Today we’d like to introduce you to Samantha Hill.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I wanted to be an architect since I was a child. I loved planning spaces on paper and constructing various structures on my parents’ property. After high school, I decided to study architecture at Carnegie Mellon University. The program was a great balance of art and engineering, which was a perfect fit. It was there that I was introduced to Frank Gehry’s buildings. My professor had worked at Frank’s office and encouraged me to do the same after graduation. I packed up my car with all of my belongings and drove across the country in hope to land a job working for the famous architect.
I spent almost five years at Frank’s office working on dream projects. I was surrounded by the best talent in the world, and I did not take it for granted. I used the opportunity to study how the unique design process translated to real world architecture. It was a truly unforgettable experience.
After Frank’s, I decided I wanted exposure to a different type of architecture. So I took a job at Arquitectonica’s Los Angeles office. It was there that I learned how to manage a design team in order to ‘build’ a building. I was fortunate to work on a very successful high-rise, multifamily condominium complex in San Francisco. I fell in love with the program type. I spent over four years working on large scale multifamily and mixed-use projects. I absolutely loved it!
After I had my second child, I was ready for a new challenge. I took a job with Gensler, the largest architecture firm in the world. I was given the opportunity to work on a local public project for Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health. It was an administrative office building, which was new to me. But it was a high-rise structure, which was right in my wheelhouse. While I loved the team, the project, and continually learned on the job, I found myself gravitating back to multifamily projects. It finally dawned on me – multifamily was my calling!
I spent a lot of time studying Gensler’s marketing and operations to better understand how these aspects of the business led to the firm’s success. Finally after a couple of years, I decided to apply my knowledge from my past work experiences to start my own firm. The teachings from Gehry Partners, Arquitectonica, and Gensler allowed me to create and grow my company.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Smooth road?! Starting a company is more like growing a tree. The seed is planted. You water the seedling consistently until the roots take hold. As it continues to grow from its base, branches germinate and flourish with the right care and attention. Leaves sprout, which indicates health and vitality. But it’s the roots that keep the tree standing, thriving. The roots must be stable and strong in order to survive.
I’ve faced common challenges that all new businesses face. I am continually checking-in with myself and colleagues to assure Design With Skill’s mission is carried out in everything we do. It’s hard at times to stay on course, and even easier at times to loose focus. As a new business, we receive requests for work that is not within our mission or goals. It’s taken some time, but I have learned it’s ok to say no to work, no matter how tempting.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Design With Skill – what should we know?
Design With Skill. Designing Buildings that Build Communities.
My company is a full-service architecture firm, specializing in multifamily and mixed-use projects. The decision to focus in this arena was easy. I truly believe these developments have the ability to create better environments. Communities are created, but additional benefits of density, efficiency, public transit access, social engagement, pedestrian-friendly activity, and socio-economic integration are actualized.
I started my firm at the end of 2018 during the height of a major housing shortage. The low housing supply has been exacerbated by soaring land acquisition and construction costs, as well as increased regulation, which has lead to unaffordable rents. I am committed to be part of the solution and change the future landscape of housing in Los Angeles and California.
I like to believe I put my money where my mouth is. I volunteer as a commissioner on South Pasadena’s Design Review Board. I also participate in the City of Los Angeles Professional Volunteer Program, reviewing major urban design projects in the planning stages.
Collaboration can have a huge impact on good design. Knowing this, I’ve recently teamed up with Melissa Cruise Designs. Melissa is an amazing architect who focuses on interiors. She has such an incredible eye for both design and colors. We have found our skills complement one another and have had fun creating together.
Our design process and approach to each project is critical to our success. We use four key filters- technical practicality, aesthetic acumen, budget sensibility, and environmental sensitivity. We also pride ourselves on our market knowledge and ability to deliver. We know the market. We know our clients. We create design value.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I have always been both ambitious and a problem solver. I believe the combination of these two traits has led to my overall career success.
But business success is different from career success. Business success requires planning and action. It wasn’t until I started my company that I realized without a plan and a course of action, I would fail quickly! This isn’t necessarily true for career success. Most companies handle the planning and action for their employees. An employee’s job is execution. But we don’t realize this as employees. It’s not until we’ve had a chance to sit on the other side of the table that it becomes clear.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1441 Huntington Drive, #192
South Pasadena, CA 91030 - Website: https://designwithskill.com/
- Phone: 747-900-2082
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designwithskill/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DesignWithSkill
Image Credit:
Robin Foley Portraits
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