When I Grow Up: Architect

Adrienne Catalano

Architectural Designer at CICADA

Education

Louisiana State University + Washington-Alexandria Architecture Center

Degree

Bachelor of Architecture

Photos by Emily Ferretti

Professional journey:

I’ve always been interested in art and creative problem solving. My favorite activities as a child were craft projects and puzzles. As a teenager, that interest in arts and crafts grew into a broader interest in art and design. I painted and built custom pieces for my bedroom in high school and excelled in my high school math classes, envisioning a future career that could marry my interest in both. Architecture seemed like a perfect fit for me. My career affords me the opportunity to express my creativity while embracing the latest in design technologies.

I have really enjoyed my path to licensure so far. I’ve worked for a couple of different design firms and have had a hand in designing hundreds of projects across Louisiana. LSU provided a wonderful learning environment, but I can’t emphasize enough how valuable a year of study away from Louisiana was for me. The Washington-Alexandria Architecture Center (WAAC) in Alexandria, Virginia, offered a year of study with other architecture students and teachers from around the world on one campus outside of Washington, D.C. That year of study really expanded my horizons and introduced me to other design theories that I wouldn’t have been exposed to otherwise.

Alternative career path:

If I wasn’t in architecture, I think I would be in another design field. I really enjoy graphic design and interior design, both of which would also mesh my passion for design with the use of technology and other design tools. Architecture school teaches general design-thinking skills that could be applied to many adjacent design fields.

Typical workday:

The day-to-day life of an architect varies, which I enjoy. I’ll spend one day in the office designing the layout for a restaurant, then the next day out on a site measuring a historic home in the Garden District. The practice of architecture includes a lot of space planning, designing, code research, and coordination between contractors, engineers, and owners. Finding a work-life balance is an art in itself, but I’m fortunate to work for a company that values the life portion, so I’m able to take time off for vacations with friends and family. I try to keep the stresses of work life in the office. Being able to relax at the end of the workday is important.

Must-have skills:

The main things that make a successful architect are problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and communication skills. Designing buildings requires taking in lots of information, such as code requirements and life safety guidelines, then transforming this information into a building that is functional, efficient, in budget, and that hopefully provides a positive experience for the occupants. A lot of the profession involves coordinating between building owners, engineers, developers, and other consultants. It’s really important to keep everyone involved and on the same page during a project’s progress.

Most fun:

What excites me most about architecture is the opportunity to create a better built environment for the next generations. We strive to build better structures and environments for building users, and there’s always more to learn. No project is “perfect.” There’s always room for growth and improvement.

My favorite project so far was a home renovation project for a very talented local artist. She owns a beautiful home on the North Shore that needed a face lift, and our team at CICADA executed a very thoughtful renovation to the structure that included a new primary suite and outdoor deck. We were able to maintain the original aesthetic of the home while adding needed square footage for the owner. The outcome was a really sensitive design that was delicately integrated into the surrounding forest. I really enjoy projects that keep a strong consideration of the natural landscape.

Most challenging:

The not-so-fun part of architecture for me is the contractual side of things. Creating proposals and negotiating design fees for projects is a vital part of the process, but that all happens before the magic of design begins. I’m always ready to start diving into the design, and even code research, for each project, but that can only happen after contracts are negotiated and signed off on.

Common misconceptions about architecture:

I think the most common misconception would be that architects do a lot of mathematical calculations for the building on a daily basis. While we do need to be mathematically inclined, there isn’t too much advanced math involved in our daily tasks. We rely on structural engineers to verify that our buildings are structurally sound and could withstand hurricane force winds.

Working in a male-dominated field:

Architecture has always been a male-dominated field, but the scales are balancing over time. My graduating class from LSU was fairly balanced between men and women graduates. I’m lucky to be working in an office that values its female designers just as much as its male designers. I feel free to voice my opinions in the office, and I’m always taken seriously. I realize though that this isn’t the case in all office environments, and the industry as a whole has a long way to go in terms of addressing gender and racial biases. The goal of all firms should be to create an equitable environment for all people—both in the workplace and in the built environment.

Advice:

I would advise any young woman who is interested in architecture to reach out to a local firm for the opportunity to shadow the designers for a week or two. Many firms would be happy to walk any interested high school or college student through the office and have them shadow a designer for a short time to determine whether or not the field is right for them. Architecture is a lot of work, but it’s also a very satisfying career if you’re passionate about creating equitable and sustainable spaces for everyone. I think it’s really important to follow your dreams, no matter where that may take you. Determine what you’re passionate about and do something that makes you feel happy and fulfilled!