823 Advizers

Marisa

Architect, Partner

Frederick Fisher And Partners

Wesleyan University, BA 1999
Yale School of Architecture, B.Arch 2006

Marisa has over 20 years of experience in design, design-thinking, and firm leadership in the architecture industry.
Architecture, Construction & Design
Creative
History, Art History
Honors Student

Q1Career path

Career Development

Overcoming Challenges

Career Exploration

2:32

"I actually had not really thought about architecture as a career at all."

Q2Main responsibilities

Visioning and Planning

Project Management

Business Development

1:31

"I work with our clients to help them understand who they are as an institution."

Q3Day in the life

Problem-Solving

Project Management

Communication

0:33

"It's a real mix of things."

Q4Most important skills - role

Design Thinking

Collaboration

Communication Skills

1:50

"I think it's an interesting combination of, you know, practicality and empathy."

Q5Favorite parts - role

Higher Education

Sustainability

Architecture

1:08

"Our mission is improving lives through architecture, for our clients and ourselves, in a pleasant and collaborative way."

Q6Biggest challenge - role

Decision-Making

Leadership

Time Management

0:51

"As a leader, you have to balance everything; getting your own work done while helping others get theirs done."

Q7Favorite parts - industry

Problem-Solving

Creativity

Practical Skills

0:42

"I think it's a really interesting combination of left brain and right brain skills and thinking."

Q8Who thrives in industry

0:56

Q9Wish known before - industry

Industry Realities

Economic Stability

Salary

1:07

"it is somewhat economically driven with the economy. So, when building projects stop because of economic recessions, there tend to be cyclical layoffs."

Q10Entry-level positions

Architectural Drafting

Internships

Model Making

1:01

"Many firms offer internships, often during the summers, some year round. That's a great opportunity!"

Q11Significant lesson - career

Problem-Solving

Design Process

Open-Endedness

0:35

"design is something that is never really done. You're always tinkering, you're always trying to make it better."

Q12College ideas for success

Public Speaking

Communication Skills

Presentation Skills

1:05

"Certainly anything related to communication skills, um, lots of public speaking."

Q13How identity impacted career

Mentorship

Architecture

Women in Architecture

1:10

"I personally believe in women supporting women. And I have found that there is a certain tendency towards generosity among women."