childhood trauma in his life to make such a statement.
It may be understood better if you put it in the context of his own “self reflective” comment inThe Unquiet Grave:
“Approaching forty, sense of total failure: ... Never will I make that extra effort to live according to reality which alone makes good writing possible: hence the manic-depressiveness of my style - which is either bright, cruel and superficial; or pessimistic; moth-eaten with self-pity.”
True art is about one’s understanding of life (or lack thereof). It comes from within; it is charged with emotions and passion. It is a reflection of a person’s values, dreams, anxieties, uncertainties, emotions, dilemmas, hopes … . The best art is born in hard times, in emotional times. Having kids is a big part of a circle of life. They enrich you with different points of view, with innocence and constant quest for answers. They help you evolve and transcend, survive and strive. The best example I can think of is Roberto Benigni’s movie “La Vita è Bella” (1997).
-
What is the best piece of advice you would give to a would-be parent/architect?
Set realistic expectations for yourself and others around you. Be prepared for more work, and more joy. Do not make a big deal about it. Do not complicate things more than they need to be. Be well organized. Simplify your chores.
If you have bad experience in your office, change the office.
-
If you could change public policy that impacts on child-rearing, what would that be?
Government should provide free childcare.