Our People: Jess O’Shea – Head of Design

What did you do before coming to Mosaic?

I was an Associate Architect at Elenberg Fraser working on high-profile, award-winning multi-residential developments across Australia.

What attracted you to join Mosaic?

I’ve been working in the Architecture profession for over 15 years and was always interested in steering my career towards design-focused development, working client-side. After my first meeting with Mosaic, I knew that I had found the right fit. I witnessed Brook’s passion for creating considered and quality-focused residences and I knew I wanted to be a part of the Mosaic journey.

The benefit of joining Mosaic is that we are wholeheartedly quality-focused, outcome-driven, and are design-led. Leaving an architectural practice was a huge risk for me as I feared that I would miss working in design and lose touch with my architectural roots. But after joining Mosaic, I have never done so much design! Every detail is reviewed, and every finish scrutinised and it’s a joy being able to bring it all together into a beautiful building that forms a community of homes for people to enjoy living in.

Describe what your role is, which department do you work for, what does your department do?

My role as Head of Design has a very diverse job description. Ultimately, I am responsible for ensuring that our projects are delivered and adhere to the high-quality standards that underpin everything we do here at Mosaic. I would say my role is based on four key areas: Project conception, Design Development, Site Assistance, and Research and Design.

I work very closely with the Development team, our Director team, the construction team, and our external design partners to help guide the design of the building from project inception to client handover.

In your role at Mosaic, what are you most passionate about?

Everything design! I love that every building presents a series of complex challenges and by working within these constraints, including site context, budgets, stakeholders, and materiality, we can solve the problems to deliver a pragmatic but still aesthetically strong outcome. It’s very satisfying!

What do you love most about coming to work every day?

I enjoy that every day is different. I have the pleasure of working within a supportive team environment and I am empowered to immerse myself if all aspects of the design process.

How does Mosaic stand apart from other developers?

I strongly believe that everything is driven from the top and we are fortunate that at Mosaic, our leadership team is genuinely striving for the best quality outcome in every aspect of our projects. Their passion is very inspiring, and it really sets the tone for the rest of the team.

Why do you think people love living in Mosaic properties?

Because we design with the end goal in sight. Every plan, detail, and finish is challenged and reviewed with rigor to ensure that in the end, our residents can walk into their apartment and it just feels like home. Architecture is the creation of spaces and more importantly how they feel. This is something I always consider when working on a project.

Describe Mosaic in one word.

Genuine.

What advice could you offer to anyone starting out or wanting to work in architecture and design?

You really need to have a passion for creating beautiful spaces. The best way to understand the built environment is to observe and scrutinise everything around you – go check out that new building/ café/ park. How does that space feel? Why?

Once you have that passion for architecture, the technical study will fall into place. The process of becoming an architect is a long one – so you definitely need to love it!

How do you balance the demands of business and personal commitments?

I have a young family at home so I have strict start and stop times. But if you want something done – just give it to a busy person! Fortunately, at Mosaic working mum’s (and dad’s) are very well supported and we’re all human with outside work commitments. Everyone is very understanding and supportive.

Have you taken on any challenges outside of your role at Mosaic?

My husband and I just finished renovating our home a couple of months ago. We started slowly renovating 4 years ago, so it has definitely been a long haul. We’ve since moved homes and are enjoying our weekends without renovating – but we’re looking forward to the next property challenge.

Have you taken on any challenges or involvement in the community that is relative to your role at Mosaic?

Prior to my maternity leave with my second bub, I was proudly the Chair of the Gender Equity Committee with the Australian Institute of Architects. (Prior to this I was one of the founding members of the National Gender Equity Committee). I really enjoyed giving back to the architectural community and connecting with like-minded peers.

How do you like to relax/spend your downtime?

Our family enjoys going on adventures on most weekends. We try and go camping, sailing, visit waterfalls, head to the beach, or climb mountains as often as we can. It is currently our 4-year old’s goal to climb six mountains so we’re making our way through that list at the moment.

What do you find challenging and/or rewarding about working at Mosaic?

I really enjoy the fast pace that is Mosaic. Often the lifespan of a building from inception to fruition can be a very long and laborious process. Here at Mosaic, although we take the time to make informed decisions, once that decision is made – it’s go time!

Nothing is stagnant. I love that one day we’re looking at a new site and the excitement of the potential a new project brings – next minute we are workshopping designs and before I know it, it’s out to the market and we’re problem-solving on how to best deliver and construct the building. Seeing our creations come to life is very satisfying and rewarding.

Learn more about Jess here.