MONICA GRESSER
BRAZENarchitecture
SAY IT LOUD - Nevada Exhibitor
Nevada Based Designer
Who or what inspires you professionally?
I am inspired and astonished by people. After weeks of creating and building little things, neighborhood kids were surprised and proud of their ability to create a neighborhood in our design workshops. THAT’S inspirational.
MONICA GRESSER
Bio:
The great designer, Monica Gresser is founder and principal of BRAZENarchitecture, a firm created for sustainable projects in neighborhoods, and public and commercial buildings. She has managed building and planning projects ranging from $100,000 to $200,000,000.
How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
Because it was a community-based project, my 4th Year Design/Build Studio is where I first learned what an architect is and can do in her community. Professor Thaddeus inspired and taught the collaborative College/Habitat for Humanity studio.
What do you do?
Commercial Architect and Advocate for Neighborhoods
What excites you in the work you do?
I am an interpreter of hopes and wishes. It is thrilling to hear people, decipher their language, show them solutions, and listen as they realize how a solution can help them. They think I am brilliant; but solutions cannot happen without them.
Who or what inspires you professionally?
I am inspired and astonished by people. After weeks of creating and building little things, neighborhood kids were surprised and proud of their ability to create a neighborhood in our design workshops. THAT’S inspirational.
What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
In 2019, my firm won the Southern Nevada Homelessness Continuum of Care CHAMP award for our community efforts. We were nominated by people who recognize our community work reflects an increase in affordable housing and a decrease in homelessness.
Featured Project Name:
Meadows Village Neighborhood Kids Design Workshop (Summer 2020)
Featured Project Location:
Las Vegas, NV
Featured Project Completion Date:
On-going
Role in Featured Project:
Principal Architect/Team Leader
Featured Project Description:
The Neighborhood Kids Design Workshop was created to teach and learn from youth about their neighborhood. We look to uncover potential elements and facilities that are lacking in this low-income community, to help us and neighbors (parents) discover solutions for their neighborhood. The Workshop began in 2020, continuing throughout the coming year. City of Las Vegas Staff and a neighborhood non-profit are collaborating with BRAZENarchitecture to learn more about the neighborhood needs.
