There is so much more to architecture than designing buildings.
In 2015, I said goodbye to my family in Vietnam and stepped on a plane to start my future in the U.S. – alone. I was naïve, nervous, and unable to speak or understand English. It was the bravest thing I’ve ever done, and it marked the beginning of my journey to become who I am today. I started my journey in Iowa before moving to Houston to finish high school. When college came around, I returned to Iowa to pursue architecture at Iowa State University.
My interest in architecture began during my junior year of high school, sparked by a Netflix show called “The World’s Most Extraordinary Homes.” It opened my eyes to the impact that a living space could have on people’s emotions, physical health, and lifestyle. The more I learned about sustainability, certifications like the Living Building Challenge, and the deeper responsibilities of the built environment, the more I realized that architecture was the perfect blend of art and logic that I always wanted. And once I realized that there is so much more to architecture than designing buildings, I was hooked.
What do you appreciate about the architect-client relationship?
The architect-client relationship is like a small classroom where we as architects learn trust, communication, empathy, storytelling, and most importantly, the positive impact that our design could have on our clients’ lives. All of this is informed by the helpful constraints informed by our clients that allow us to optimize options and propose unique design solutions for them.
What do you do in your spare time?
I work as Intern Architect by day and a clay artist small business owner by night. Most of my free hours are spent creating new pieces to restock my inventory and keeping up with the behind-the-scenes administrative tasks that come with being a creative entrepreneur.
How are you involved in your community?
From running my small clay shop, I’ve become part of a community of small business owners here in Iowa. We’ve become each other’s support – whether it’s fundraising, sponsoring local markets, or even small things like finding homes for stray cats. Sometimes it’s the little things that make an impact and having this community has evolved into a big part of my life.
Education
Iowa State University – Bachelor of Architecture
Contact
hcao@neumannmonson.com
