Onkar G on July 5, 2021 No Comments
- Written by Eric Baldwin
Beautiful design is grounded in functional, accessible and healthy environments. For designers Mariné Maroukian, Kristina Singiser, and Adeleh Nejati at HMC Architects, equity and wellness go hand-in-hand. Each of these three women are leaders in their community and in practice, championing new ways to address local needs and create positive impact.
Founded in 1940, HMC focuses primarily on direct contribution to communities—through healthcare, education, and civic spaces. Each of the following women are making their own contributions and leading by example. Mariné is leading a range of construction project, has been active as a chair of AIA|LA Women in Architecture, and is part of HMC’s diversity, equity and inclusion committee. Born and raised in Uruguay, her background gives her a unique and diverse perspective that benefits her profession and the organizations for which she volunteers.
Adeleh is a healthcare planner and researcher who has been leading research efforts on COVID-19 and Cancer Care. Her Future Proof research outlines the impact of the pandemic while creating strategies for public health, resilience, and the built environment. Her cancer care study delves into how the built environment impacts a cancer patient’s journey.
Kristina is the managing principal of HMC’s LA office. With a strong background in student housing, she has worked on several academic buildings for community college campuses. With a wealth of design-build experience, Singiser believes there is tremendous value in the interaction and knowledge that contractors can bring to the design process. The following interview explore each of these women’s individual inspirations and community impact.
Why did you each choose to study architecture?
Kristina Singiser: When I was a freshman in high school, I was put into a drafting class, and on my first day in class, I was told by my (male) teacher, “Girls aren’t welcome in this class.” I think it was right then and there I decided to become an architect. I always loved math and art, and architecture seemed like the perfect combination of the two. I faced many other adults (mostly men) during high school that tried to deter me from pursuing architecture…it’s so hard, you don’t make any money, etc., but this only pushed me more to succeed.
Adeleh Nejati: My older brother is an architect, and I was 8 years old when he started college. I was always amazed by his creativity and drawing skills. Soon after watching him working on his projects, I got myself involved with small tasks like preparing his Rotring drawing pen set or cutting pieces for his physical model. After several years, I found myself in the same college studying architecture. To this date, I cannot imagine myself pursuing another path. Practicing architecture is not a job for me, it is a vocation. As Elizabeth Gilbert defines a vocation, a calling. “It is something that is innately calling you. A vocation is not something that is given to you. And at the same time, it is something that cannot be taken away from you.”
Mariné Maroukian: In my case, it was because I loved math and drawing, and my parents suggested that Architecture could be a career I might enjoy. I spent all my childhood drawing and designing, building cities with “Majorette”. At some point, I was between different careers related to design and decided on architecture because I concluded that it was the career that would allow me to have a stronger impact on the world.
What are some recent projects you’ve each been working on at HMC?
Adeleh Nejati: I am a healthcare planner and researcher. I have a PhD in healthcare architecture. So, my role at HMC is healthcare planning, integrating research into the design process, and conducting deep-dive research on important topics. I have been involved in the healthcare planning of:
- Kaiser Permanente, Sunset Ambulatory Surgery Center, Los Angeles Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
- Kaiser Permanent Baldwin Park Emergency Department, Baldwin Park, CA
- Kona Community Hospital, 10-year Master Plan, Kona, HI
In terms of research, I have led COVID-19 pandemic research to better understand the long-term effects of COVID-19 and develop strategies to “future-proof” our healthcare, education, and civic spaces. I have also conducted the cancer care research study to truly understand and improve the healthcare experience for patients with cancer, and I am in the process of completing a replicated research on staff respite area, surveying nurse leadership, in collaboration with Kaiser Permanente CNO and a nurse operation specialist.
COURTESY -ArchDaily
