What moment in your career tested you the most, and how did you push through?

The most demanding phases of my career have been major turning points: entering architecture school, transitioning into my first consultancy role, and moving from concept design to architectural development. Each stage required quickly assimilating new technical knowledge, adjusting to various professional environments, and maintaining motivation through steep learning curves. I overcame these moments by taking initiative in my learning, seeking guidance from colleagues and mentors, and staying persistent in overcoming each new challenge.

When a project starts slipping into chaos and tight deadlines, moving parts, stressed teams- what’s your personal system for regaining control?

When a project threatens to lose direction due to multiple pressures, I respond by reevaluating deliverables, establishing clear and realistic priorities based on current timelines and resources, and reorganizing the workflow. I maintain open communication within the team and with clients to clarify expectations, support collaboration, and implement contingency strategies, ensuring that progress remains steady and quality is maintained.

Architecture can be overwhelming. What’s one daily habit that keeps you grounded, and one that’s just for joy?

A daily habit that keeps me grounded is practicing honest self-reflection and maintaining a healthy sleep routine. For balance and enjoyment, I dedicate time each day to wellness activities such as visiting a spa, engaging with art, or networking with peers. These habits support my professional focus while fostering well-being and creativity.

What’s one common mistake senior architects make under pressure?

A common misstep is neglecting to implement precise submission schedules and milestones for project phases. Without this structure, it is easy for teams to fall behind or overlook critical tasks, leading to unnecessary stress and reduced efficiency.

You manage large teams with diverse backgrounds. What’s one leadership trait you think more architects need to develop?

One of the most important leadership traits for architects managing large, diverse teams is true ownership of problems through to resolution. Demonstrating ownership means taking full responsibility for both challenges and outcomes, rather than attributing issues to external factors or simply delegating without follow-through. This quality builds trust and credibility within a team. When a leader is visibly accountable, team members feel empowered to take responsibility for their own work and decisions as well.
Ownership also promotes a culture of accountability throughout the project and the wider organization. In a diverse team, this approach helps unify individuals around shared goals, encourages proactive problem-solving, and minimizes finger-pointing or miscommunication. By modeling this standard, architects foster an environment where everyone collaborates more effectively, contributes ideas openly, and commits to seeing tasks through, which is vital for delivering complex architectural projects successfully

What’s the most surprising lesson architecture has taught you, not about buildings, but about people?

One of the most surprising lessons architecture has taught me about people is the value of creative problem-solving. Successful projects demand not only technical expertise but an ability to navigate differing perspectives, adapt to changing needs, and find innovative solutions, qualities that are just as relevant in interpersonal relationships as they are in design. Ultimately, the practice has shown that empathy, flexibility, and collaboration are essential for building both resilient structures and strong professional connections.

When you reflect on a finished project, what detail tells you it was truly a success, even if no one else notices it?

When reflecting on a completed project, true success is often evident in those core design details that remain fully intact from initial concept to final execution. The ability to carry these original elements through every stage, despite evolving requirements or external pressures, shows both the strength of the design vision and the effectiveness of the project management process. Even if unnoticed by others, seeing these unaltered aspects affirms that the initial intent was well-founded and resilient enough to endure practical constraints.