Celebrating Women's History Month: 4 STUDIOS Architects and Designers Share Their Experiences

What made you want to pursue a career in architecture?

Monica Castro: Growing up, I was always fascinated by art and enjoyed math. I believed that combining the two would be the perfect match for a career in architecture. I later learned that architecture has so many other layers! I always knew that I wanted to pursue something that involved tangible results, where I could work towards creating a built environment that people could experience.

Who is the most influential woman you know? How does she inspire you?

MC: In the world of design, there is one woman who inspires me greatly - Florence Knoll Bassett. Her work helped to establish interior design as a professional practice, emphasizing the significance of planning and design in the workplace. She was a true innovator, constantly experimenting and pushing boundaries to create products that were not only functional but also beautiful and timeless. Her designs continue to transcend time, remaining relevant and admired to this day.

What is your favorite STUDIOS project that you’ve worked on and why?

MC: Ballston Exchange is one of my favorite projects at STUDIOS. The transformation of the former National Science Foundation HQ into a vibrant mixed-use destination in Ballston, VA showcases the power of architecture to reimagine existing structures in a different light. Through creativity and close collaboration with our client, we were able to explore new opportunities and achieve unexpected outcomes that have energized the surrounding community.

How have you navigated being a woman in a male dominated field / have there been challenges you've needed to overcome? Any advice you might give to your other female colleagues?

MC: My first job in the architecture field was working in a woman-led firm. Despite the industry's male-dominated nature, my experience under female leadership precluded any sense of gender-based adversity. Throughout my professional journey in this field, I have learned that self-confidence, an awareness of potential obstacles, and meticulous preparation are key factors in reaching your objectives. Though such preparation may demand additional time and effort, it is essential to be well-equipped to face the challenges ahead.

What were some of the important lessons you learned throughout your career?

MC: I have learned that no project or effort is too small, and being receptive to different experiences is important. You will always gain new knowledge, and that knowledge can lead to new opportunities for success. I have also learned that building strong relationships is vital. It is important to be authentic and respectful of others' viewpoints and perspectives.

What made you want to pursue a career in architecture?

Sejal Bhimjiani: My parents renovated our apartment while I was in middle school, witnessing the design process led by a woman interior designer inspired me to take up architecture.

Who is the most influential woman you know? How does she inspire you?

SB: My Mom is the most influential person in my life - her kindness above all, dedication & perseverance inspire me to be a better person everyday.

What is your favorite STUDIOS project that you’ve worked on and why?

SB: 641 AOA is one of my favorite projects at Studios - it started with a very simple design idea that related to the building's history and turned out absolutely beautiful.

How have you navigated being a woman in a male dominated field / have there been challenges you've needed to overcome? Any advice you might give to your other female colleagues?

SB: Being born in a very orthodox Indian family where a son is the heir/ future of the family, I was always challenged by the male dominated society growing up. The desire to not just be a housewife like my mom and create a place for myself in society made me persistent and I kept fighting for things that mattered the most to me - education in architecture, ability to work & have a career and even to get married to a person of my choice. By the time I was working in architecture gender dominance didn't really feel like a challenge.

My advice would be to be persistent and keep working towards your goals regardless of your gender. Don't settle.

What were some of the important lessons you learned throughout your career?

SB: Every project comes with its own challenges, don’t hesitate to jump in.

You learn something new all the time and it can come from unexpected sources.

Work hard and learn to advocate for yourself.

What made you want to pursue a career in architecture?

Lauren Patrick: Like many of us I'm sure, I was quite the tinkerer as a child. I was always interested in the question: "how did that thing come together?" But more than that, I was interested in the aesthetics of those things and in the ways culture and society bore their influence on them. The fascination with understanding how something came to be pushed me to take interest in many of the creative pursuits we take on as humans - fashion, music, food. And I remain interested in many of those things today. But, architecture stuck as a career path for me because there is something so incredibly meaningful about a person's home, or their workplace, or their child's school, or the way their community looks and feels. Architecture has the privilege of engaging with all of these spaces and I saw it as really significant work that I wanted to be a part of.

I am really grateful to get to wake up and do creative work everyday. To be able to engage with questions about what space looks like, feels like and how it relates to a broader set of cultural conditions really lights a fire within me.

Who is the most influential woman you know? How does she inspire you?

LP: The women in my life who had a hand in my early development are by far the most inspiring people to me. Both of my grandmothers and mother have shaped me so much through their gentle strength, perseverance, humor, and optimism.

What is your favorite STUDIOS project that you’ve worked on and why?

LP: My favorite STUDIOS project is The Herald in Washington, DC. It's so sophisticated and attentive to detail! Everything from the use of black as a recurring accent color, the dark wood, the velvet, herringbone and leather textiles and the moody accent lighting, is all so thoughtfully done. I also really appreciate the way the design makes nods to the building's history and celebrates the stories that emerged from within it.

How have you navigated being a woman in a male dominated field / have there been challenges you've needed to overcome? Any advice you might give to your other female colleagues?

LP: Being relatively young in my career, the art of navigating a male dominated field is definitely something I am continuing to grow into every day. Having the opportunity to observe women at STUDIOS, and in the architecture and construction industry more broadly, who are confident in taking up space in their roles, has been really powerful to me. I'm a huge believer in the saying "you can't be what you can't see". So the advice that I am taking myself, and would give to others, is to really lean into those relationships with other women in the industry.

What were some of the important lessons you learned throughout your career?

LP: To always be curious! Especially as I navigate the early years of my career, I am finding that allowing my curiosity to guide me has led me down many fruitful roads. Whether it be a task I've never done before, a part of the profession I have not yet had much exposure to, or new trends in the industry - follow that seed of curiosity! So far, it has always led me to new insights, discoveries and self-knowledge. I hope I can keep this lesson top of mind, and even as I learn more, always being open to all that I may not yet know.

What made you want to pursue a career in architecture?

Penny Lu: At first, it was definitely because of my dad. He was in the field and I looked up to him. However, as I got into it, I found something I really loved about architecture: it's this perfect mix of creativity and logical thinking.

Who is the most influential woman you know? How does she inspire you?

PL: Suzanne Lenglen is a remarkable figure. As a French tennis player, she clinched 21 Grand Slam titles and two Olympic gold medals between 1919 and 1926. Additionally, she was the first person to secure three Wimbledon championships—in both singles and doubles events—in a single year, all while also making waves as a fashion icon!

What is your favorite STUDIOS project that you’ve worked on and why?

PL: Watt Plaza is definitely my top pick. It was the first project I worked on when I joined STUDIOS, and I was there from the very beginning to the end. Sure, it won several design awards, which was awesome, but what really made it stand out was how well we worked with the client. Plus, there's just something special about seeing your design come to life and making great connections along the way.

How have you navigated being a woman in a male dominated field / have there been challenges you've needed to overcome? Any advice you might give to your other female colleagues?

PL: Well, in the past, architecture was mostly a guy's world, but things are changing. I've noticed more women getting into the field lately. The biggest challenge, I think, is believing in yourself. My advice? Remember that you're totally qualified for this job, and don't be afraid to speak up and share your ideas.

What were some of the important lessons you learned throughout your career?

PL: One big lesson for me is the importance of building connections. I've found so much joy in getting to know all sorts of people—whether it's colleagues, clients, consultants, or contractors. At the end of the day, it's those relationships that really count.