SPOTLIGHT ON: ELIZABETH GRAZIOLO
Elizabeth Graziolo, Partner at Peter Pennoyer Architects
As a young female designer of color, there are several things that I’ve come to realize: that interior design is much more than floor plans, paint colors and pillow arrangements, that working with clients is challenging, but when finishing a project, that feeling of gratification is most definitely worth it, and that I truly love all things design. But one of the most significant things I’ve noticed since graduating is that throughout my undergrad years at FIT, my professors were, for the most part, white males: the female teachers I did have were also white.
“Couldn’t find not one black artist or designer willing to sit on your panel.”
Statistically speaking, women of color in academia is around 6% for bachelor institutions, and 8% at public master institutions (according to a study from 2012). A key finding from AIA (American Institute of Architects) in 2015 reported that “there are few role models for people of color in architecture.” Unsurprisingly, these numbers are remarkably low, and stress just how hard it is for young people of color in the design world to relate to those that they work with, and why many don’t even consider these fields because of lack of representation.
A recent event at the New York Design Center called “What’s New What’s Next” received backlash from a black female designer, who wrote on her instagram that the event “could not find one black artist or designer willing to sit on your panel.” The post continues with tags of other prominent black designers, including several that I admire, who were left out of the panels, lectures and conversations. I also happened to attend this event, and I know firsthand that situations such as these are incredibly common; unless the event is specifically curated around, by or for people of color, we are simply not included.
As I reflected on these numbers, stories and research I had conducted before beginning this post, I thought of my own education before college: throughout my elementary, middle and high school years, my teachers were primarily white males. I was used to not often coming across a face similar to my own in professional settings. So when I walked into a final critique during my junior year of design school and noticed a female critic of color, I was overjoyed, and just a little bit awestruck. I remember feeling elated, but also a little stressed: what if my project was a disappointment, or I did not present well? Looking back, it was refreshing and encouraging to see someone with the same skin tone as mine looking back at me while I spoke.
When I began the design component of my blog, I knew that the primary focus would be to highlight women of color in the design world (see first post). For my first interview, I reached out to said critic from above-Elizabeth Graziolo, a partner at the firm Peter Pennoyer Architects, here in NYC. Elizabeth was working in Europe on a project during the time of our interview, and I’ve transcribed our phone conversation below, where we discuss her accomplishments, challenges and obstacles she has faced as a designer of color, as well as designers she admires.
TAJ: Tell me a little about yourself-where you are from, where/if you studied design/architecture?
ELIZABETH: I was born in Haiti but immigrated to the US when I was very young. When I was a little girl I wanted to be many different things: a journalist, an engineer, and a psychologist. When I was applying for college, I was good at math and science, and I applied to various fields of study at different universities. I was fortunate enough to receive acceptance to Cooper Union’s Architecture program, thinking that after one semester I would transfer to engineering. I never did, and this is where I’ve been ever since: I can not imagine doing anything else now.
TAJ: Throughout your career, what are some projects or examples of obstacles you faced as a designer?
ELIZABETH: Every project presents a different set of challenges. The key is to be able to identify these challenges, even mistakes, and learn from them. This allows for improvement on the next project, as well as growth. It is important to remember that as an architect, you are the head of a team, including consultants, contractors and others. For me, the biggest challenge of any project is managing all the different players, such as structural engineers, mechanical engineers, and interior designers.
“the clients would walk in and ask for coffee, or when the architect was coming.”
TAJ: Wow. Are there any strategies to help cope with this?
ELIZABETH: I have worked up a reputation over the years, but I still find that I often have to prove myself. I think in the beginning, this was very challenging, but I’ve learned to remain confident, and within a short while, I believe I completely change their perception. I will admit that it is hard sometimes, but keeping a positive attitude gets me through.
TAJ: Do you have any advice for young designers of color when entering the work force?
ELIZABETH: No different from anyone starting out in any field: work hard, and let your efforts and diligence speak for itself. It can be hard, but try not to categorize yourself in your mind, and make sure to carry and project yourself as a professional. Be aware that some might judge you by your background or look, but that is their issue, not yours.
In addition, no two projects are alike: by remaining open, you will allow yourself the freedom to learn as much as possible. I’ve worked on projects in New York, as well as China, Europe and other parts of the world; each has taught me something different, and I am grateful that I was able to enter each project with a fresh set of eyes and an eagerness to do my best.
TAJ: Did you ever have a mentor in your field?
ELIZABETH: Yes! After graduating from Cooper Union, I worked at Cicognani Kalla Architects under Ann Kalla, a great architect and early mentor. Ann played a big role in my formative years, shaping my understanding of design when entering the real world, and what a female architect might expect in this profession. She often pushed for sleepless nights, early mornings and demanding deadlines, but I learned practically everything I know from her! After a few years working for CKA, I joined Peter Pennoyer Architects, where I am currently one of the partners.
TAJ: Who are some of the designers and architects that you admire?
ELIZABETH: During my university years, I studied the work of Henri Labrouste and was very much inspired by his work, specifically the Bibliotheque Nationale de Paris, where his innovative use of (at the time relatively new) iron framed construction helped him design one of the most beautiful buildings that stands the test of time. During my early career years, I admired the work of Ann Kalla (my early mentor); however, the designer who most influenced my work over the years is Gregory Gilmartin, our Director of Design at Peter Pennoyer Architects. I believe his understanding of the world of architecture is superior to almost anyone else I know.
Below is a selection of projects that Elizabeth has worked on.
151 East 78th Street, New York, NY. Entrance Facade. Architecture: Peter Pennoyer Architects/Developer: Spruce Capital Partners/Photography: Eric Piasecki
151 East 78th Street, New York, NY. Lobby. Architecture: Peter Pennoyer Architects /Developer: Spruce Capital Partners /Photography: Eric Piasecki
Lucas Allen, © Peter Pennoyer Architects: Apartments, Townhouses, Country Houses, Vendome Press
Mansion in China. Architecture: Peter Pennoyer Architects
Several points during my conversation with Elizabeth stuck out to me. As a female designer who enjoys traveling, I was elated to hear of opportunities to work abroad; on the other hand, it is discouraging to learn that proving yourself, no matter how advanced you are in your career, might always be a factor. What are your thoughts on this? Feel free to leave comments on what you thought of this post below-even suggestions on other designers you know. Looking forward to sharing more interviews on this platform, and thanks as always for reading!
Thank you for sharing Elizabeth!