Today we’d like to introduce you to Vani Singal.
Hi Vani, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I am a first-generation immigrant from India. In 2004, after graduating from the University of Houston, I relocated to Austin to work as an architectural intern at Studio 8 for the first eight years of my career. I learnt a lot at Studio 8 – I was not shy about asking for more responsibility and they weren’t hesitant to give it to me. Commercial architecture was my primary focus, and during the recession, I quickly became more comfortable with interior finish outs, I fell in love with all aspects of architecture and interior architecture, and after eight years of working on medical office and various commercial projects, life led me to San Francisco. I worked with two firms in San Francisco, both focusing on interior architecture and hospitality. After three years of exploring the world of small-scale interiors, Austin was still home and we moved back with a baby in tow.
Workshop no5 was a dream that I wanted to bring to life, designing projects with passion, and telling stories through designed spaces. With a strong desire to create a firm that stands apart in work and culture, I grew a company that encourages staff to invest in themselves and their careers. Mentoring staff as they grow their knowledge and skill-set is vital to firm growth, and giving my staff time in the work week to volunteer with local non-profits, makes Workshop No. 5 a unique environment for giving back to our community. Our firm supports local artisans in their craft by incorporating their work into every project and supports local business over large corporations. We encourage staff to take continuing education classes during the work week, and attend local and national conferences to keep a fresh outlook on architecture and new and old trends. To stay connected, I’ve expanded my network by aligning myself with AIA Austin, NCARB, Rice Design Alliance, and NOMA.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As a small business, we’re often competing to get projects that come naturally to well-renowned firms. To navigate this challenge, we invite collaboration, not competition, any chance we get. We work with other designers in town, larger firms and local creatives on many of our projects to expand our exposure among our collective networks. I face obstacles like any other business owner, and definitely experience another layer as a working mom. Knowing these challenges first-hand has helped me create a family-friendly work environment and culture for my staff.
And finally, advocating for more diversity in the design industry has become a personal mission of mine. My involvement in JEDI – AIA AUSTIN AND WIA and personal experience has inspired me to create a new initiative to support women of color in the industry through internships, mentorships and scholarships. We’re excited to be launching the organization, Foundation for Design Diversity, later this year in partnership with other firms in Austin supporting the same cause.
We’ve been impressed with Workshop No5, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My mission is clear: To create a one-of-a-kind architectural practice that carries heart into each project that slides across our desks. What sets us apart is our passion for telling people’s stories through creative design. We love to get to know our clients, from their personalities to the details of how they live their day-to-day lives. To us, it’s all about the details. In our residential work, we design around family members’ unique interests. In the commercial sector, we’ve developed a unique design sensibility and approach to a supportive office environment.
I believe that architects can help impact lives in a positive way by providing the perfect structure, whether it’s to live, work, or play. Architecture is for all and we strive to provide our service to everybody that wants it.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.workshopno5.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/workshopno5/?hl=en
Image Credits
Headshot – Carrie Biggar Process – Sarah Moore
