Interview with Gianna Castelli

What is your favorite thing about being an architecture student?

-Being able to creatively use my mind and knowing there is almost never a wrong answer when designing.

How do you start a career in architecture?

-You must start as an intern at a design firm while getting your degree, then when applying to jobs you must have a portfolio along with your resume to show your design skills. Once you work at a firm, you work towards getting your License of Architecture.

When building an actual structure where do you start? What do you use for inspiration?

-Inspiration can stem from anything such as the way leaves move in the wind, to a more practical inspiration from your clients. Much inspiration begins with what you or the client wants to space/building to feel like. Will it be for children? Will it be an office? But most inspiration starts with abstract drawings. When beginning a structure, construction must start from the ground up. Build the floor plane, the main structural walls, create the doors/windows, and then fill in the interior of the space.

Do you prefer sketch and drawing or hands on building?

-I prefer sketching and drawing, but sometimes it is easier to start building to realize how the pieces will work together before designing a final sketch.

What college are you going to for architecture?

-Philadelphia University

Who or what inspired you to pursue this?

-From a young age I found myself very detail oriented and I was always interested in the designs/details of rooms and buildings. I originally wanted to do architecture, but found that interior design is much more detailed.

What would you recommend for first timers to build?

-I would recommend starting off by drawing abstract shapes or pictures and then making a floor plan based on that inspiration. I would then build on TOP of this floor plan they've created, so it is easier to understand how the pieces fit together. And always build from the outside