2024 Women in CRE: Samantha Sochacki, Gienapp Architects

What recent project, transaction, or accomplishment are you most proud of? The recent accomplishment that I am most proud of is obtaining my architectural license in Massachusetts this past spring. I began preparing for my architectural registration exams a few months after graduating college. I spent three years of hard work and dedication gradually taking the exams while learning as much as I could by studying and through real-world experience at Gienapp Architects. Passing the exams, completing the needed experience hours, and finally receiving the official architectural license was a fantastic feeling, and I am proud to have been able to reach this milestone so soon in my career.

What advice do you have for young women aspiring to enter commercial real estate? There is an abundance of opportunity for success for women in the real estate / building industry. I would recommend getting hands-on experience in the field of interest as early as possible. For a career in architecture specifically, I would advise young women to be proactive in learning about the construction process – it is critical to learn about how things are physically built to effectively design buildings. My biggest piece of advice is to put 100% effort into achieving goals and to accept guidance and constructive criticism from others with more experience.