This month, we're spotlighting Designer Kate Cusick! We sat down with Kate to hear about her inspirations, design guiding principles, and why Barcelona is her favorite city to visit for architecture. Keep reading to learn more about her!

Q: What inspired you to become an architect/designer?

Trips to New York City with my mom and sister were my biggest inspiration. As a kid, nothing felt more magical than looking up at soaring skyscrapers with their gleaming, gilded crowns and feeling like I had stepped off the train into another world. Once I learned that designing buildings could be someone’s job, I knew what I wanted to do! “I want to be an architect,” little Kate declared, button-up shirt fastened all the way to the top—and that is exactly what I (grown up Kate) intend to do.

Q: If you could give advice to a young designer, what would you say?

Be proactive and ask questions! There is so much more to architecture than what we learn in school. Don’t be shy and take on as many new types of tasks as you can. The fastest way to grow is by working on things out of your comfort zone!

Q: Do you have any guiding design principles in your process?

I believe architects, especially in the public sector, have a responsibility to create buildings that are safe, welcoming, and accessible to all members of the communities they serve. When designing community-driven spaces my principal principle is always connection. Connection defines places, experiences, and relationships in life. Where we go, who we meet, and what we choose to do are all products of the connections we choose to make every day. By choosing to make connections to the outdoors, natural light, and resources the community requires, we as architects can help foster positive connections.

Q: What have been some of your career highlights/proudest achievements so far?

One of my proudest achievements so far has been contributing to the design of a brand new high school in the town where I grew up. I brought a deep understanding of the site and its aging Brutalist building, and I left knowing students would soon have a state of the art place to learn. Helping create a better learning environment than the one I experienced was incredibly gratifying—and a little surreal!

Q: Do you have a favorite city to visit for architecture?

My favorite city to visit for architecture is hands down, Barcelona. The urban fabric is a uniquely woven tapestry comprised of layers of historical, social, and cultural threads that have intertwined over centuries to create the vibrant city that exists today. On a single block you can see Roman ruins, projects by celebrated architects like Miralles, Gaudi, Bofill, Puig i Cadafalch, and more!

Q: Do you have a favorite building or perhaps a favorite architect?

It’s so hard to choose! La Fábrica, designed by Ricardo Bofill in Barcelona, gave me that “little Kate in the big city” feeling. This is by far my favorite adaptive reuse project I’ve had the opportunity to visit. As you enter the site, the contrast between the concrete exterior and lush vegetation draws you in before revealing the soaring, light-filled interior spaces. It is unlike anywhere I’ve ever been!