Delete
Edit embedded media in the Files Tab and re-insert as needed.
Year graduated from UIUC ISoA: M.Arch, May 2013
Firm where employed: Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture
Your Title: Project Architect
What are you working on these days?
Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture (HPA) works on a variety of commercial and residential projects in Chicago and across the country. Currently, I am working on a new construction residential tower in the Gold Coast neighborhood of Chicago. The building is 40 stories tall with 69 custom luxury condo units. You can say I work on 69 custom homes at once.
How well did ISoA prepare you for what you’re doing now?
Extremely well, my education equipped me with the technical knowledge and skills directly applicable in the work place.
"With so much of design happening in the digital space, understanding basic construction conventions is a major advantage" - Karolina Snarskyte
What one piece of advice would you give to our current architecture students?
Find a way to get hands-on construction experience, whether through design-build studios, volunteer work or other activities. With so much of design happening in the digital space, understanding basic construction conventions is a major advantage. Also, ask questions and don't forget that college is what you make of it.
Name something you miss about school?
Architecture history classes. I was always fascinated with understanding history through the built environment.
"John Stallmeyer taught me a lot about finding the design problem and solving for it" - Karolina Snarskyte
Something you don’t miss about school?
Late night printing problems.
Did you have a favorite professor? Who was it and why?
Too many! John Stallmeyer taught me a lot about finding the design problem and solving for it. While abroad in Versailles, Alejandro Lapunzina taught me the fundamentals of architecture, attention to detail and professionalism. Randy Deutsch showed the importance of networking. Marci Uihlein not only taught structures but also grit in getting through a problem. And of course, Abbas Aminmansour taught me how to "steel"!
If you could go back and do college over what would you do differently and why?
I would pursue a second degree in conjunction with Architecture, either in Construction Management or Business. There is a gap among young professionals in understanding business and construction. I believe architects can be more influential if they can speak the language of developers and contractors.
