Lida Barou, AMSFE, has over 10 years of experience in both applied and academic fields
working in Greece, the Netherlands and the UK. In her career, Lida has participated in cutting edge research, multidisciplinary high-end projects, award-winning competitions, and co-authored scientific publications. As a senior engineer in WSP, she specialises in façade design, sustainability, parametric studies, and cast glass design. She started volunteering for the Society of Façade Engineering (SFE) Board in 2024 as the e-newsletter Lead.
How did you first learn about façade engineering?
During my early studies in architecture, I viewed façade engineering as an extension of the architect’s role within a holistic architectural design. However, I soon realised that, with varying project complexity, this role can take on many forms and involve various disciplines that extend beyond a single expertise. It was only after completing my master’s degree at TU Delft, where my skills and project portfolio expanded, that I truly began to appreciate and incorporate façade engineering into my vocabulary and work. This niche field allows me to combine my diverse interests within the built environment in a form of creative engineering in my day-to-day work.
How did you find out about the SFE?
I found out about the SFE via peers and colleagues. Most of my senior colleagues, including our Technical Director and SFE chair, Rimmy Vij, have not only consistently championed the Society’s work but also encouraged our team's participation. The relaunched Façade Design and Engineering Awards in 2022 definitely caught my attention, and the following year I was shortlisted for the Young Façade Engineer Award. This opportunity further solidified my interest in the SFE and motivated me to join as an Associate Member. Soon after, I began my volunteering journey in the role of e-newsletter Lead.
What interested you about the e-newsletter Lead role?
The e-newsletter Lead role immediately appealed to me because it offered a unique
opportunity to expand the Society’s visibility and showcase its excellent work to a wider
audience through a structured and engaging platform. This platform would not only keep
professionals updated on SFE's activities and initiatives, but also showcase awarded projects and recognise distinguished individuals. For me, the most exciting aspect was the creative challenge of designing an impactful newsletter from scratch, effectively combining all these elements. This role aligns perfectly with my detail-oriented nature, and I saw it as an opportunity to further develop my managing and organisational skills while stepping outside my comfort zone.
Has being on the SFE committee influenced you, either professionally or personally?
It’s like being a small fish in a large pond, which is great! Professionally, being a board member has put me at the forefront of discussions shaping the future of façade engineering. This has provided invaluable industry insights and exposure to
leading professionals from whom I continue to learn. Collaborating with other board members has been instrumental in broadening my network and developing my planning, communication, and leadership skills. On a personal level, I enjoy contributing to the SFE’s mission alongside other passionate individuals. It reinforces the importance of giving back and collaborating to advance our profession.
What challenges have you encountered as a volunteer, and how have you learnt from them?
Like many volunteers, I’ve occasionally faced time constraints, and time management has been an ongoing learning experience. Initially, balancing volunteer commitments with my work and personal life, particularly around publication deadlines, presented a challenge. However, these experiences have taught me the importance of proactive communication, setting realistic expectations, and prioritising tasks effectively. Over the past year, I've learned to better anticipate potential time crunches and develop effective management strategies that have also benefited my personal life.
Would you recommend volunteering to other members?
Absolutely! I highly recommend volunteering with the SFE. The Society offers a range of
opportunities, from assisting with events to contributing to technical committees, ensuring there's something to suit various interests and levels of experience. This provides a great chance to collaborate with a diverse group of professionals, learning from each other, sharing insights, and contributing to the advancement of the façade engineering community. If you're looking to enrich your career, expand your network, and make a real impact on the profession, I wholeheartedly encourage you to get involved.
News
03 Feb 25
10 minutes
Lida Barou