Suzanna Tharian is an architect working in New York City who loves her job. She has worked at the mid-sized firm PM Architecture for over 10 years, focusing on residential projects from apartments to corporate interiors. She grew up in India where she completed her Bachelors in Architecture. She received her Masters in Architecture in the US and license in 2003.

1. Why do you love your job?

I really like buildings, first of all.  I don’t know if that sounds weird but I think I love my chosen field because I use my particular skill sets everyday (creative and analytic) in very significant real life applications. I love the practical and design side of it and I think this is what I do best.

I love my particular job because I get to be involved in so many different aspects of the practice so it never gets boring. I make drawings, visit sites, meet clients, go for approvals to different city agencies and so on. There is so much to learn all the time.

2. Did you always know this was the job or career path for you?

I always knew I wanted to do something in the design fields and that I liked spatial exercises and math.

When I was in high school, I was the one you did NOT want to sit next to in class. I distracted everyone around me and there were more doodles than notes in most of my books. But when I started architecture school, I suddenly became the most studious person because I really liked what I was doing and things made sense suddenly.

3. Tell us about a defining moment for you related to your work.

My first job in the city was PAINFUL. I had graduated with hopes and dreams and there I was in a job where nothing felt right and I did not feel like I had studied all those years to do that. But I was also terrified about making a move, wondering if that’s all there is out there and maybe it was me and I just have to learn to like it or try harder. And then like a sign, I was laid off, from my first job! That was hard. But I quickly got another better position and every job I have had since was much much better, where I learnt new things. All of it has also taught me that I don’t have to suffer through anything.

4. What are the most important lessons you have learned along the way?

I am still learning. But I know everyone has something to offer. You have to find what is right for you and also the right place where your skills fit in.

5. What advice do you have for people looking to find work they love in your field, and in any field?

Sometimes even when you are in a field that you like, a certain job or work environment is just not a good fit. This can make you start doubting yourself and your abilities and get very discouraged. I have now learned that when you know that you love the line of work, the job is transferrable. One position can’t make or break you. Move on (I know it is easier said than done) till you find a place where you can work and learn from the position. It may even mean starting out on your own.

(Photo by Joseph Verdesca) Suzanna Tharian can be reached at suzanna (at) statarchitecture.com.