We recently celebrated the 50th birthday of our Managing Partner, Harald Oissner. We would like to take this opportunity to invite him to join us as we look back on his early days in this fascinating profession.
Did you know from an early age that you wanted to become an architect? If not, what other career paths did you consider?
I told my dad that I wanted to be an architect when I was seven. So I can say that I knew early on. In my life, I could only imagine myself in one other profession. That would have been a pilot.
What was ultimately the main factor in your decision to become an architect?
I have always found building sites fascinating. My father was a craftsman and often took me along to work. The fact that the architect is ultimately the ‘conductor’ who brings everything together into a single creation also motivated me to pursue this career.
Are there any particular challenges you remember from when you started your career after leaving university?
I didn’t start my professional career after university, but when I was still at school at the HTL in Mödling. That’s when I also learned how to design a plan so that it is both suitable for the powers that be but also useful on a building site. The fact that I gained all this experience at a relatively early age meant that I didn’t really face any serious challenges after I left university.
How old were you when you joined the current group of companies? Did you already have an idea back then that you would be helping to shape it many years later as a managing partner?
I was 27 when I joined my current company. I was young, skilled, eager to learn and certainly ambitious. But my main goal was just to improve and be able to provide the best possible service. I could never have imagined that I would one day be doing what I do today. The fact that this has become possible is also thanks to a number of people who have given me special support along the way. I am particularly grateful to these people today.
In your opinion, how has the architecture industry – or more specifically, the profession of architect – changed since you graduated? Which developments do you see as particularly positive or critical?
I have been working in this profession for more than three decades. A lot has changed during that time. An example of this with one experience from when I was starting out that shows how this profession has changed:
I was working on the polishing plan for a small project that was quite far away. One day, we realised that a major change had to be made to the polishing plan. At the same time, however, this area was supposed to be built that day or the next. The difficulty was how to get an up-to-date polishing plan on site in a short period of time. I drew the plan by hand, copied it with a mimeograph machine, and then cut it into 20 cm strips. These were then ‘inserted’ into a fax machine so they arrived at their destination in even poorer quality. There, the strips were glued back together. Any numbers that could not be clearly recognised were confirmed by telephone. This process took the whole day. Today, this would take five minutes at most. There are many aspects of this profession that have changed for the better using IT.
However, if we continue with this example as I mentioned that I drew plans by hand, it is also worth noting what has not changed for the better in this area: When you were drawing by hand, you thought about every single line. It was really tedious to get rid of it if it was wrong. Today, many lines in plans are created automatically. Hardly anyone thinks about what they are really seeing here. I actually think that’s a shame.
You have outlined your vision for the further development of the WGA Group in various interviews. Is there currently a goal or project that is particularly close to your heart?
There are various projects that are important to me. I have been particularly pleased in recent months that we have been able to do several things for Vienna Airport. I have always been fascinated by the world of airports because of my other career aspirations. This fascination continues to this day.
What advice would you give to young people entering the field of architecture, especially if they want to take on long-term leadership responsibilities or start their own business?
First and foremost, I would say that certain prerequisites must be met, but that you also need to be willing to work extremely hard. However, your own skills alone are not enough to start your own business and be successful. In addition to your own abilities, you also need people who support you and also a bit of luck. Only then is it possible to be successful as a freelancer.
Thank you very much for your detailed answers.
There is no doubt that your professional career, which has been characterised by commitment, perseverance and vision, is an inspiration. Congratulations from all of us and we wish you continued success, good health and happiness!