INTERVIEWS WITH NEW MEMBERS: DEC 2023

WHAT’S YOUR NAME?

Manish Vasan

WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO CHOOSE THE FIELD OF ARCHITECTURE?

I remember seeing the Tom and Jerry “Mouse in Manhattan” episode as a kid and being mesmerized by the New York city skyline more than the plot itself. That, and the fact that I have a very active and creative mind led me down this path. 

WHAT TYPE OF WORK ARE YOU MOST INTERESTED IN?

I’m a strong proponent of saying yes to every opportunity, so I’m open to everything. I’ve been involved in concept design, construction drawings, project management and everything in between. I am currently working for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, and getting to interact with engineers, contractors and architects on station renovations worth millions of dollars is very thrilling.

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

Finding a job. It’s very hard getting hired as a foreigner on a visa, even though I had experience in Australia and the middle east before coming stateside. Getting my foot through the door was tough, but now that I’ve been given a fair go, I’m confident I can overcome any further challenges that’ll come my way.

WHAT DID YOU LIKE ABOUT ARCHITECTURE SCHOOL?

I’m a University of New Mexico alumnus, and the faculty that taught me were brilliant. I loved the campus culture, living in the dorms, building a friendship with my professors, and getting to play D1 Collegiate Rugby for the UNM men’s rugby team. Studying in America was a stark contrast to Australia, where uni is akin to high school- we would go back home after lectures and barely interact with professors and peers outside of class. I loved doing my masters in the US and plan on returning for a PhD! 

ANY CRITICISMS OF THE ARCHITECTURE EDUCATION EXPERIENCE?

Architecture school, undergrad in particular, tended to be a bit toxic. I wasn’t fond of the clash of egos that happened often. While unpleasant at times, it taught me there’s no “one size fits all” approach when dealing with colleagues. 

Another criticism I had at the start was the tight deadlines. But I was able to work around that and learn to manage my time efficiently, with school, 3-hour gym sessions, and 2 hours of rugby practice thrice a week. If anything, I now work better under pressure! It’s all about playing the hand you’re dealt with.

WHAT ARE YOUR PROFESSIONAL GOALS?

Getting my RA license as soon as possible. I am keen to start my own practice, with offices in the US and Australia. 

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

I wouldn’t say I have a favorite architect. I see them as artists that create art and art is something that is meant to be appreciated and enjoyed. However, Jon Utzon’s work on the Sydney Opera house is brilliant. The pictures don’t do it justice. It’s massive, and frames Sydney Harbour and the bridge perfectly, reminiscent of white sails glistening in the sun. It’s an engineering marvel and really makes you question his thought process. Seeing it in person was fascinating.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE BUILDING OR CITY?

Been to 12 countries and 24 states in the US, but nothing beats New York city. There is something in the water here. Every day I feel energized and inspired. It’s also crazy how people dream of visiting NYC their whole life while I can hop on the subway, go see the Empire State Building or Lady Liberty on a whim. It truly is the center of the world.  

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

Connections! You never know when and who could help you out of a rut. I want to partake in conferences, get to know like-minded individuals and advance in my profession. Networking, upskilling, and imparting whatever knowledge I have is what I want to get out of AIA Brooklyn.

WHAT’S YOUR NAME?

Nicholas Barrera

WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO CHOOSE THE FIELD OF ARCHITECTURE?

Growing up I had the best of both worlds. My mom was a painter, and my dad is a businessman; this allowed me to learn and expand creatively and logically. From a very young age I was drawn into architecture because I felt it was the right combination of these two worlds (art and science), so when it was time to pursue a career, it was a no brainer architecture was the way to go.  

WHAT TYPE OF WORK ARE YOU MOST INTERESTED IN?

As a young professional, I am still exploring different typologies. However, most recently, I have been interested in exploring hospitality and residential work.

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

Architecture is an ever-evolving practice. Obtaining an architecture degree is only the beginning of the journey.

WHAT DID YOU LIKE ABOUT ARCHITECTURE SCHOOL?

Architecture school was the perfect place to push the boundaries of what architecture can be. Even though many times during school you try to make things “real”, there is a sense of fantasy to every project that allows you to let your creativity go wild.  

ANY CRITICISMS OF THE ARCHITECTURE EDUCATION EXPERIENCE?

Many times in school, the focus is only on the architecture practice, without realizing that many skills and knowledge are gained by learning from other fields. Expanding the opportunities for students to explore other industries in tandem with their architecture studies might be beneficial in the long run.

WHAT ARE YOUR PROFESSIONAL GOALS?

Create meaningful spaces. Whether at a firm or in my own practice, I would like to continue creating spaces that people feel a connection with.

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

This is a tough question. Many architects and spaces might offer different types of inspiration and opportunities. However, being Colombian, I have recently gravitated towards celebrating and learning from Latin American architects like: Marcio Kogan, Tatiana Bilbao, Manuel Cervantes, Pablo Perez Palacio, Rogelio Salmona.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE BUILDING OR CITY?

Similar to the previous question, it is hard to pick only one building or city. Some of my all-time favorites are: the East Gallery by I.M Pei, Maison Hermes in Tokyo by Renzo Piano, and the Barcelona Pavilion by Mies Van der Rohe. On the other hand, I have been inspired by a recent trip to Japan, where I had the chance to visit cities like Osaka and Tokyo. Both are very interesting in terms of their systems, scale, and urban design.

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

I would love to continue to expand my network and learn from other professionals. 

WHAT’S YOUR NAME?

Eric Safyan

WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO CHOOSE THE FIELD OF ARCHITECTURE?

I attended Brooklyn Tech High School. They made us choose majors so i chose architecture. I stuck with it.

WHAT TYPE OF WORK ARE YOU MOST INTERESTED IN?

Adaptive Re-use of Landmarks structures and also restaurant interiors.

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

Raising twin girls. 

WHAT DID YOU LIKE ABOUT ARCHITECTURE SCHOOL?

I loved the studio environment and access to so many different streams of thought and approaches to architecture and peripheral fields.

ANY CRITICISMS OF THE ARCHITECTURE EDUCATION EXPERIENCE?

Could have done better at preparing for solo or small architecture practices on the business and legal side of things. Not that you’d expect an accounting seminar at SCI-Arc, but still…

WHAT ARE YOUR PROFESSIONAL GOALS?

Operating as a general practice and keeping a balance of various project types. It’s nice to have a balance of residential and commercial projects across different scales since they tend to have their own tempos and logic and it keeps things interesting.

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

I went to architecture school in the 90’s and early 2000’s era and my top 2 were Rem Koolhaas and Enric Miralles. These days it’s whoever can get a clean contextual modern building approved in a landmarked district.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE BUILDING OR CITY?

My favorite city is still NYC. I grew up in Coney Island which remains the people’s playground and sometimes the city itself feels that way in its constant reinvention, urbanism, randomness, day to day interactions, food, arts, etc. … and sometimes it doesn’t.

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

Access to events and lectures that are directly relevant to my practice as well as exposure to other designers and architects working out there today; and meeting some new people.