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Marisa, Architect, Partner at Frederick Fisher and Partners: Advize Career Interview
A career in architecture, as revealed by a Partner at Frederick Fisher and Partners, offers a fascinating blend of creativity and business acumen.
A journey beginning with an art history degree and a pivotal summer program led to a Master's in architecture and a fulfilling career at a leading firm.
The daily routine combines design, client meetings, and extensive writing, demanding strong design thinking, communication skills, and a willingness to balance multiple responsibilities.
The most rewarding aspects include a firm mission focused on improving lives and the intellectual stimulation of combining "left-brain" and "right-brain" skills.
However, the path requires realistic financial expectations and the ability to navigate a demanding schedule.
Aspiring architects should consider internships and marketing opportunities, developing strong research and writing skills, and understanding that a liberal arts education can provide a strong foundation.
Finally, the industry is becoming more diverse and inclusive, with strong support networks available for women. This professional's unique path and insights offer invaluable lessons for those interested in pursuing this dynamic field.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Marisa Kurtzman
Architect, Partner
Frederick Fisher and Partners
Wesleyan University, BA 1999
Yale School of Architecture, B.Arch 2006
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
History, Art History
Arts, Entertainment & Media
Creative
Honors Student
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Career Path of an Architect Partner at Frederick Fisher And Partners
Marisa's career path was unconventional, beginning with an art history degree and a pivotal "Career Discovery" summer program at Harvard's Graduate School of Design that sparked an interest in architecture. After gaining practical experience at CHE Partnership/Ennead Architects and recognizing the need for formal training, Marisa pursued a Master's degree at Yale School of Architecture before joining Frederick Fisher and Partners, where she's remained since 2006, describing it as "a very special place".
Main Responsibilities of an Architect Partner at Frederick Fisher and Partners
Marisa, an architect and partner at Frederick Fisher and Partners, directs "concept design," a process Marisa describes as "visioning, programming and planning," guiding clients to connect their institutional identity with spatial needs. Beyond design, Marisa's leadership responsibilities encompass marketing, business development, and employee success, including "everything from insurance to flexible work hours."
A Day In The Life Of An Architect At Frederick Fisher And Partners
A day for Marisa, an architect and partner, involves a "real mix of things," including "drawing," attending "many, many meetings," and significant writing for proposals and marketing. This variety reflects the multifaceted nature of the role, combining creative design work with strategic thinking and business development.
Most Important Skills for an Architect and Partner at Frederick Fisher and Partners
Marisa, a Partner at Frederick Fisher and Partners, emphasizes "design thinking," encompassing "curiosity, research skills, intuition, empathy, and collaboration," as the most crucial skill for an architect, alongside the ability to translate needs into physical spaces. Effective communication, both verbal and written, tailored to different audiences, is also vital for successfully conveying and implementing designs.
Favorite Parts of Being an Architect and Partner at Frederick Fisher and Partners
Marisa, a Partner at Frederick Fisher and Partners, finds the most rewarding aspect of her role is the firm's mission of "improving lives through architecture," encompassing clients, colleagues, and communities through higher education and cultural projects. This aligns with Marisa's personal priorities, including a strong commitment to sustainability, ensuring their work benefits, rather than harms, the planet.
Biggest Challenges Faced By An Architect Partner At Frederick Fisher And Partners
Marisa's biggest challenge as a partner at Frederick Fisher and Partners is balancing "everything"—managing personal workload while supporting team members—resulting in a demanding schedule with little downtime, even requiring responses to calls at 9 PM. The role also necessitates making "hard decisions" that may not please everyone, demanding a difficult balancing act between individual needs and business priorities.
Favorite Parts Of Working In Architecture As An Architect And Partner
Marisa, an architect and partner at Frederick Fisher and Partners, finds the "interesting combination of left brain and right brain skills" most rewarding, allowing for both creativity and practicality in a varied day-to-day routine where "what I'm doing is helping people in a sort of very specific way."
What an Architect at Frederick Fisher and Partners Wishes They Had Known Before Entering Architecture
Marisa, an architect and partner at Frederick Fisher and Partners, advises aspiring architects to realistically assess financial expectations, stating that "making money is a huge priority...you might wanna take a pause on architecture." The profession's economic stability is cyclical, with potential for layoffs during economic downturns, a factor to consider for those seeking "steady, very lucrative work."
Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Architects at Frederick Fisher and Partners
Entry-level architecture positions include internships— "many firms...offer internships, some year-round"—and opportunities in marketing; Marisa's own path involved combining research and writing skills with learned technical skills like drafting and model making, showcasing the diverse routes to a career in architecture.
Significant Career Lesson From An Architect And Partner At Frederick Fisher And Partners
Marisa, an architect and partner at Frederick Fisher and Partners, emphasizes the importance of embracing an "open-ended process" in design, stating that "design is something that is never really done." This mindset, of continuous refinement rather than seeking a definitive "finished product," has been a significant lesson in their career.
College Experiences That Helped an Architect, Partner at Frederick Fisher and Partners Succeed
Marisa, an architect and partner at Frederick Fisher and Partners, credits a liberal arts education, emphasizing "lots of research, lots of writing," and strong communication skills—including public speaking and even acting—for career success. While artistic ability is helpful, the belief that strong math skills are essential is, according to Marisa, a misconception.
How Identity Has Influenced An Architect And Partner At Frederick Fisher And Partners's Career
While acknowledging architecture's history as a "very male dominated field," the architect notes a positive shift, stating that "the tide is changing for the better" due to a growing business case for diversity. This professional also highlights the value of women's support networks and mentorship, citing "a certain tendency towards generosity among women" within architecture affinity groups as a crucial resource for career advancement and personal connections.
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