Today we’d like to introduce you to Mandy Palasik
Mandy, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, in an old World War II aircraft worker shack that my family lovingly restored throughout the years as finances allowed. Our house was a constant construction project for as long as I can remember, which inspired my love of design and construction.
My father was a self-taught craftsman before the era of YouTube. My mother ran a daycare out of our home during the day and cut hair out of our laundry room in the evenings. I like to think I have her creative and entrepreneurial spirit, paired with my dad’s stubborn desire to figure out how things work.
As a first-generation college student, I struggled with finding guidance and the insight to navigate a path for my future that aligned with my creative interests. Despite my passion for the arts, I was discouraged from pursuing a creative career. I ended up starting a chemistry (pre-pharmacy) major and, after interning at a pharmacy, decided it was not for me. Feeling a bit lost, I finished out my first year of college with art classes. My drawing instructor noted that I had a good hand and creative vision and that I should try architecture. Admittedly, Architecture wasn’t a profession I was familiar with at that time. I’ll never forget my father’s response when I told him I was interested in exploring this new path, “There’s mostly men in architecture … and you have to be really smart…” I made it my mission to prove that I could become an Architect.
Fast forward – I graduated with honors from an accredited architecture program near Atlanta. I moved back to Baltimore, where I was fortunate to work with local award-winning design firms on some amazing projects, such as public libraries, community cultural centers, recreation centers, and farmers market venues. This experience inspired my passion for community-based architecture and an interest in housing.
I wanted to learn more, and so after completing my architectural exams and earning my license, I decided to pursue an international focus in Housing and Urbanism at the Architectural Association in London. This was a transformative experience that opened my eyes to the various ways in which we navigate and engage with the built environment, particularly in the way we live – the art of our day-to-day lives, designing for special moments of joy, discovery, and beauty in what we often consider the mundane.
I continued to gain experience working in renowned design firms on a variety of projects, from affordable to luxury housing and beyond. In addition to my full-time work, I found a happy balance with teaching architectural courses, mentoring aspiring architects, and immersing myself in creative side projects such as public art installations and writing for architectural publications. I was always searching for a role that would allow me the flexibility to balance these related interests in art and architecture. I came to the realization that if that position didn’t exist, I’d have to design it for myself. And so, I did.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I started on my journey in March of 2020, less than a year after moving to Los Angeles and a week before the pandemic hit, so I was already off to a very uncertain start. I quickly learned to embrace the sink-or-swim approach. In retrospect, the pandemic forced me to be hyper-focused in building the foundations of my practice and being intentional about how I can merge my passion for both architecture and art and financially survive doing so.
Being a woman in a male-dominated industry also comes with its share of struggles. I’ve been cursed at, cat-called, and even harassed by contractors. You definitely grow thick skin; it took a while, but I learned to trust myself, know my worth, and to be confident. On the flip side, I’ve been fortunate to have worked with some extremely talented collaborators and other female entrepreneurs who keep me empowered and inspired.
Hitting a few obstacles along the way kept me grounded, focused, challenged, and now all the wiser for the next one.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Mandy Palasik Studio?
Mandy Palasik Studio is a full-service architecture and design firm based in the LA fashion district. Our work lies at the intersection of art, architecture, and community, ranging in various scales and formations from high-end custom homes to public art installations – and everything in between. Simply put, we create meaningful spaces for people to enjoy.
I often get the question of whether I identify as an architect or artist, and the answer is both. I consider architecture an art form, and art integral to architecture. Our practice is grounded in our creative approach where each project starts with a deep understanding of the user(s) and the site – the needs, identities, aspirations, etc. Our designs spatially convey a meaningful and authentic reflection of a place and those that inhabit it. No two projects are alike, and we thrive on evolving with each client by exploring new materials, applications, techniques, and challenges. That’s what fuels our curiosity and desire to push creative boundaries, and we are very grateful to have amazing clients and collaborators who have entrusted us with projects such as community-generated inflatable sculptures, a garden-inspired ADU, a dreamy coastal home, a charming bungalow renovation, and a soon-to-be sculptural chair for a new pocket park in LA.
We highly value the collaborative side of design with clients and contributors. Early in my career, I was exposed to the egos of art and architecture, where design style was a form of branding. In the end, the projects may have looked beautiful and were certainly iconic, but they often lacked depth and a meaningful connection with the community/user. There are a lot of misinformed assumptions made in the design profession on what communities need or how we should use/navigate space – which often fails to acknowledge that not everyone navigates space equally. I see my role as an architect/artist as empowering the lives of others through design, but in order to successfully do that, that deeper understanding needs to be established through collaboration.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
We are always on the lookout to grow our community of collaborators and colleagues!
Also, we’re huge fans of animals and started a “fosternship” program this year in honor of our beloved dog, Banda. If you’re in the market for a furever friend, we can promise you tons of cute candidates posing around the studio on our social media feed.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mpal.studio
- Other: https://pin.it/4cJvaSUN5
Image Credits
Billy Hardiman
Will Yang
