#EMPLOYEESPOTLIGHT
Maria Olivia Ramos
Intern
#DoingMore #CollectiveKnowledge #Architecture
Q: What is Architecture to you? How do you think it affects people’s daily lives?
Architecture is an art and a science. It is the practice of designing spaces for a specific environment while taking into account all the components that make up said environment. Every decision made in the process of architecture – from choosing materials to drawing windows to siting the building – has a huge impact on our daily lives as well as the environment we source from.
Q: What makes Project Luong unique? Why do you choose to work here?
Though I’m still at the very beginning of my career, the support I’ve had at Project Luong has helped me build the confidence and enthusiasm necessary to dive into an industry that can be so overwhelming. Every day, I am encouraged to try something new and to challenge myself in order to gain experience and knowledge, which has been so valuable. I do it instinctively now because I know that I have so many resources available thanks to the firm’s efforts to support its people.
Q: How are you enjoying your PLA internship? What was the most interesting thing you learned or experienced thus far?
I believe I lucked out with this internship. It’s been hard work, but so fun. I think the most interesting experience so far has been our design charrettes, where everyone gets to design based on the same prompt and then present our ideas to the entire team. It’s a fun way to learn more about each other’s processes and become more connected.
Q: Who has been your biggest influence?
I’ve been lucky to have many people in my life help guide me to where I am now, but I think my biggest influences have really been my older brothers, Christian and Gabriel. The way they carry themselves and handle everything that life throws at them is inspiring. Their unconditional support is what makes me want to make them proud.
Q: What is your personal philosophy when it comes to architecture and design?
Architecture is about constantly learning – it is an endless well of knowledge. There’s so much history and future in architecture. That is why I’m so excited to be on this journey. I know that no matter what part of my career I am in, I will always have something new to learn, new mistakes to make, new opportunities to prove myself and do more. Every single project is a completely different experience, and I believe that’s how design should be.
Kessler Scholar | Industrial Engineering | University of Pittsburgh
6moThank you so much!