{"id":226,"date":"2024-05-16T19:17:56","date_gmt":"2024-05-16T19:17:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dev2-perkinseastmanthenarrative.dreamhosters.com\/summer2024\/?page_id=226"},"modified":"2025-06-11T18:59:01","modified_gmt":"2025-06-11T18:59:01","slug":"take-5","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/perspectives\/take-5\/","title":{"rendered":"Take 5: Conversations with PEople"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"parallax hero\" style=\"margin: 0 -9vw;\n    width: calc(100% + 18vw);\n    max-width: 100vw;\n    background-attachment: fixed;\n    background-repeat: no-repeat;\n    background-size: contain;\nmin-height:19vw;\nbackground-position: 50% 50px;background-image: url('https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/06\/Take-5-The-Narrative-Summer-2025-05-16-2025_11_41_AM.png')\">\n<\/div>\n<style>img {max-width: 100% !important;}\n\n.wp-block-group * {\nmargin: 0 ;\npadding: 0 !important;\nmax-width: 800px !important;\n}\n.wp-block-group img {max-width: 100% !important;}\n\n.wp-block-group {\npadding: 1rem !important;\n}\n.take-5-heading {margin-top: -2rem !important;\n    margin-bottom: 1rem !important;}\nh6{\nmargin:0;\nmargin-left: 0 !important;\nmargin-bottom: .5rem !important;\n}\n .m-0 {\nmargin: 0 !important;}\n.wp-block-image{\nmargin: 0 !important;\nmargin-bottom: .5rem !important;}\nfigcaption {\nmargin: auto !important;}\n.hero-five{font-family: 'franklin-gothic-urw', sans-serif !important;}\n.parallax .qodef-gutenberg-column-inner {\nmin-height:20vw;background-position: 0 80px;width: calc(100% + 18vw);max-width: 100vw;     background-attachment: fixed;\n    \n    background-repeat: no-repeat;\n    background-size: 20% auto;}\n.l-25 .qodef-gutenberg-column-inner{\n    background-position: 25% 80px;}\n.l-50 .qodef-gutenberg-column-inner{\n    background-position: 50% 80px;}\n.l-75 .qodef-gutenberg-column-inner{\n    background-position: 75% 80px;}\n.l-100 .qodef-gutenberg-column-inner{\n    background-position: 100% 80px;}\nh6 {font-weight: 700 !important;}\n\n#post-226 .qi-block-advanced-text p {\n    padding-top: 0;\n    margin-bottom: 0rem !important;\n    text-wrap: pretty;\n}\n.bg-five {\nfont-family: \"franklin-gothic-urw-cond\",sans-serif !important;font-size:300px !important;}\n.convo {\nline-height: .85 !important;\n}\n.hero-five {\nmargin-top: 2% !important;\n\n}\n@media only screen and (max-width: 748px) {\n    .parallax {\n        background-position: 50% 80px !important;\n        min-height: 29vw !important;\n    }\n}\n<\/style>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group take-five__main-hero hero has-background is-vertical is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4b2eccd6 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"background-color:#ff530d\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-qi-blocks-spacer qodef-block-container qodef-block-813037a2\"><div class=\"qi-block-spacer qodef-block qodef-m\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group heading take-5-heading is-content-justification-center is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-80041ad0 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<div style=\"height:100px;width:24px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer wp-container-content-541a6b20\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading take\">Take<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading hero-five has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-406ec0712cc2dc1b243a59a523e609f3\" style=\"font-size:86px\"><em>5<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading convo\">Conversations<br>with PEople<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-qi-blocks-spacer qodef-block-container qodef-block-8946df3e\"><div class=\"qi-block-spacer qodef-block qodef-m\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center mb-0 has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-2079212ecb7dc2475582666c8b8f84c0\" style=\"font-size:24px\">Five Perkins Eastman designers muse on life and work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-qi-blocks-spacer qodef-block-container qodef-block-992003fd\"><div class=\"qi-block-spacer qodef-block qodef-m\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"by-line has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-32f76cd80c3de6928a2be5a1773f3901\" style=\"font-size:16px\">BY<strong> EMILY BAMFORD<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-qi-blocks-spacer qodef-block-container qodef-block-b40c1406\"><div class=\"qi-block-spacer qodef-block qodef-m\"><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-qi-blocks-spacer qodef-block-container qodef-block-662a8f0a\"><div class=\"qi-block-spacer qodef-block qodef-m\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group wrap-override-1000 col-1000 is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-64989fb1 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group mt-5 is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-b7faace9 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-image m-auto w-full\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1069\" height=\"1087\" src=\"https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/TF.jpg\" alt=\"Ana Cristina Mu\u00f1oz\" class=\"wp-image-1571\" style=\"width:300px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/TF.jpg 1069w, https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/TF-295x300.jpg 295w, https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/TF-1007x1024.jpg 1007w, https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/TF-768x781.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1069px) 100vw, 1069px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-qi-blocks-spacer qodef-block-container qodef-block-636a0acb\"><div class=\"qi-block-spacer qodef-block qodef-m\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"ana-cristina-munoz\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"bg-five five\" style=\"color: #c7cf8140\">5<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ana Cristina Mu\u00f1oz<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading wp-container-content-eb1ede72\">Guayaquil Studio<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:0px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer wp-container-content-eb1ede72\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading wp-container-content-eb1ede72\">Senior Associate Ana Cristina Mu\u00f1oz focuses on design\u2019s environmental impacts in her role as a regional sustainability specialist for Latin America.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-qi-blocks-spacer qodef-block-container qodef-block-6b84c130\"><div class=\"qi-block-spacer qodef-block qodef-m\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-qi-blocks-single-image qodef-block-container qodef-block-e81a925e\"><div class=\"qi-block-single-image qodef-block qodef-m qi-block-fslightbox-popup qodef-popup-gallery\"><div class=\"qodef-m-image\"><a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" href=\"https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/1.png\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-176\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2175\" height=\"844\" class=\"wp-image-2200\"  src=\"https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/1.png\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/1.png 2175w, https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/1-300x116.png 300w, https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/1-1024x397.png 1024w, https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/1-768x298.png 768w, https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/1-1536x596.png 1536w, https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/1-2048x795.png 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2175px) 100vw, 2175px\" \/><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-qi-blocks-spacer qodef-block-container qodef-block-26546358\"><div class=\"qi-block-spacer qodef-block qodef-m\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-qi-blocks-columns qodef-gutenberg-section qodef--template qodef-block-7706fdce qodef-col-num--2 qodef-col-layout--50 qodef-gutter--tiny qodef-content--full-width\"><div class=\"qodef-section-background-overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"qodef-gutenberg-row\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-qi-blocks-column qodef-gutenberg-column mobile-full  qodef-block-5d7f73fe\"><div class=\"qodef-gutenberg-column-inner\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-qi-blocks-single-image qodef-block-container qodef-block-376d288e qodef-width--full-width\"><div class=\"qi-block-single-image qodef-block qodef-m qi-block-fslightbox-popup qodef-popup-gallery\"><div class=\"qodef-m-image\"><a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" href=\"https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/2.png\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-53\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1012\" height=\"1369\" class=\"wp-image-2201\"  src=\"https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/2.png\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/2.png 1012w, https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/2-222x300.png 222w, https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/2-757x1024.png 757w, https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/2-768x1039.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1012px) 100vw, 1012px\" \/><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-qi-blocks-column qodef-gutenberg-column mobile-full  qodef-block-ad6db329 qodef-vertical-align--space-between\"><div class=\"qodef-gutenberg-column-inner\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-qi-blocks-single-image qodef-block-container qodef-block-88fc7740 qodef-width--full-width\"><div class=\"qi-block-single-image qodef-block qodef-m qi-block-fslightbox-popup qodef-popup-gallery\"><div class=\"qodef-m-image\"><a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" href=\"https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/3.png\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-626\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"844\" height=\"563\" class=\"wp-image-2198\"  src=\"https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/3.png\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/3.png 844w, https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/3-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/3-768x512.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 844px) 100vw, 844px\" \/><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-qi-blocks-single-image qodef-block-container qodef-block-f4483404\"><div class=\"qi-block-single-image qodef-block qodef-m qi-block-fslightbox-popup qodef-popup-gallery\"><div class=\"qodef-m-image\"><a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" href=\"https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/4.png\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-496\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"825\" height=\"769\" class=\"wp-image-2199\"  src=\"https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/4.png\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/4.png 825w, https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/4-300x280.png 300w, https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/4-768x716.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 825px) 100vw, 825px\" \/><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n<figcaption><strong>1.<\/strong> Ana Cristina Mu\u00f1oz and her grandfather, architect Oswaldo de la Torre, in his design studio in Quito, Ecuador. <strong>2, 3.<\/strong> TSA School of Performing Arts in Guayaquil, Ecuador. <strong>4.<\/strong> Mu\u00f1oz at Frank Lloyd Wright\u2019s Fallingwater in Mill Run, PA. 1,&nbsp;4: COURTESY ANA CRISTINA MU\u00d1OZ; 2, 3: \u00a9 JAG STUDIO<\/figcaption><br>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px;width:0px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer mobile-none wp-container-content-d25f37ba\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group parallax is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-b7faace9 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">As a third-generation architect in Ecuador, how has your family history shaped your career and design philosophy?<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p>The environment I grew up in was rich with creativity, design, and hard work. One of my role models was my grandfather, a renowned Ecuadorian architect known for his perfectionism, organization, and attention to detail. His primary focus was the well-being of building users, with a strong emphasis on the connection between architecture and nature. His vision inspired me to develop similar skills and pursue my career as an architect and sustainability specialist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">In 2023, our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.perkinseastman.com\/studios\/guayaquil\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Guayaquil studio<\/a> obtained LEED Gold v4\u2014the first workplace in Ecuador to achieve this recognition. How has the studio\u2019s certification process influenced subsequent projects?<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p>Sustainability is not yet widely practiced in the Latin American market, which is why we saw our studio as an opportunity to educate our clients, consultants, and providers\u2014and shift their mindsets. Since then, we\u2019ve seen a positive impact. The media began reaching out to learn about our achievements, and we even had a USGBC representative, impressed by our work, come to our studio. Both existing and potential clients who visit our studio are now eager to discuss how sustainability can be integrated into their projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">As a member of our sustainability team, what do you think are the most promising opportunities for improvement in the Latin American region?<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p>I was one of the first sustainability specialists in my country. Over time, I\u2019ve witnessed significant progress in Latin America. When I started at Perkins Eastman, I set an ambitious goal for the practice to become a sustainability leader in the region, and I\u2019m confident we are on the right track. I foresee resiliency emerging as a key focus in the coming years, especially as Latin America grapples with an unprecedented energy crisis, marked by blackouts and historic droughts as a direct consequence of climate change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What motivates you when faced with social and cultural barriers around sustainability in Ecuador?<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p>Knowing my work has the power to influence and inspire others to make better decisions is what motivates me every day. I have had the privilege of serving as the sustainability specialist for both large-scale projects like Corporativo 194, Ecuador\u2019s first LEED Platinum building, and smaller-scale projects with a few focused sustainability features like Perkins Eastman\u2019s design of the TSA School of Performing Arts. Because of the TSA\u2019s limited budget, we conducted extensive research and analysis, and we made hard decisions throughout the process. Sustainability was not a client priority, but we demonstrated its value by focusing on simple measures such as improved engineering designs, exterior shading, photovoltaics, and high-efficiency indoor plumbing fixtures. Today, the building is an example for the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How do you spend your time outside of work?<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p>I love spending time with family, especially showing my one-year-old niece how cool and fun her aunt is! I also have a passion for swimming, traveling around the world, exploring different cultures, tasting new foods, and admiring unique architecture.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:24px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:24px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group wrap-override-1000 is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-64989fb1 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group mt-5 is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-b7faace9 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-image align-right w-full\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1069\" height=\"1087\" src=\"https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/TF2.jpg\" alt=\"Derek Hamilton\" class=\"wp-image-1573\" style=\"width:300px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/TF2.jpg 1069w, https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/TF2-295x300.jpg 295w, https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/TF2-1007x1024.jpg 1007w, https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/TF2-768x781.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1069px) 100vw, 1069px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-qi-blocks-spacer qodef-block-container qodef-block-f61cd7df\"><div class=\"qi-block-spacer qodef-block qodef-m\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"derek-hamilton\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"bg-five five\" style=\"color: #f7935620\">5<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Derek Hamilton<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading wp-container-content-eb1ede72\">Los Angeles Studio<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:0px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer wp-container-content-eb1ede72\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading wp-container-content-eb1ede72\">Derek Hamilton, a principal with more than 25 years of experience, designs healthcare projects that center the human experience and gives back to the community through volunteer work.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-qi-blocks-spacer qodef-block-container qodef-block-d5d0a078\"><div class=\"qi-block-spacer qodef-block qodef-m\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-qi-blocks-single-image qodef-block-container qodef-block-fe3135c9\"><div class=\"qi-block-single-image qodef-block qodef-m qi-block-fslightbox-popup qodef-popup-gallery\"><div class=\"qodef-m-image\"><a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" href=\"https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/1a-e1747860444811.png\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-447\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1844\" height=\"1030\" class=\"wp-image-2206\"  src=\"https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/1a-e1747860444811.png\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/1a-e1747860444811.png 1844w, https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/1a-e1747860444811-300x168.png 300w, https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/1a-e1747860444811-1024x572.png 1024w, https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/1a-e1747860444811-768x429.png 768w, https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/1a-e1747860444811-1536x858.png 1536w, https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/1a-e1747860444811-500x279.png 500w, https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/1a-e1747860444811-800x447.png 800w, https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/1a-e1747860444811-1280x715.png 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1844px) 100vw, 1844px\" \/><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-qi-blocks-spacer qodef-block-container qodef-block-20c1a5a0\"><div class=\"qi-block-spacer qodef-block qodef-m\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-qi-blocks-columns qodef-gutenberg-section qodef--template qodef-block-2427af87 qodef-col-num--2 qodef-col-layout--50 qodef-gutter--tiny qodef-content--boxed\"><div class=\"qodef-section-background-overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"qodef-gutenberg-row\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-qi-blocks-column qodef-gutenberg-column mobile-full  qodef-block-7bb89a44 qodef-vertical-align--space-between\"><div class=\"qodef-gutenberg-column-inner\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-qi-blocks-single-image qodef-block-container qodef-block-022bafe5\"><div class=\"qi-block-single-image qodef-block qodef-m qi-block-fslightbox-popup qodef-popup-gallery\"><div class=\"qodef-m-image\"><a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" href=\"https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/2a.png\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-446\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"994\" height=\"637\" class=\"wp-image-2207\"  src=\"https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/2a.png\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/2a.png 994w, https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/2a-300x192.png 300w, https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/2a-768x492.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 994px) 100vw, 994px\" \/><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-qi-blocks-single-image qodef-block-container qodef-block-94065d81\"><div class=\"qi-block-single-image qodef-block qodef-m qi-block-fslightbox-popup qodef-popup-gallery\"><div class=\"qodef-m-image\"><a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" href=\"https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/Narrative_edited_photos_8.jpg\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-704\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"994\" height=\"863\" class=\"wp-image-3165\"  src=\"https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/Narrative_edited_photos_8.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/Narrative_edited_photos_8.jpg 994w, https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/Narrative_edited_photos_8-300x260.jpg 300w, https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/Narrative_edited_photos_8-768x667.jpg 768w, https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/Narrative_edited_photos_8-500x434.jpg 500w, https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/Narrative_edited_photos_8-800x695.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 994px) 100vw, 994px\" \/><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-qi-blocks-column qodef-gutenberg-column mobile-full  qodef-block-7a42c5c3\"><div class=\"qodef-gutenberg-column-inner\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-qi-blocks-single-image qodef-block-container qodef-block-9f21970d\"><div class=\"qi-block-single-image qodef-block qodef-m qi-block-fslightbox-popup qodef-popup-gallery\"><div class=\"qodef-m-image\"><a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" href=\"https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/3a.png\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-327\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"844\" height=\"1050\" class=\"wp-image-2208\"  src=\"https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/3a.png\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/3a.png 844w, https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/3a-241x300.png 241w, https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/3a-823x1024.png 823w, https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/3a-768x955.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 844px) 100vw, 844px\" \/><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n<figcaption><strong>1.<\/strong> Chao Comprehensive Digestive Disease Center at the University of California Irvine in Orange, CA. <strong>2.<\/strong> Riverside County Crisis Services Center in Riverside, CA. <strong>3.<\/strong> Derek Hamilton (fourth from left) with the Perkins Eastman team at the 2024 NOMA Conference. <strong>4.<\/strong> Hamilton, his wife, Deanna, and children, Dakotah (left) and Derek II, at home. 1: \u00a9 BENNY CHAN\/FOTOWORKS; 2: PHOTOGRAPH BY SARAH MECHLING \u00a9 PERKINS EASTMAN; 3, 4: COURTESY DEREK HAMILTON<\/figcaption><br>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:0px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer wp-container-content-cc4259ba\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px;width:0px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer mobile-none wp-container-content-5468903a\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-b7faace9 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">You credit your time at Hampton University as key to your love of architecture and foundational to your life and career. What made your experience there transformative?<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p>Hampton gave me a strong foundation in architectural principles and a deep understanding of how design impacts community. One pivotal project, which reimagined public spaces via culturally sensitive design for the city of Poquoson, VA, underscored architecture\u2019s role in celebrating identity and history. The professorial mentorship I received and the camaraderie among my peers shaped my confidence and creativity. Hampton also instilled a commitment to use design as a tool for equity and empowerment, a philosophy that guides me to this day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">At a time of rapid medical advancement, how do you balance patient needs and the complexities of hospital design?<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p>Every decision\u2014spatial planning, materials, technology\u2014prioritizes the well-being of patients, families, and staff. Through collaboration, we immerse ourselves in their world to gain a deep understanding of how they interact with their environment, so we can create spaces that are functional, adaptable, nurturing, and restorative. By integrating hospitality and workplace design principles, we build environments that support healing, enhance efficiency, and anticipate future innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">You are a key member of our DE&amp;I Committee and a longtime member of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.noma.net\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">National Organization of Minority Architects<\/a> (NOMA). What changes would you like to see at Perkins Eastman and in the AEC industry?<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p>Diversity, equity, and inclusion must become ingrained in the culture. Internally, I\u2019d like to see a continued focus on recruiting and retaining underrepresented talent, so that our leadership more accurately reflects our diversity. For example, we recently participated in a NOMA-sponsored mentorship program that paired emerging designers from underrepresented groups and universities with our senior leadership. Staff members from about half of our US studios took part in this initiative, which was great to see. Industry-wide, we need to normalize inclusive policies and amplify voices from diverse communities in the design process to make sure our built environments truly reflect the people they serve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">As a longtime volunteer for nonprofits such as L.A. Works and Big Sunday, what fuels your drive to give back?<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p>Collective action creates lasting change. One of my most meaningful experiences was refurbishing a community center in South Los Angeles. Seeing community members\u2019 joy and pride as they reclaimed their space was deeply fulfilling. Moments like this remind me that design and service are interconnected\u2014both have the power to transform lives. Volunteering allows me to stay grounded, connect with diverse communities, and create equitable and impactful designs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How does working and volunteering in Los Angeles inspire your design approach?<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p>Working on projects such as the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.perkinseastman.com\/projects\/harbor-ucla-restorative-care-village\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Restorative Care Village at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center<\/a> taught me how to address the city\u2019s unique challenges, such as homelessness and access to behavioral healthcare, through innovative design. Volunteering has deepened this perspective; my time with L.A. Works introduced me to residents who prioritize green spaces, which influenced our approach to integrating outdoor healing environments in hospital projects for Kaiser Permanente such as the Vermont Pavilion at its South Bay Medical Center. The city\u2019s diversity inspires me to design with purpose, empathy, and humanity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px;width:0px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer wp-container-content-d25f37ba\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:24px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group wrap-override-1000 col-1000 is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-64989fb1 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group mt-5 is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-b7faace9 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-image align-right w-full\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1069\" height=\"1087\" src=\"https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/TF3.jpg\" alt=\"Silvia Vercher Pons\" class=\"wp-image-1574\" style=\"width:300px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/TF3.jpg 1069w, https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/TF3-295x300.jpg 295w, https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/TF3-1007x1024.jpg 1007w, https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/TF3-768x781.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1069px) 100vw, 1069px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-qi-blocks-spacer qodef-block-container qodef-block-0a440e46\"><div class=\"qi-block-spacer qodef-block qodef-m\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"silvia-vercher-pons\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"bg-five five\" style=\"color: #1079bf20\">5<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Silvia Vercher Pons<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading wp-container-content-eb1ede72\">New York Studio<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:0px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer wp-container-content-eb1ede72\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading wp-container-content-eb1ede72\">Senior Associate Silvia Vercher Pons creates culturally rich and ecologically resilient projects while also teaching architecture students and working with nonprofits.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-qi-blocks-spacer qodef-block-container qodef-block-570e90bb\"><div class=\"qi-block-spacer qodef-block qodef-m\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-qi-blocks-single-image qodef-block-container qodef-block-a2bd63da\"><div class=\"qi-block-single-image qodef-block qodef-m qi-block-fslightbox-popup qodef-popup-gallery\"><div class=\"qodef-m-image\"><a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" href=\"https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/5a-e1747860554957.png\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-280\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1844\" height=\"1250\" class=\"wp-image-2218\"  src=\"https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/5a-e1747860554957.png\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/5a-e1747860554957.png 1844w, https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/5a-e1747860554957-300x203.png 300w, https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/5a-e1747860554957-1024x694.png 1024w, https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/5a-e1747860554957-768x521.png 768w, https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/5a-e1747860554957-1536x1041.png 1536w, https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/5a-e1747860554957-500x339.png 500w, https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/5a-e1747860554957-800x542.png 800w, https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/5a-e1747860554957-1280x868.png 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1844px) 100vw, 1844px\" \/><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-qi-blocks-spacer qodef-block-container qodef-block-a78b3532\"><div class=\"qi-block-spacer qodef-block qodef-m\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-qi-blocks-columns qodef-gutenberg-section qodef--template qodef-block-3bfb0c54 qodef-col-num--2 qodef-col-layout--50 qodef-gutter--tiny qodef-content--boxed\"><div class=\"qodef-section-background-overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"qodef-gutenberg-row\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-qi-blocks-column qodef-gutenberg-column mobile-full  qodef-block-c18d09ee qodef-vertical-align--space-between\"><div class=\"qodef-gutenberg-column-inner\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-qi-blocks-single-image qodef-block-container qodef-block-320e00b2\"><div class=\"qi-block-single-image qodef-block qodef-m qi-block-fslightbox-popup qodef-popup-gallery\"><div class=\"qodef-m-image\"><a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" href=\"https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/6a.png\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-446\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1069\" height=\"713\" class=\"wp-image-2215\"  src=\"https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/6a.png\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/6a.png 1069w, https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/6a-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/6a-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/6a-768x512.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1069px) 100vw, 1069px\" \/><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-qi-blocks-single-image qodef-block-container qodef-block-96368b46\"><div class=\"qi-block-single-image qodef-block qodef-m qi-block-fslightbox-popup qodef-popup-gallery\"><div class=\"qodef-m-image\"><a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" href=\"https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/8a.png\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-704\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1087\" height=\"675\" class=\"wp-image-2217\"  src=\"https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/8a.png\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/8a.png 1087w, https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/8a-300x186.png 300w, https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/8a-1024x636.png 1024w, https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/8a-768x477.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1087px) 100vw, 1087px\" \/><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-qi-blocks-column qodef-gutenberg-column mobile-full  qodef-block-c4ed5d5a\"><div class=\"qodef-gutenberg-column-inner\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-qi-blocks-single-image qodef-block-container qodef-block-cad02a42\"><div class=\"qi-block-single-image qodef-block qodef-m qi-block-fslightbox-popup qodef-popup-gallery\"><div class=\"qodef-m-image\"><a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" href=\"https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/7a.png\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-327\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"788\" height=\"1106\" class=\"wp-image-2216\"  src=\"https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/7a.png\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/7a.png 788w, https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/7a-214x300.png 214w, https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/7a-730x1024.png 730w, https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/7a-768x1078.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 788px) 100vw, 788px\" \/><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n<figcaption><strong>1.<\/strong> Tbilisi Sea Master Plan in Georgia. <strong>2.<\/strong> National Museum of Mathematics ground-floor plan showing mathematical pattern. <strong>3.<\/strong> Silvia Vercher Pons at the 2023 UIA World Congress of Architects in Copenhagen. <strong>4.<\/strong> Nasra Nimaga (left) and Vercher Pons at an Urban Design Forum \u201cBig Swings\u201d event. 1, 2: \u00a9 PERKINS EASTMAN; 3, 4: COURTESY SILVIA VERCHER PONS<\/figcaption><br>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:0px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer wp-container-content-cc4259ba\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px;width:0px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer mobile-none wp-container-content-d25f37ba\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-b7faace9 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Your work often focuses on the public realm and cultural and arts buildings. Which projects have been the most challenging?<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p>Every project presents its own challenges\u2014that\u2019s the nature of our profession. Recently, we submitted the Tbilisi Sea Master Plan, a transformative vision for a nearly 1,200-acre site surrounding a reservoir in Tbilisi, Georgia. The plan demanded a delicate balance: preserving the site\u2019s natural beauty while advancing its economic, developmental, and sustainable potential. This project carries personal significance for me. Fifteen years ago, I began my career in Georgia, where my first professional contributions were to cultural and large-scale architectural projects including the construction of the Georgian Parliament Building and Rike Park. Returning to a place that profoundly influenced my architectural journey has been deeply rewarding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are you working on as a board member of the <a href=\"https:\/\/csu.global\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Consortium for Sustainable Urbanization<\/a> (CSU), an NGO that promotes resilient design in urban planning?<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p>I was elected to the board in 2024, but I have been collaborating with the organization for years as a research affiliate for the <a href=\"https:\/\/csud.climate.columbia.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Columbia Climate School Center for Sustainable Urban Development<\/a>. My work focuses on two initiatives: through CSU Green Cities, I help organize webinars and forums to foster dialogue among global leaders in urbanization and sustainability; with Youth+UN, I help create opportunities for young people to engage in global urban processes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">As a fellow in the <a href=\"https:\/\/urbandesignforum.org\/initiative\/2025-big-swings\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Urban Design Forum\u2019s 2024 \u201cBig Swings\u201d Global Exchange program<\/a>, what have you learned from your peers?<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p>Participating in this program has been transformative. The initiative unites 48 emerging leaders in New York City\u2014architects, planners, lawyers, and policymakers, among others, with diverse perspectives\u2014to address the city\u2019s housing crisis. Each month, our peer-led events delve into pressing challenges, offering firsthand insights into complex issues. For example, the \u201cCutting Red Tape\u201d session featured a site visit to an office-to-residential conversion. Discussions on migration, guided by the Mayor\u2019s Office of Policy &amp; Planning, illuminated innovative strategies for integrating new arrivals. And case studies demonstrated sustainable approaches to the preservation of affordable housing. These sessions bring together a diverse range of voices and serve as an invaluable learning experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Last year, you served as a judge for the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.salvadori.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Salvadori Center<\/a>\u2019s annual design charrette in New York. What do you enjoy about working with elementary and middle school students?<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s incredibly satisfying to engage with kids and see their uninhibited approach to design. The charrette taught them to measure dimensions, organize a house layout, draw plans, and create paper models. Their creativity, free from codes and constraints, was inspiring\u2014some of their models were truly remarkable!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What do you seek to instill in your architecture students at Pratt Institute and the New York Institute of Technology?<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p>I want my students to learn critical thinking and how to analyze and uncover cities\u2019 complex layers of challenges and opportunities, while also discovering their own voices\u2014whether through writing, drawing, or presenting\u2014around issues such as inequality or accessibility. My course serves as a laboratory where students apply new concepts, such as Sustainable Development Goals, to real-world scenarios.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:12px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:24px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group wrap-override-1000 is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-64989fb1 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group mt-5 is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-b7faace9 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-image align-right w-full\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1069\" height=\"1087\" src=\"https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/TF4.jpg\" alt=\"Merintha Pinson\" class=\"wp-image-1575\" style=\"width:300px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/TF4.jpg 1069w, https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/TF4-295x300.jpg 295w, https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/TF4-1007x1024.jpg 1007w, https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/TF4-768x781.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1069px) 100vw, 1069px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-qi-blocks-spacer qodef-block-container qodef-block-b9b41e09\"><div class=\"qi-block-spacer qodef-block qodef-m\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"merintha-pinson\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"bg-five five\" style=\"color: #d8742920\">5<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Merintha Pinson<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading wp-container-content-eb1ede72\">Chicago Studio<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:0px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer wp-container-content-eb1ede72\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading wp-container-content-eb1ede72\">Merintha Pinson, a senior associate with a 10-year tenure at the practice, specializes across the full spectrum of senior living developments.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-qi-blocks-spacer qodef-block-container qodef-block-af8d47d5\"><div class=\"qi-block-spacer qodef-block qodef-m\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-qi-blocks-single-image qodef-block-container qodef-block-abee719c\"><div class=\"qi-block-single-image qodef-block qodef-m qi-block-fslightbox-popup qodef-popup-gallery\"><div class=\"qodef-m-image\"><a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" href=\"https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/14.png\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-294\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1669\" height=\"787\" class=\"wp-image-2214\"  src=\"https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/14.png\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/14.png 1669w, https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/14-300x141.png 300w, https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/14-1024x483.png 1024w, https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/14-768x362.png 768w, https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/14-1536x724.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1669px) 100vw, 1669px\" \/><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-qi-blocks-spacer qodef-block-container qodef-block-f7e817ca\"><div class=\"qi-block-spacer qodef-block qodef-m\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-qi-blocks-columns qodef-gutenberg-section qodef--template qodef-block-78e9ddae qodef-col-num--2 qodef-col-layout--50 qodef-gutter--tiny qodef-content--boxed\"><div class=\"qodef-section-background-overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"qodef-gutenberg-row\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-qi-blocks-column qodef-gutenberg-column mobile-full  qodef-block-34915c7d qodef-vertical-align--space-between\"><div class=\"qodef-gutenberg-column-inner\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-qi-blocks-single-image qodef-block-container qodef-block-3558ce79\"><div class=\"qi-block-single-image qodef-block qodef-m\"><div class=\"qodef-m-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"731\" height=\"975\" class=\"wp-image-2210\"  src=\"https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/15.png\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/15.png 731w, https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/15-225x300.png 225w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 731px) 100vw, 731px\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-qi-blocks-spacer qodef-block-container qodef-block-ff5f8cac\"><div class=\"qi-block-spacer qodef-block qodef-m\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-qi-blocks-single-image qodef-block-container qodef-block-288dc462\"><div class=\"qi-block-single-image qodef-block qodef-m qi-block-fslightbox-popup qodef-popup-gallery\"><div class=\"qodef-m-image\"><a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" href=\"https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/17.png\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-704\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"656\" height=\"731\" class=\"wp-image-2212\"  src=\"https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/17.png\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/17.png 656w, https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/17-269x300.png 269w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 656px) 100vw, 656px\" \/><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-qi-blocks-column qodef-gutenberg-column mobile-full  qodef-block-d18234fb\"><div class=\"qodef-gutenberg-column-inner\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-qi-blocks-single-image qodef-block-container qodef-block-e0df2168\"><div class=\"qi-block-single-image qodef-block qodef-m\"><div class=\"qodef-m-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"937\" height=\"956\" class=\"wp-image-2211\"  src=\"https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/16.png\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/16.png 937w, https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/16-294x300.png 294w, https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/16-768x784.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 937px) 100vw, 937px\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-qi-blocks-spacer qodef-block-container qodef-block-d951484a\"><div class=\"qi-block-spacer qodef-block qodef-m\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-qi-blocks-single-image qodef-block-container qodef-block-916dfd3e\"><div class=\"qi-block-single-image qodef-block qodef-m qi-block-fslightbox-popup qodef-popup-gallery\"><div class=\"qodef-m-image\"><a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" href=\"https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/18.png\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-848\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1012\" height=\"563\" class=\"wp-image-2213\"  src=\"https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/18.png\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/18.png 1012w, https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/18-300x167.png 300w, https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/18-768x427.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1012px) 100vw, 1012px\" \/><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n<figcaption><strong>1.<\/strong>  Choice in Aging campus in Pleasant Hill, CA. <strong>2.<\/strong>  Merintha Pinson in costume\nas Elphaba from Wicked at a Special Olympics Illinois fundraiser. <strong>3.<\/strong>  Pinson and her husband, Mike Sokolowski, in Kaua\u02bbi, HI. <strong>4.<\/strong> Pinson\u2019s dogs, Penny and Sedona. <string>5.<\/strong> Ventas\u2019s Sierra Ridge Memory Care in Auburn, CA. 1, 2: \u00a9 PERKINS EASTMAN; 3, 4: COURTESY MERINTHA PINSON; 5: \u00a9 RICH MONTALBANO RIMO PHOTO, LLC <\/figcaption><br>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:0px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer wp-container-content-cc4259ba\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px;width:0px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer mobile-none wp-container-content-d25f37ba\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-b7faace9 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What initially piqued your interest in senior living design?<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p>My parents built a modest house they intended to remodel as our family grew, and I\u2019d sketch ideas with my dad at the dining room table. I had lots of ideas about what a \u201chome\u201d could look like. When I began architecture school, I wanted to design residential environments. My third-year housing studio introduced me to senior living as a typology, and I became interested in learning how to create homes that are inherently accessible and supportive. When I interned at Perkins Eastman, I realized there was a practice area dedicated to environments where older adults can live their best lives within communities that celebrate their interests and create space for meaningful social connections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Which of the projects for older adults you have worked on holds particular significance?<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p>Every project has taught me something new and connected me with incredible people, but the projects that resonate are the ones that challenge how care is typically provided. Take the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.choiceinaging.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Choice in Aging<\/a> (CiA) campus in Pleasant Hill, CA. The nonprofit CiA has partnered with Satellite Affordable Housing Associates to transform the campus by providing new spaces for its intergenerational Montessori Adult Day Health Care program and Choice in Learning preschool, as well as building affordable, independent housing where residents can age in place. Every design decision reflects the clients\u2019 mission to celebrate the joy and enrichment that seniors bring to the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What issues will inform the design of memory care housing in the coming years, given the growing need for supportive environments?<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p>Memory care housing providers will need to address growing demand by increasing supply, providing more affordable options, and embracing technology. The industry needs to build more housing for seniors at all levels of care, including memory care, but it also needs to thoughtfully renovate and refresh existing building stock to increase options for people navigating cognitive decline. Our projects for Ventas do just that\u2014investing in interior refreshes of middle-market buildings to better serve residents and their support systems. Advancements in smart home systems, remote monitoring, and AI-driven health tools will continue to support aging in place, thereby reducing caregiver burden and extending independence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Does working in the architecturally rich Windy City inform your design philosophy?<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p>Working in San Francisco for eight years and now practicing in Chicago for the last two years, I marvel daily at the breadth of architectural history that surrounds me, having grown up in a suburb of Phoenix, a relatively young metropolitan area. Chicago\u2019s iconic blend of innovation, functionality, and beauty\u2014from the skyscraper\u2019s invention to pioneering sustainable design\u2014inspires me to approach projects with a balance of creativity and purpose and motivates me to challenge conventions and design environments that are impactful and enduring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How do you spend your free time?<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p>My husband and I love to take our two Dobermans on adventures, especially when the weather is nice. Whether we are going for a hike, checking out a local brewery, or heading on a road trip, we like to find dog-friendly options, so we can include Penny and Sedona.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:24px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group wrap-override-1000 col-1000 is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-64989fb1 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group mt-5 is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-b7faace9 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-image align-right w-full\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1069\" height=\"1087\" src=\"https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/TF5.jpg\" alt=\"Brian O\u2019Reilly\" class=\"wp-image-1576\" style=\"width:300px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/TF5.jpg 1069w, https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/TF5-295x300.jpg 295w, https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/TF5-1007x1024.jpg 1007w, https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/TF5-768x781.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1069px) 100vw, 1069px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-qi-blocks-spacer qodef-block-container qodef-block-fab4bd56\"><div class=\"qi-block-spacer qodef-block qodef-m\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"brian-oreilly\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"bg-five five\" style=\"color: #00918920\">5<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Brian O\u2019Reilly<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading wp-container-content-eb1ede72\">Seattle Studio<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:0px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer wp-container-content-eb1ede72\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading wp-container-content-eb1ede72\">Principal Brian O\u2019Reilly is a residential practice leader and a member of the firm\u2019s Futures Council.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-qi-blocks-spacer qodef-block-container qodef-block-e5b13e81\"><div class=\"qi-block-spacer qodef-block qodef-m\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-qi-blocks-single-image qodef-block-container qodef-block-4ae67ab8\"><div class=\"qi-block-single-image qodef-block qodef-m qi-block-fslightbox-popup qodef-popup-gallery\"><div class=\"qodef-m-image\"><a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" href=\"https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/aA.png\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-472\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1875\" height=\"1069\" class=\"wp-image-2205\"  src=\"https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/aA.png\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/aA.png 1875w, https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/aA-300x171.png 300w, https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/aA-1024x584.png 1024w, https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/aA-768x438.png 768w, https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/aA-1536x876.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1875px) 100vw, 1875px\" \/><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-qi-blocks-spacer qodef-block-container qodef-block-41a1d8fa\"><div class=\"qi-block-spacer qodef-block qodef-m\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-qi-blocks-columns qodef-gutenberg-section qodef--template qodef-block-44a418b2 qodef-col-num--2 qodef-col-layout--50 qodef-gutter--tiny qodef-content--boxed\"><div class=\"qodef-section-background-overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"qodef-gutenberg-row\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-qi-blocks-column qodef-gutenberg-column mobile-full  qodef-block-77e8ff86 qodef-vertical-align--space-between\"><div class=\"qodef-gutenberg-column-inner\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-qi-blocks-single-image qodef-block-container qodef-block-209ce31d\"><div class=\"qi-block-single-image qodef-block qodef-m\"><div class=\"qodef-m-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1087\" height=\"844\" class=\"wp-image-2202\"  src=\"https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/aB.png\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/aB.png 1087w, https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/aB-300x233.png 300w, https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/aB-1024x795.png 1024w, https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/aB-768x596.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1087px) 100vw, 1087px\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-qi-blocks-spacer qodef-block-container qodef-block-5f9542c1\"><div class=\"qi-block-spacer qodef-block qodef-m\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-qi-blocks-single-image qodef-block-container qodef-block-2c7241a3\"><div class=\"qi-block-single-image qodef-block qodef-m\"><div class=\"qodef-m-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1069\" height=\"787\" class=\"wp-image-2204\"  src=\"https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/dD.png\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/dD.png 1069w, https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/dD-300x221.png 300w, https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/dD-1024x754.png 1024w, https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/dD-768x565.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1069px) 100vw, 1069px\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-qi-blocks-column qodef-gutenberg-column mobile-full  qodef-block-fdf49332\"><div class=\"qodef-gutenberg-column-inner\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-qi-blocks-single-image qodef-block-container qodef-block-6a3b68bc\"><div class=\"qi-block-single-image qodef-block qodef-m qi-block-fslightbox-popup qodef-popup-gallery\"><div class=\"qodef-m-image\"><a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" href=\"https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/aC.png\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-327\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"788\" height=\"1219\" class=\"wp-image-2203\"  src=\"https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/aC.png\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/aC.png 788w, https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/aC-194x300.png 194w, https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/aC-662x1024.png 662w, https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/aC-768x1188.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 788px) 100vw, 788px\" \/><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n<figcaption><strong>1.<\/strong> Lake City Housing in Seattle. <strong>2.<\/strong> St. Luke\u2019s Episcopal Church mixed-income housing in Seattle. <strong>3.<\/strong> The Cline in Seattle. \n<strong>4.<\/strong> O\u2019Reilly and his wife, Erin, at Griffith Park in Los Angeles.  1, 2: COURTESY PERKINS EASTMAN; 3: \u00a9 LARA SWIMMER; 4: COURTESY BRIAN O\u2019REILLY<\/figcaption><br>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:0px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer wp-container-content-cc4259ba\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px;width:0px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer mobile-none wp-container-content-d25f37ba\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-b7faace9 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">You have said architecture can serve as practical poetry. How do you apply this philosophy to housing?<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p>My favorite poets\u2014William Carlos Williams, Robert Frost, and Matsuo Bash\u014d\u2014have a wonderful economy of words, capturing so much with so little. This is what I strive to accomplish with my work: impactful design through simple means. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.perkinseastman.com\/projects\/the-cline\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Cline<\/a> in Seattle is a great example. Its simple theme of faceting, derived from the existing context, became a vehicle for directing views, shaping indoor and outdoor space, and creating texture and shadow on the fa\u00e7ade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are the current themes in residential design, and what do you predict for the future?<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p>Remote work is a significant driver of both unit and amenity design, including dens, office nooks, and coworking spaces. For a current project, dens are strategically placed to become extensions of bedrooms, while also having ample access to daylight\u2014an idea we nicked from the great work our Dallas studio is doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We are also seeing an increased awareness of the urgent need for plentiful affordable housing. This is sparking new and creative approaches to building in unexpected places. Churches and community centers, for example, are considering how they can add residential density to underutilized sites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">As a member of our Futures Council, a cohort of emerging leaders who work to build a better Perkins Eastman, what are your goals?<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p>My core goal is to foster a workplace where people are happy, fulfilled, and take pride in producing work of the highest caliber. I\u2019m particularly interested in how our approaches to design and collaboration work toward that goal. I believe we are all designers, and design processes that meaningfully engage with the full spectrum of the project team produce the best results. Accomplishing this is complicated by the hybrid office policy we adopted coming out of the pandemic. Developing ways to simultaneously maintain this flexibility (it\u2019s as popular with our staff as it is among the tenants our residential clients seek to attract) and the quality of our designs is top of mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How does the Pacific Northwest region\u2014its landscape and climate\u2014influence your work?<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s hard not to love the Pacific Northwest. It is one of the most naturally stunning places on the planet, and I\u2019m grateful I get to live here. This context inspires us to use materials that are evocative of the landscape and have an inherent character and texture, such as wood, weathering steel, and board-formed concrete. On a more serious note, the climate is changing. Summers are getting hotter, winters are getting wetter, and we are making our buildings more resilient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What advice do you give to aspiring architects interested in working at a large practice like ours?<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p>Students and new graduates can feel intimidated by the size of a practice like ours\u2014I did. I tell them Perkins Eastman is large, but it\u2019s made up of real people who are engaged, passionate, and incredibly knowledgeable, and our diversity creates remarkable opportunities. Dive in, get exposure to everything firms like ours have to offer, and start to chart your own unique path. <strong>N<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"post-navigation-link-previous wp-block-post-navigation-link\"><a href=\"https:\/\/perkinseastmanthenarrative.com\/summer2025\/perspectives\/gallery-wuxi-wonderland\/\" rel=\"prev\">Previous<\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Take 5 Conversationswith PEople Five Perkins Eastman designers muse on life and work. BY EMILY BAMFORD 5 Ana Cristina Mu\u00f1oz Guayaquil Studio Senior Associate Ana Cristina Mu\u00f1oz focuses on design\u2019s environmental impacts in her role as a regional sustainability specialist for Latin America.1. Ana Cristina Mu\u00f1oz and her grandfather, architect Oswaldo de la Torre, in [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":1539,"menu_order":3,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-226","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Take 5: Conversations with PEople - The Narrative Summer 2025<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Take 5 Conversationswith PEople Five Perkins Eastman designers muse on life and work. 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