WHAT’S YOUR NAME?
Marie Stargala
WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO CHOOSE THE FIELD OF ARCHITECTURE?
Initially, design as a broad category spoke to my interests in the composition of form, color, material, textures, etc. Later, I was drawn to architecture specifically because I saw that thoughtfully designed spaces could have such a big impact on someone’s life.
WHAT TYPE OF WORK ARE YOU MOST INTERESTED IN?
I am interested in work that is ecologically and socially responsible, work that considers longevity as part of its mission, and work that is interested in exploring an aesthetic expression that is specific to its temporality, its site, its materiality, and its construction.
WHAT HAVE BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGES SINCE OBTAINING YOUR ARCHITECTURE DEGREE?
Starting my design practice, and finding clients that are interested in questioning convention.
WHAT DID YOU LIKE ABOUT ARCHITECTURE SCHOOL?
It was great to have the space to think, to explore, and to understand concepts/ideas/histories/aesthetics in ways I hadn’t before.
ANY CRITICISMS OF THE ARCHITECTURE EDUCATION EXPERIENCE?
In general, I think most architecture schools in the US don’t teach architecture through a study of materiality and construction methodology. I believe craft and materiality should be at the forefront of architectural education as those are the “ingredients” and “methods” of building creation. Just as a cook must understand, as broadly as possible, the ingredients, tools, and techniques available to make great food, the architect must know all the ways a building can come into being. If we don’t know what is possible, we cannot advocate as effectively for buildings which push past convention.
WHAT ARE YOUR PROFESSIONAL GOALS?
I hope to continue to work on projects in my practice, Twenty Three Calvin, which allow me to experiment with construction methodology, and allow me to express formal, material, and textural ideas that I think are of value. I also hope to continue to work on projects that are socially and environmentally responsible. Currently, I’m collaborating on the design of 8 units of affordable housing. It’s so exciting to be working towards a future where there is increased access to considered, high quality housing.
WHO DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE ARCHITECTS?
Herzog & de Meuron, Smiljan Radic, Álvaro Siza, Valerio Olgiati, Günther Vogt, Peter Zumthor, among many others. If we’re talking about deceased architects, it would be a different list. I just realized all the architects I mentioned are male. I hope that changes with time, I’m sure it will.
Photo: Ricardo Gomez
Photo: Rui Alves
Photo :Ricardo Gomez
DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE BUILDING OR CITY?
No, I wouldn’t say that I have a singular favorite building or a favorite city. But in general, I find myself being drawn to cities which have a relationship to water in a very direct way – Paris, Basel, Berlin, Dresden, Tokyo.
WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO GET OUT OF YOUR AIA BROOKLYN CHAPTER MEMBERSHIP?
I’m excited to meet people through AIA Brooklyn Chapter that I otherwise wouldn’t, and contribute to the ongoing conversation around architecture in New York.
