Bio:

 The great architect, Sophia grew up in a household with an architect father who fostered her love of design at an early age. Sophia passionately collaborates with public and private clients to design memorable community spaces within our urban cores. With a broad community project portfolio and knowledge of regional context, Sophia is able to meet diverse program requirements while creating spaces that feel meaningful and tied to their particular place.

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How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?

My father came to Texas from Bangladesh to study architecture at Texas A&M, so I was lucky to have exposure to architecture at an early age. He shared his passion for the built environment, art, and design, which inspired me to follow his footsteps.

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What do you do?

I like to think of myself as a well-rounded architect. In leading teams, I play the role of the enabler, supporting each team member so they can be as successful. Outside of work, I am an active Board Member at both AIA Austin and NOMA Central Texas.

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What excites you in the work you do?

I love working on projects that affect the public realm, especially those that are aspirational in creating meaningful destinations that enrich the fabric of the city and create healthy environments for people to inhabit.

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Who or what inspires you professionally?

The people I work with, clients, and collaborators. In addition to people, I would say the experiences I have had while traveling abroad as well. I always feel refreshed and inspired after traveling to a new place.

 

What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?

Getting licensed was a big achievement for me. Being a minority and a female, I knew it was something I had to do, and was validating. Besides that, every time I get to enjoy a space once it opens, I get a reminder of why I do what I do.

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Featured Project Name: 

Hotel Magdalena

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Featured Project Location: 

Austin, Texas

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Featured Project Completion Date: 

2020

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Role in Featured Project: 

Project Manager

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Featured Project Description:

Hotel Magdalena is the first mass-timber boutique hotel constructed in North America. The 5-building complex was designed around the existing Live Oak heritage trees, which become the focal points for outdoor gathering spaces and private suite gardens. All rainwater is collected in underground cisterns and will be used to meet all irrigation demands for the landscape, which emulates the spring fed rivers in the Hill Country around Austin.

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Photography Credit:

Casey Dunn