Earlier this summer, Marianne Fitzwilliam joined SZ Design | Build, bringing a diverse set of skills as an Architectural Intern to our multi-disciplinary team. She is currently completing her Master of Architecture degree from the University of Washington, where she is a member of the Student Advisory Council. After a very productive summer, Marianne joined her UW cohort in an immersive program abroad.
Scan Design Foundation Master Architecture Studio + Travel
Each year, the Department of Architecture invites a distinguished practitioner/teacher from Denmark to teach a master design studio here in Seattle. The Scan|Design Foundation provides funding to help cover the costs of a trip to Copenhagen before Autumn term to meet the year’s visiting professor.The Scan|Design Foundation Master Studio combines international study experience with multi-disciplinary collaboration on local projects to develop planning and design solutions for Seattle’s public realm.
Before the studio, students travel to Copenhagen, Denmark to visit the office of the renowned Copenhagen firm Gehl Architects and see the city through its people-centered urban design lens. For two weeks, students are immersed in the design and planning strategies that make this one of the leading cities in bicycle and pedestrian planning and one of the “most liveable” in the world through site tours, office visits and lectures with the municipality and leading firms and practitioners that focus on public space, bicycle urbanism, climate adaptation, and urban play. Upon returning to Seattle, students focus on applying the lessons learned to a local site, and continue to benefit from the involvement of a Danish Master Teacher acting as visiting instructors and critics.
Get to know Marianne through her fun & insightful responses to a few interview questions below.
What would your ideal day at work look like?
An ideal day at work would start with a large cup of coffee, and consist of being at the office and spending time with my coworkers. Ideally, because I love to spend time outside, visiting construction sites and speaking with clients as they make design decisions is something I would love to do every day.
What do your usual duties at work involve?
At work, I am usually assisting the design team during each step of the design process which can include visiting and measuring sites, creating floor plans and design iterations. I get to be a part of design charrettes where the design team exchanges ideas and discusses the design of a space. Then, when decisions and intentions are solidified, I get to bring it to life with tools that help me create floor plans and visual aids to show clients. I also work on the interior design of spaces and bringing the design intent down to the smallest scale.
What do you do outside work to unwind?
Outside of work, exercising and spending time outdoors is a priority. I love to go running in nearby parks or taking a day trip to the cascades to go on a hike with friends. I also love to spend time with my friends, going to the beach, having paint nights, or just talking over drinks and dinner. When I can’t spend time outside, I like to read, play guitar, and watch my favorite tv shows. When I can, going to a ceramics studio and wheel throwing is something that helps me unwind, and I have enjoyed doing from a young age.
What was the first job you ever got?
The first job I ever got was when I was sixteen, as a host at the Melting Pot in Salt Lake City. My older sisters had also worked at this restaurant, so it was a family tradition to work there. I stayed at this job for seven years, eventually becoming lead host, and then a server. This was such an amazing experience, and my coworkers felt like family. This job helped me develop skills that I have carried into this job and my everyday life. I spent my time organizing, planning, and talking to people over the phone, and ensuring that their dining experience was great. Being a server and taking on large parties of tables, (the largest table I ever served was 22 people!!) taught me time management and to stay calm under pressure. Working on a team, and growing close to that team was so great, and I hold that job close to my heart.
What influences growing up led you to a career in architecture?
Growing up in a household of artists, (my mom is a stained-glass artist, and my dad is a custom furniture maker/painter) made a large impact on my career development. Consistently watching my parents design and create interactive and functional pieces of art, is something that I am grateful to have been around when I was young. Now, it feels like second nature to me to be a part of design.
How would you describe yourself in 5 words?
Passionate
Kind
Bright
Funny
Positive
Have you ever had any mentors in your professional life? How did they help you?
Suzanne has helped me develop my design skills and understanding tremendously, within the small amount of time I have been at Suzanne Zahr Inc. This is my first professional experience at an architectural firm, and she is always willing to listen and give advice based on professional and academic questions I have had. She has consistently given me opportunities to learn and grow as a designer. While I would consider Suzanne to be my first mentor in my professional life, I have had mentors within my academic experiences. One of my most memorable studio professors was Anne Mooney, who was consistently supportive of my design vision and pushed me to develop my design to its fullest potential. I was able to produce some of the best work I have done thanks to the supportive academic environment she created.
What aspects of Architecture are you most excited to study while completing your Master’s Degree at the UW?
I am really excited to continue studying sustainable design in my last year at the University of Washington. I have committed to completing and acquiring a certificate in sustainable design, and I am looking forward to the classes I will take in efforts to learn how we can design for our built and natural environments to happily coexist.
What do you hope to be doing in 10 years’ time?
In 10 years, I hope to be a licensed architect, working on buildings designed and focused on community engagement and sustainability. I hope to be working at a firm that follows the Design Build model , and/or does adaptive reuse projects. Being engaged in the entire design process is so important for me, so I hope to have helped build or helped on site in some way during the construction of projects. I also really hope I have a dog by then!
What’s the best book you’ve ever read?
The book I am currently reading, its called “Everything I Know About Love”, by Dolly Alderton. It is a culmination of stories from the author’s early twenties and all her adventures in between. It also touches on girlhood and made me realize so much of being a woman is a universal experience. This is one I can’t put down.
What’s the most exciting part of your current job role?
The most exciting part of my current job is being part of the design conversation and having the opportunity to go to job sites to see progress. I am so grateful that this job has offered me so many various experiences and opportunities to do different parts of this job, which is what makes it so exciting because I get to come to work every day knowing that I will learn something new!
Do you have any hidden talents or skills? What are they?
I am secretly great at spelling words! In fact, I have been in multiple spelling bees. Also, I have a hidden skill in floral arrangements.