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Arathi Gowda
Arathi Gowda
01:01

Arathi Gowda

Skidmore, Owings & Merrill

Chicago, IL USA

"It's hard in the beginning. But it's important to honor that process as a young person, because there are going to be very few times in your life when you can just up and move to a new city."

Career Roadmap

Arathi's work combines: Design, Environment & Nature, and Teaching / Mentoring

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Day In The Life

Architect

I research new technologies and recommend integrated environmental design solutions in architectural projects.

Skills & Education

Here's the path I took:

  • High School

  • Bachelor's Degree

    Architecture

    Carnegie Mellon University

Life & Career Milestones

My path in life has been direct

  • 1.

    After graduating from high school, she took a road trip to Zion National Park.

  • 2.

    The beauty and wonder of that area inspired her to put an environmentally friendly focus on her work.

  • 3.

    She chose to go to Carnegie Mellon University to study under one of the premiere environmental architects, Vivian Loftness.

  • 4.

    She didn't grow up in a particularly creative family, so the jump into design was a big one; she felt like she had to find an eye for beauty.

  • 5.

    Graduated when the economy was at a low point, and struggled with finding relevant work, had to take a few odd jobs.

  • 6.

    When she first got into the field of environmental design, people were skeptical; now, we've realized that sustainability is crucial to design.

  • 7.

    Says school is not going to train you how to communicate in the professional world, so you have to stay open and attentive around your peers.

  • 8.

    Encourages young people to travel and take new jobs before they get too tied down with commitments.