James Lam has recently been promoted to Senior Associate at Stallard Meek Flightpath Architects (SMFA), marking a significant milestone in his career.

With a passion for mentorship, sustainable design, and architectural excellence, Lam reflects on his journey, leadership approach, and ambitions for the firm.

In this interview with Architecture & Design’s Digital Editor Clémence Carayol, he shares insights into his professional growth, the evolving landscape of architecture, and his vision for the future at SMFA.

Architecture & Design: Congratulations on your promotion, James! How does it feel to step into the role of Senior Associate at SMFA?

James Lam: It is a privilege, and I am thankful to be given the opportunity. I’m thrilled to be a part of a growing practice surrounded by a talented team.

Since joining SMFA after the amalgamation, how has your journey with the firm evolved?

The amalgamation was seamless, and it was an exciting time for me personally. Both teams were enthusiastic, and the rebrand successfully captures our collective aspirations. Aside from the several technical challenges of transitioning to a larger firm, I have been more involved in shaping the office culture and have gained a clearer understanding of the business side of the practice.

 What are your main priorities and goals in your new role?

I am passionate about professional development and equipping young team members with the right tools to become technically astute designers. There is an obvious gap between a design-focused university degree and a practicing architect. A professor once told me that an ideal architectural university degree would require a ten-year architectural course to accommodate the sheer amount of knowledge and skills required to become a competent architect. In my new role, I aim to identify the changing needs of young graduates and staff, understand the technical gaps, and find ways to facilitate growth—through formal courses, in-house training, and more.

You’re recognised for your calm and measured approach to leadership. How do you maintain that composure, especially in high-pressure situations?

Not without challenges! The time and cost pressures from projects are more straightforward to deal with, as there are strategies to manage them at the beginning of a project. The pressures from on-site issues will become easier to handle with more site experience and by taking a collaborative approach with all parties involved. Much of the pressure and tension I have experienced stems from differing expectations and the inevitable emotions involved. Understanding that everyone works differently, recognising where a certain emotion might stem from, and uncovering the ‘why’ behind the ‘what’ certainly helps.

Mentoring younger architects is something you’re passionate about. What advice do you often share with emerging professionals in the industry?

Take ownership of projects and take pride in your work—no matter the size of the project or the nature of the tasks entrusted to you.
Something my first mentor told me, which still sticks with me to this day, is: 'If you can’t build this on paper, you can’t build this on-site.'
Ask as many questions as possible! There are no stupid questions if they help avoid mistakes on-site.

Client satisfaction is a key part of your role. What’s your approach to exceeding client expectations?

Communication is the key – It needs to be regular, to show commitment; honest, to show integrity; and succinct, to show clarity.

What do you find most rewarding about working as an architect, and how has that shaped your career path?

Seeing the client or end users enjoying the space I have designed, is one of the best feelings for me personally. Some projects are more successful than others, which means receiving feedback, constructive criticism, and learning valuable lessons along the way. This encourages me to be more rigorous and to remain open-minded during the design process.

Environmental sustainability is a major focus for you. What trends in Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) are you most excited about?

I am personally looking forward to being involved in a PassivHaus-certified project if the opportunity arises, as it is slowly gaining popularity in Australia.

How do you see SMFA continuing to innovate in sustainable architecture, and what role do you hope to play in that journey?

Our team takes a pragmatic approach by assessing every project and identifying ESD opportunities through our internal design verification process. My role includes reviewing, improving, and elevating our approach to the next level with the help of external specialist consultants. I will actively seek continual professional development opportunities in ESD, equipping the team with the skills to adopt ESD principles in design, as well as the know-how to normalise ESD conversations with clients.

Image: James Lam / supplied