Honoree Profile

Raquel Guzman Geara

SmithGroup

Title: Architect, Associate
Tenure at Firm: 9.5 Years
Nominating Principal: Matt Dumich, Principal
School: Savannah College of Art and Design
Major: Bachelor of Fine Arts, Masters in Architecture

Inspired By:

The three things that inspire me the most are people, mentorship and collaboration. Working with people, understanding their needs and desires, are the core of what architecture is about. Engaging with others on a daily basis to create spaces that are ideal for them is the core of human centered design. I am za big proponent of mentoring, and helping others grow, learn and succeed. I find it our duty as architects. Lastly, I find it so enriching to be in a career where I have to collaborate with so many different disciplines and skillsets to create amazing experiences.

Keys to a Successful Project:

Listening, iterating and collaborating. Hand in hand with what inspires me, listening to other’s needs. Architecture is not coming with a solution we want, but understanding our client to create the solution they need. When time and fee allow iterating is integral to the process: learning from what works and what doesn’t in order to create better designs. Lastly like I mentioned collaborating is key; relying on the expertise of your partners to create better experiences and understanding that different perspectives create better designs.

Interests Outside of Work:

Volunteering:
I am a founding mentor of Arquitina, an organization focused on helping Latina women get their license in architecture. I also serve as co-chair for AIA YAF Chicago. I was elected to be the Young Architect Illinois Representative for AIA YAF National and serve in the AIA Illinois Board.

Personal life:
I think I’m a chef and mixologist. Find me reading, exploring the city or watching movies. Travelling. Put me on a plane to discover a new place anywhere and I”ll be happy.

“Raquel is a talented architect and interior design working across our workplace and higher education markets. She a cultural leader in the office and mentor in the industry.”

Matt Dumich
Principal