Kirrily Murphy is the General Manager for one of Australia’s leading Architectural Firms, Cottee Parker Architects. They are currently the driving force behind the development of several lifestyle precincts across Brisbane – you can check out their current projects here. A successful, energetic, and engaging personality, Kirrily shares her valuable insights with Majer on realising goals and adding value every step of the way.
Tell us a bit about yourself, and what your current role involves.
I’m the General Manager for Cottee Parker Architects, we produce timeless architecture for our clients and the community, right across Australia. In a nutshell I oversee daily business activities, improve overall business functions, coach managers, develop strategic plans, create policies, and communicate business goals. A large part of what I do each day is about shaping the work environment, ensuring our goals and values are realised. We are a fast paced, innovative business with high-impact managers who act like owners, and staff who are ambitious quick learners.
What are two positives you can tell us about working from home in the COVID-19 environment?
COVID-19 has presented new challenges and it’s been fantastic to witness the senior members of our business demonstrating visible, engaging leadership. The well-being of our team is at the forefront of our minds, so being able to deploy technology quickly to ensure business continuity has meant our team feels secure that their working lives will remain stable.
Working from home has been a big adjustment for us all. I love that no commuting or interstate travel for me, and no sport, training or activities for my kids, now means we’re spending a lot more time together at home. I get to have lunch with my husband and kids every day and have been impressed at the way each one of them has adapted to our new normal. One of my daughters is very diligent, in uniform, on schedule, embracing remote learning. My other daughter has applied her super chill attitude to the situation and I see her being even more aware of her own needs now, running and eating well. My son has an entrepreneurial spirit to remote learning, completing each day’s school work between 5 and 8am and then being free to do as he pleases.
What is the best career advice you have received?
The only piece of career advice that has ever stuck with me is “The grass isn’t greener on the other side. The grass is greener where you water it.” Sometimes jobs and careers take a while to settle in to, and that’s OK. Starting at Cottee Parker 3 years ago was a real adjustment for me. I’d previously worked in the finance sector and architects as a cohort are a lot more logical, conscientious and even tempered. It’s important to focus on what you can contribute in a role firstly and only after that, look around and discover how you might expand your skill set to add more value.
Describe Majer in three words:
Describing Majer Recruitment in 3 words is easy:
- Personable,
- Reliable,
- Outstanding.
Looking for an innovative pathway to your next role, or perhaps you would like to discuss what the employment landscape will look like as we move out of the restrictions. Suzie and the team at Majer are a phone call away (07) 3253 6565.
