AISHWARYA UBHE | DESIGN PROFESSIONAL
Who or what inspired you to become an architect or designer?
I was always drawn to art as a kid, I think it’s what I’ve seen my artist/painter grandfather do growing up. Art always played a key role in my life as a kid, thus I was gravitating towards it quite often. I still remember my first design project and how immersed I was in the process- I was conceptualizing our family home with my dad as a 10-year old. That’s where the journey began for me.
What is your favorite thing about design – and why?
Design for me is something beyond just the visual perceptions. If done right, it is capable of evoking emotions that can bring about a change in a person, a community, or even nations. That’s what I like about it, it’s personal yet collective in what it communicates.
Describe a design project you’re working on right now, whether professional or personal, that you’re especially proud of—and why?
I am currently working on a Senior living and a Multi-family housing project, learning all the aspects of design and constructability, management and coordination along with observing the intangible aspects of the profession is both fascinating and rewarding.
What advice would you give women who are just entering or considering a career in architecture?
Be your authentic self and don’t be afraid to go that extra mile for your dreams.
DENISE ANDREAS | ARCHITECT
Who or what inspired you to become an architect or designer?
Some of my first memories are of my parents remodeling our house. Before I even knew what an architect was, I was fascinated with the process of designing and building things. As I got older I was attracted to the creative process and how architecture was a usable and livable manifestation of an idea.
What is your favorite thing about design – and why?
My favorite thing about design is solving problems and enriching people’s lives in a beautiful way. There are many ways to solve most problems but I appreciate solutions that both solve problems and make people’s lives more beautiful the most.
Describe a design project you’re working on right now, whether professional or personal, that you’re especially proud of—and why?
I am currently working on a podium project in Central Phoenix that is located on an infill site that has been vacant for many years. It is in an area I drive through several times a week and I’m happy to be able to provide new housing for people in my neighborhood.
What advice would you give women who are just entering or considering a career in architecture?
I would encourage women in architecture to always support and build each other up. It is easy to fall into the competitive nature of the field and think that there isn’t enough opportunity for everyone. The more we support and encourage each other, the more opportunity there is for all of us. It is important that everyone have a voice and that we encourage each other to succeed.
RACHAEL GERVASIO | LANDSCAPE DESIGNER
Who or what inspired you to become an architect or designer?
My interest in design ironically started from a college brochure. I noticed “Architecture” listed among the majors and started looking into it. The first architect I met with introduced me to Santiago Calatrava. I didn’t know buildings existed in such fantastical forms. Over the years I was similarly inspired by designers like Frank Gehry and Zaha Hadid. Biomimicry had a hand in “converting” me to Landscape Architecture. I was fascinated with the concept of implementing observations from nature into design. After that, my inspirations became Landscape Architects like Lawrence Halprin, Roberto Burle Marx, and Thomas Church.
What is your favorite thing about design – and why?
The impact it can have on people. Design can have profound effects on mental and physical health-especially design involving nature. For example, studies have shown that merely standing under a tree can improve your mood-regardless of the weather!
Describe a design project you’re working on right now, whether professional or personal, that you’re especially proud of—and why?
I am currently working on one of my first planting designs and I am very happy with how much easier it has been to dive into the design process than I thought it would be. I am looking forward to hearing feedback from my peers and supervisors.
What advice would you give women who are just entering or considering a career in architecture?
I would say the same as I would to a man entering or considering this industry, network as much as possible, learn what the day to day of the job actually is, ask lots of questions, and be open to collaboration.
KRISTI WILCOX | STAFF SECRETARY
What was your first passion for architecture? (or in the business world).
My first passion is to produce the absolute best work and to promote the professional image of the company with uniform documentation.
What drives you every day?
To use my organizational skills to best respond to our clients and my coworkers for the tasks that I am given.
Outside the office, what do you enjoy doing/hobby?
I love to crochet. I made some 30 octopi for the children’s hospital pre-natal ward. I enjoy crocheting blankets creating my own pattern with my sister’s help. I make and give them as gifts, for my family and even sell some. Once I have completed a blanket I enter it into the fair to show. I have won several ribbons over the years on my blankets. It is hard to pick one favorite but I think one of the latest ones I’ve done, I was very pleased with, was Yosemite Sam.
What is one thing you know now about women in the work place that you would love to inspire other women with?
As we work hard to make things better, everything around us becomes better. “Whether you think you can or think you can’t – you’re right.” –Henry Ford
What accomplishment are you most proud of in your career?
Teaching myself what I need to succeed. Learning all the different software that is used in the architectural industry and those from General Contractors. I enjoy creating new forms / documents to help my co-workers in their efforts.
