April 9, 2021

People of Omicron: Meet Firas

What is your position at Omicron?

I am an Architectural Designer working towards becoming an Architect. I am currently taking Architectural Practice at Athabasca University to get my degree certified in Canada, then I’ll register as an Intern Architect with the Architectural Institute of BC (AIBC).

What led you to this career?

As a teenager, design was one of my passions. I learned Photoshop at a young age and loved spending my time designing make believe album covers and other graphics. When I graduated from high school, I was naturally interested in a design-oriented major. One day I visited the architecture studio at the American University of Beirut to see some of my friends and was fascinated by the materials, tools, and models on everyone’s desks. After that, I researched Architecture as a profession and decided that was what I wanted to spend my life doing.

What one story about your childhood best explains the person you are today?

My childhood years were spent in three different countries. I was born in Lebanon, where I spent my early years. When I was five, my family and I moved to Saudi Arabia where we stayed until I was 11. We then moved to Canada then back to Lebanon. I believe the experience of moving around at an early age has given me a broader perspective on the world and how I live my life. I am not afraid of change and find new challenges quite exciting. This helped me move to Vancouver from Lebanon last year.

What is the most exciting part of your job?

The involvement with the different sectors of Omicron. These connections teach me about the different building systems that need to be planned even in the early design phases, and the importance of collaboration and integration early in the process. In the long run, this will make me a better designer in the future.