2025 Ones To Watch - Rising Stars: Gillian Valanzola, Margulies Perruzzi

“Gillian is a talented designer who is well on her way to becoming an exceptional architect. She possesses a strong technical ability to develop design concepts into detailed construction drawings. This ability, combined with her skills in spatial awareness and planning, makes her a valuable asset to any project team. Her consistent work ethic and thirst for expanding her knowledge and skills is virtually unmatched at her level.” - Josh White, Director of Operations at Margulies Perruzzi.

What’s one challenge you’ve overcome in your career so far, and what did it teach you? One of the significant challenges I encountered in my career was entering the workforce at the end of the pandemic. The new normal was a hybrid workstyle. While this transition was difficult for everyone, it was particularly daunting as a newcomer trying to establish meaningful professional relationships. This experience taught me the importance of proactive communication, particularly when working with a team that isn’t all in the same location. I learned how to engage with my colleagues, ask questions, and seek out learning opportunities, even when facing physical distance.

If you could give advice to someone just starting out in your field, what would it be? For anyone just starting out in the architecture field, my advice is to take advantage of every learning opportunity available. Attend all the “lunch and learn” sessions and after- work events and spend as much time on- site at projects as possible. It’s important to get to know your colleagues. Each of these experiences provides a valuable chance to build relationships, ask questions, and learn from others’ experiences. My exposure to different aspects of the architecture field has revealed a wide range of opportunities for growth.