Interview with Lisa Liang

WHAT’S YOUR NAME?

Lisa Liang

WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO CHOOSE THE FIELD OF ARCHITECTURE?

Honestly, I felt like architecture chose me more than I chose the profession. I grew up in NYC surrounded by amazing architecture and being naturally creative, detail-oriented, and organized, it felt like the obvious choice. Once I fell into it, I couldn’t think of anything else that I would rather do.

WHAT TYPE OF WORK ARE YOU MOST INTERESTED IN?

I’ve always been drawn to residential architecture and interior design. I’d love to scratch that itch early on in my career and I’d love to work on cultural and public projects at some point as well.

WHAT HAVE BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGES SINCE OBTAINING YOUR ARCHITECTURE DEGREE?

Besides student loans and intense burnout from architecture school, the realities of the profession definitely hit me once I graduated. I found it much more difficult to find employment in NYC as opposed to elsewhere. The profession is undervalued and underpaid and I really have to advocate for myself. It’s been a challenge to not feel discouraged while pursuing my career in architecture. 

WHAT DID YOU LIKE ABOUT ARCHITECTURE SCHOOL?

Architecture school challenged me in so many ways I didn’t think was possible. I learned a lot about architecture, but most importantly, I learned a lot about myself. I enjoyed being able to exercise the creative part of me, solving unique problems, and it was really rewarding to see how far my project came along after countless iterations. I also appreciated the sense of community and belonging that can only come about after the shared experience of long hours and sleepless nights.

ANY CRITICISMS OF THE ARCHITECTURE EDUCATION EXPERIENCE?

I wish architecture school better prepared me more for entering the workforce. There is a strong emphasis on learning how to think and design, but when I graduated, I felt like I knew a lot, but also nothing at the same time. It wasn’t even until my last semester of graduate school that I designed a house and took a course in Revit. Sure, internships were helpful, but the last thing I wanted to do after spending 50 hours at school, is more architecture work.

WHAT ARE YOUR PROFESSIONAL GOALS?

In the near future, getting my license would be one. Finding work-life balance while doing meaningful work is also important to me. Beyond that, I’d love to find my niche and become an expert in that. Maybe I’ll start my own business, who really knows? 

WHO DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE ARCHITECTS?

Frank Lloyd Wright and Kazuyo Sejima.  

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE BUILDING OR CITY?

I can’t say that I have a favorite building, but as for city, I’d say New York City is pretty up there. I love Chicago and Seattle as well.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO GET OUT OF YOUR AIA BROOKLYN CHAPTER MEMBERSHIP?

I’m hoping to get more involved in the architecture community and meet more like-minded professionals who have been in my shoes at one point.