Interviews With New Members: Dec 2022

WHAT’S YOUR NAME?

Ana C. Monteverde

WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO CHOOSE THE FIELD OF ARCHITECTURE?

I always had an interest in both science and artistic fields, and architecture covered both quite fully and evenly. 

WHAT TYPE OF WORK ARE YOU MOST INTERESTED IN?

I am mostly inclined towards residential projects, because I am able to design in different scales (from the volumetric – to the most intricate detail). I also find it quite special to design a space for a client that will value every effort and will be the most demanding as this will be their dream home. 

WHAT HAVE BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGES SINCE OBTAINING YOUR ARCHITECTURE DEGREE?

The biggest challenge I have found since graduating is the understanding in construction. I believe we design in a utopia while we are in architecture school. When you start working you actually understand that every line will get built, and there are so many details within that we have never designed or understood before.  

WHAT DID YOU LIKE ABOUT ARCHITECTURE SCHOOL?

I have always found that architecture school will challenge your love for architecture. If you are not willing to submerge deep into its world and you don’t have the passion for it, architecture school will face you with it one way or the other.

ANY CRITICISMS OF THE ARCHITECTURE EDUCATION EXPERIENCE?

The first would be that we should not lose the study of “space” over technology; I believe we can get caught up designing only in a computer. The second would be the disjunction with construction; it is quite challenging to understand construction when you start working in architecture. 

WHAT ARE YOUR PROFESSIONAL GOALS?

I now have my own architecture firm, and I hope to expand internationally someday. 

WHO DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE ARCHITECTS?

Norman Foster, Alberto Calleja.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE BUILDING OR CITY?

NYC always.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO GET OUT OF YOUR AIA BROOKLYN CHAPTER MEMBERSHIP?

I hope to be able to expand my connection to other architects, and learn constantly about our field. 

WHAT’S YOUR NAME?

Emma VandeWater

WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO CHOOSE THE FIELD OF ARCHITECTURE?

I wanted to be an architect when I was kid, but as I got older it changed a bit but eventually, I found my way back to architecture because I love building and creating.

WHAT TYPE OF WORK ARE YOU MOST INTERESTED IN?

I would say boutique architecture, whether it’s small hotels, retail stores, etc. I also love sustainability and urban design, as I also have my Masters in Urban Planning. 

WHAT HAVE BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGES SINCE OBTAINING YOUR ARCHITECTURE DEGREE?

Gearing up to start studying for licensure exams.  

WHAT DID YOU LIKE ABOUT ARCHITECTURE SCHOOL?

I absolutely loved model building and perfecting my graphics on my boards.

ANY CRITICISMS OF THE ARCHITECTURE EDUCATION EXPERIENCE?

There is a very toxic relationship between professors and students in relation to pulling all-nighters and having no free time for yourself, and that relationship is “I went through this so you have too also.”

WHAT ARE YOUR PROFESSIONAL GOALS?

Get licensed, design luxury retail spaces, design a pocket-park, and pick out material palettes for projects. 

WHO DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE ARCHITECTS?

Eero Saarinen.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE BUILDING OR CITY?

My favorite building is Oodi in Helsinki, Finland but my favorite city is Copenhagen, Denmark.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO GET OUT OF YOUR AIA BROOKLYN CHAPTER MEMBERSHIP?

Support for achieving licensure. 

WHAT’S YOUR NAME?

Ryan Hansen

WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO CHOOSE THE FIELD OF ARCHITECTURE?

From a young age I have been interested in how environments are crafted – from Star Wars ships, to baseball stadiums, to comic book scenes. I loved drawing and tracing anything I saw, so it was a perfect fit.

WHAT TYPE OF WORK ARE YOU MOST INTERESTED IN?

I really enjoy exploring unique, sustainable material development and urban street-oriented design. 

WHAT HAVE BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGES SINCE OBTAINING YOUR ARCHITECTURE DEGREE?

Right now, I am totally in ARE study mode, but it’s a fun challenge so far!

WHAT DID YOU LIKE ABOUT ARCHITECTURE SCHOOL?

The best part of architecture school was finding people like me that were invested in building things with our hands, in debating spatial politics, and sharing our passions for design at all scales.

ANY CRITICISMS OF THE ARCHITECTURE EDUCATION EXPERIENCE?

I think the studio curriculum could definitely benefit from more focused and hands-on projects, rather than all open-ended explorations. 

WHAT ARE YOUR PROFESSIONAL GOALS?

As an architect, I want to work my way into developing projects that can serve as examples for the future of sustainability, materials, and urbanism. But first, I need to get licensed!

WHO DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE ARCHITECTS?

I love Rafael Moneo’s designs – they are all so nuanced and clever with the way they use traditional materials, queues from surrounding urban networks, and sunlight.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE BUILDING OR CITY?

Utrecht Centraal is a gorgeous train station in the Netherlands that I think is a great example of how an urban hub can enhance the mobility and vibrancy of its city.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO GET OUT OF YOUR AIA BROOKLYN CHAPTER MEMBERSHIP?

I am excited to meet more designers in New York that can help me navigate the industry and investigate pressing issues in architecture.

WHAT’S YOUR NAME?

Adam Wiesehan

WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO CHOOSE THE FIELD OF ARCHITECTURE?

Growing up I built wood furniture as a hobby but didn’t yet connect it to a career in architecture. As soon I could I learned to weld and began sculpting in metal. The idea of a career in architecture was finally sparked later in life after a modern architecture tour around Europe. That’s when I understood my love for design and art could be combined in the field of architecture.

WHAT TYPE OF WORK ARE YOU MOST INTERESTED IN?

I still have a passion for furniture design as well as design at a similar scale such as lighting fixtures. I’m most interested in projects that are designed to fit like a glove or piece of furniture for the user, or in other words, projects that allow for design interventions at both the small and large scale.

WHAT HAVE BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGES SINCE OBTAINING YOUR ARCHITECTURE DEGREE?

To not take things too seriously, stay off cruise control and remember the design process should be a little playful for better results. I think an overly rational and practical approach to projects using a set of tools I’m most comfortable with is the easy path forward which often leads to a blah finished product. The challenge can be to explore atypical options, test one-off ideas, and make sure the journey is enjoyable.

WHAT DID YOU LIKE ABOUT ARCHITECTURE SCHOOL?

The daily feeling of being in a factory of creativity. My school had a large fabrication shop, an industrial design department and few walls. That allowed for a visual chaos of creativity everywhere which allow for frequent moments of inspiration.

ANY CRITICISMS OF THE ARCHITECTURE EDUCATION EXPERIENCE?

It can be working in a vacuum in many ways which confines our experiences to our immediate surroundings. Since our profession mostly involves problem solving for people, I think it’s best we not learn on a desert island. Extending our education into more productive interaction with a large community might help students have a better understanding that our profession is a public service industry.

WHAT ARE YOUR PROFESSIONAL GOALS?

I want to develop a career that is supported by a three-legged stool of architecture, design, and sculpture. I’d like to connect with more artistic and industrial design opportunities within the umbrella of architecture. I’d like to work with more creative people and businesses within the art and/or design world. 

WHO DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE ARCHITECTS?

I appreciate the work of offices like MASS Design Group, Assemble, and Scape. They’re all pushing boundaries in their own way. That helps the evolution of our practice which I think benefits everyone.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE BUILDING OR CITY?

I love Valparaiso, Chile. It has amazing terrain, culture and beauty but remains modest and egalitarian. You can stroll through colorful masonry mazes meeting unusually upbeat locals because almost anywhere you stand there is a view of the Pacific. To top that off the weather is mild so life in the city revolves around the outdoors. I lived in Santiago but loved to be in Valparaiso.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO GET OUT OF YOUR AIA BROOKLYN CHAPTER MEMBERSHIP?

To connect with a larger community and continue my education. My experience with the chapter has been positive and inviting. I look forward to meeting more folks in the group in person.

WHAT’S YOUR NAME?

Onica Leitch-Edinboro

WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO CHOOSE THE FIELD OF ARCHITECTURE?

The thing that motivated me to choose the field of architecture was my obsession for buildings and structures since I was a child growing up. I was always fascinated with building designs and how buildings were constructed.  

WHAT TYPE OF WORK ARE YOU MOST INTERESTED IN?

The type of work that interests me the most would be urban designing/development and planning, designing sustainable buildings to meet or exceed NYC Energy Conservation Code Requirements. I also like to review construction drawings/documentation for compliance with Energy Conservation Code Requirements for new, pre-existing, and altered buildings. 

WHAT HAVE BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGES SINCE OBTAINING YOUR ARCHITECTURE DEGREE?

The biggest challenged I’ve had since obtaining my architecture degree was finding the right firm/company to work for.

WHAT DID YOU LIKE ABOUT ARCHITECTURE SCHOOL?

What I loved about architecture school was that I was given the opportunity to be mentored by some talented architects who recognized my talent and potential to grow. My architecture professors always challenged my abilities through various conceptual designs that enhanced my skillset in ways that allowed me to think outside the box to create numerous building designs and to excel in my studies.

ANY CRITICISMS OF THE ARCHITECTURE EDUCATION EXPERIENCE?

Architecture school is very challenging, and I had many sleepless nights. However, I know that success doesn’t come easy; it comes with hard work.  

WHAT ARE YOUR PROFESSIONAL GOALS?

My professional goals are to continue to develop my architecture and construction knowledge and skills in order to advance my career in the field of architecture/construction as well as continue to make a meaningful contribution to the profession like I am currently doing as a Plan Examiner with the NYC DOB (Office of Sustainability – Energy Conservation Code).

WHO DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE ARCHITECTS?

Zaha Hadid, Frank Gehry, Frank Lloyd Wright and Adrian Smith.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE BUILDING OR CITY?

Yes, I do. My favorite building is the Skyscraper Center by Zaha Hadid.  

WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO GET OUT OF YOUR AIA BROOKLYN CHAPTER MEMBERSHIP?

As a new member of the AIA Brooklyn Chapter membership, I am hoping that I would be provided with educational and networking opportunities along with the support and guidance needed to achieve my Architect Registration.