WHAT’S YOUR NAME?
Ana C. Monteverde
WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO CHOOSE THE FIELD OF ARCHITECTURE?
I always had an interest in both science and artistic fields, and architecture covered both quite fully and evenly.
WHAT TYPE OF WORK ARE YOU MOST INTERESTED IN?
I am mostly inclined towards residential projects, because I am able to design in different scales (from the volumetric – to the most intricate detail). I also find it quite special to design a space for a client that will value every effort and will be the most demanding as this will be their dream home.
WHAT HAVE BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGES SINCE OBTAINING YOUR ARCHITECTURE DEGREE?
The biggest challenge I have found since graduating is the understanding in construction. I believe we design in a utopia while we are in architecture school. When you start working you actually understand that every line will get built, and there are so many details within that we have never designed or understood before.
WHAT DID YOU LIKE ABOUT ARCHITECTURE SCHOOL?
I have always found that architecture school will challenge your love for architecture. If you are not willing to submerge deep into its world and you don’t have the passion for it, architecture school will face you with it one way or the other.
ANY CRITICISMS OF THE ARCHITECTURE EDUCATION EXPERIENCE?
The first would be that we should not lose the study of “space” over technology; I believe we can get caught up designing only in a computer. The second would be the disjunction with construction; it is quite challenging to understand construction when you start working in architecture.
WHAT ARE YOUR PROFESSIONAL GOALS?
I now have my own architecture firm, and I hope to expand internationally someday.
WHO DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE ARCHITECTS?
Norman Foster, Alberto Calleja.
DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE BUILDING OR CITY?
NYC always.
WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO GET OUT OF YOUR AIA BROOKLYN CHAPTER MEMBERSHIP?
I hope to be able to expand my connection to other architects, and learn constantly about our field.
