Denver Single-Stair Housing Challenge competition 2nd Prize winner - Lisa-Marie Mélodie Deransy

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the 2nd prize winner of our "Denver Single-Stair Housing Challenge" competition – Lisa-Marie Mélodie Deransy from France!

Lisa-Marie Mélodie Deransy

Please tell us about your company (when it was founded, where it is based, how many employees, etc) Alternatively, if you do not have a company, please give us some insights on your own professional/academia background.

I am Lisa-Marie Deransy, a young architect from Paris, primarily working on collective housing projects, both new constructions and rehabilitations. Graduated from ENSA Paris-Malaquais in 2023, I then worked at Gaëtan Le Penhuel Architectes, and later at CUADRA. These experiences strengthened my ability to design functional, aesthetic spaces that address environmental challenges. They made me more aware of the ecological impact of architecture, incorporating bio-based materials, bioclimatic strategies, and solutions promoting energy efficiency. Alongside my work at the agency, I have started to train in urban planning and am considering specializing further in this field.

Brief information about the projects that you/your company have been involved with. For instance, what scale have you focused on/preferred, any significant projects where the company/ individuals have been Involved?

 In my agency work, I’ve primarily focused on collective housing or mixed-use projects. At Gaëtan Le Penhuel Architectes, I participated in various projects – housing, mixed-use programs, and public facilities – thus developing a versatile and innovative approach, focused on contextual and contemporary architectural responses. At CUADRA Architectes, specialized in the construction and rehabilitation of collective housing, I deepened my skills in sustainable design and ecological rehabilitation, enhancing my ability to address the contemporary challenges of housing. Outside of my working hours, I am also interested in urban planning and am currently preparing an exhibition on peri-urban spaces in China.

What does architecture mean to you and what is the role of an architect in your society?

 For me, architecture is the most essential art, as it has a direct impact on people’s lives and daily routines. It is much more than just an aesthetic or technical exercise; it is a powerful tool for human, social, and ecological development. It shapes our cities, influences our lifestyles, and can address the great contemporary challenges. It is also a fascinating discipline, where one must constantly explore many parallel fields to do our job well: urban planning, sociology, technology, ecology, spatial psychology... This intellectual richness makes architecture an ever-evolving practice, where learning never stops. I wouldn’t necessarily say that architecture is a manifestation of empathy, as that’s not always the case. However, the architect must absolutely demonstrate empathy if they want to design spaces that are just and adapted to real needs. Their role is not limited to drawing buildings but to understanding the people who will live, work, or move through them. They must anticipate uses, create connections, and imagine spaces that promote well-being, inclusivity, and harmony with the environment. A successful architecture is one that goes beyond aesthetics to truly improve people’s lives.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

First and foremost, for the pleasure of it. The design phase is truly the part of my work I enjoy most. It’s a creative moment where anything is possible, and ideas take shape. However, this phase is often relatively short. Once the competition is over, design takes up less space in daily life, and we find ourselves immersed in the practical aspects and implementation constraints. Moreover, in an agency, an architect must constantly navigate constraints—client expectations, regulatory standards, technical requirements, and especially budget restrictions—which can sometimes limit creative freedom. Participating in competitions on Buildner offers a rare opportunity to freely explore my ideas without being constrained by immediate financial decisions. It allows me to experiment with innovative architectural solutions, test sustainable approaches, and imagine spaces where creativity takes precedence over profitability. This is an essential approach to renewing architectural practice and anticipating the housing challenges of tomorrow.

What advice would you give to individuals who struggle to decide whether it would be beneficial for them to participate in architecture competitions?

Don’t hesitate! Competitions push us to give our best, step out of our comfort zone, and avoid resting on our laurels. In a profession like ours, learning is continuous, and each project presents a new opportunity to explore, innovate, and refine our practice. Furthermore, design competitions often highlight issues, sites, and themes that we rarely encounter in an agency setting. They provide a unique opportunity to diversify our approach, experiment without commercial constraints, and broaden our perspective on architecture.