WHAT’S YOUR NAME?
Patricia Semmler
Founder, Pem Studio NYC (pemstudionyc.com)
Co-Founder, Space to the People (spacetothepeople.com)
WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO CHOOSE THE FIELD OF ARCHITECTURE?
When I was a teenager, I had this obsession of moving furniture around every few weeks and a friend suggested architecture school. I wanted to be a painter or a mathematician. And a violinist or a librarian… so architecture!
WHAT TYPE OF WORK ARE YOU MOST INTERESTED IN?
Work that improves the life of every living being, humans, plants, animals… Sustainable architecture, retro-fitting existing buildings, space stations, lunar habitats, cradle-to-cradle buildings, closed loop buildings. Ideally, absolute positive impact architecture.
WHAT HAVE BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGES SINCE OBTAINING YOUR ARCHITECTURE DEGREE?
Motherhood. The profession and society in general have to evolve in order that professional life and motherhood coexist in harmony and enrich each other.
WHAT DID YOU LIKE ABOUT ARCHITECTURE SCHOOL?
The creativity.
ANY CRITICISMS OF THE ARCHITECTURE EDUCATION EXPERIENCE?
It could be closer to the reality of the profession. At the same time, it is nice to have some time to dream and carry these dreams into the real world.
WHAT ARE YOUR PROFESSIONAL GOALS?
I have just started my own firm, so I want to get projects :)). When I dream: I would like to build affordable housing, find a solution to homelessness, city towers that could go off-grid, build a space station, collaborate on mega green infrastructures spanning cities. Build!
WHO DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE ARCHITECTS?
Lina Bo Bardi.
Photo: Nelson Kon
Photo: Ouael Ben Salah
DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE BUILDING OR CITY?
The SESC Pompéia Factory and the Ladeira de Misericordia, both by Lina Bo Bardi!
WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO GET OUT OF YOUR AIA BROOKLYN CHAPTER MEMBERSHIP?
I hope to get involved! Advocate to improve the profession and our footprint on the planet.
