Today we’d like to introduce you to Virginia Bradley.
Hi Virginia, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve wanted to be an architect for a VERY long time (since at least middle school)! Designing buildings is a way to blend creativity and practicality, while being able to serve the needs of those around me. Being a Georgia native, I went to Georgia Tech for undergrad, and then to the University of Washington for my graduate studies. When in school, I prioritized classes that allowed me to build things with my hands (if I wasn’t an architect, I’d probably be some kind of professional laborer, maybe a farmer?), and in my off time, I worked at various local architecture firms. I settled back in Georgia after getting my degrees and got my architecture license shortly after that!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There were smooth parts, but also bumps. I was initially rejected from my master’s degree program and put on a wait list. I decided to send a package to the college admissions office with some extra portfolio graphics and a hand-written letter explaining why I wanted to be at the University of Washington. It worked and I started school a few months later! Another bump happened during my post-grad career. My boss at the time never shied away from giving me tasks that were “too advanced” for the years of work experience I had. I struggled through those items with the understanding my boss would never lead me out too far into the metaphorical deep end without a lifesaver. When he decided to leave my company a few years later, he left a vacuum that I (and a few other colleagues) filled. Without the opportunities thrust at me during my early years, I’d never be in the position I am today.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I currently work for Novus Architects, where I’ve been since I graduated from the University of Washington. Together, we produce all kinds of commercial projects (you name it, we design it!) with an added bonus of single-family residential. I specialize in financial institution design, and most of my projects are credit unions throughout the United States. I’m proud of the relationships we’ve made – with each other within Novus (be it interior designers, environmental graphic designers, QC managers, other architects, etc.), and with the design-build partners, contractors, engineers, and owners we’ve come to know over the years. We all come together to make a great building for our clients, who deserve a space to work where they can serve their local population.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Feel free to reach out to me via LinkedIn! I’d be happy to chat. And as you go about your day, you can support me by supporting other young women and men. Sometimes they have more to offer than their time on Earth might suggest – give them a chance and they may surprise you!
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