Positive Change: Hou de Sousa's Nancy Hou on Asking the Right Questions and Finding Satisfaction

By Julia Gamolina

Nancy is a partner and co-founder of Hou de Sousa, a New York based architecture, art, and design studio. Originally from Shanghai, Nancy grew up in Ecuador and went on to receive her Bachelor of Architecture from Cornell University and her Master of Architecture from Harvard University.

Hou de Sousa primarily works within the overlaps and intersections of art and architecture. The multi-disciplinary office is known for building playful and carefully tailored site-specific projects. Over the years, Hou de Sousa has won a range of open design competitions and was recently honored as a Design Vanguard by Architectural Record.

In her interview, Nancy talks about getting started in Ecuador and learning to build with the spirit of the design intent, advising those just starting their careers to actually be very open in order to find their place.

JG: How did you grow up, and how did your interest in architecture first develop? What did you learn about yourself in studying it?

NH: I was born in Shanghai and when I was six years old my family immigrated to Quito, Ecuador. A few years after moving to South America, my parents opened a restaurant, and I spent my elementary, middle, and high school years helping out as the cashier and waitress. In between breaks, I would do my homework at one of the open tables.

Ever since I can remember, I’ve loved drawing, origami, paper cutting and making things with my hands. I just assumed early on that I’d end up working in the hospitality industry because it was so familiar. But the desire to explore and make objects eventually won out and going into college Architecture seemed like a natural fit. My teenage assumptions about the profession were pretty naïve looking back, but it was accurate enough, and it luckily worked out great.

The most important lesson I got out of architecture school was how to be objective and ask myself the right questions so my work could improve.

How did you get your start in the field?

I worked at a variety of firms before starting my own. My first internship was at Dbox, an architectural visualization studio. This was followed by the super valuable experiences of working at KPF and Slade Architecture.

In total, I only worked three years before starting my own practice. I was eager to start my own business because I knew there was no better way to learn other than to dive right in.

Every project completion and competition win definitely stands out as an amazing experience and memorable milestone along the way, but it’s been most key finding satisfaction in the work itself and achieving everyday goals.

“Every project completion and competition win definitely stands out as an amazing experience and memorable milestone along the way, but it’s been most key finding satisfaction in the work itself and achieving everyday goals.”

— Nancy Hou

Tell me about how Hou de Sousa came about.

I wanted to run my own practice almost from the onset. A couple years after graduate school, my partner and I were offered a unique opportunity to work on a project in South America. Being young, we realized that getting to build our own work in NYC would be unlikely anytime soon, so we gave it a shot and moved to Ecuador.

We spent three years working on interior renovations, and as with most small architecture studios in Ecuador, we designed and built our projects and doubled as the general contractor. It was an amazing education in construction and project management, but in 2014, Ecuador’s economy severely slumped and we returned to NYC. Luckily, we had some residential commissions in tow, but it also felt like we were starting from scratch. We had to build a new network and learn how to run a firm in the US.

Entering open design competitions helped gain some exposure. We had a few nears wins and close calls early on and in 2016 we broke through by winning two competitions within the same week — a temporary art installation called “Raise/Raze” in Washington DC and a permanent structure called “Sticks” at Socrates Sculpture Park.

Where are you in your career today? And with that, what does success mean to you?

We feel very fortunate as a studio to have reached the point where prospective clients reach out about new projects. We’re at an exciting moment where we can be selective about with the commissions we take on. It’s wonderful working with a fantastic team and clients and it feels incredible when the public enjoys one of our projects.

Success and fulfillment for me is found in taking part in exciting work and a cheerful family life.

Looking back at it all, what have been the biggest challenges? How did you manage through a disappointment or a perceived setback?

Over the years, I’ve grown much more comfortable with failure. The first competition we lost felt like a disaster. Nowadays, it’s much easier to laugh off a situation like that, say “oh well” and move on. Setbacks are inevitable so you’re better off being honest about why something didn’t work out and focusing on what’s up next. Easier said than done of course!

Winning a project takes effort, but building a project well while adhering to spirit of the design is much more difficult. Given that every project is unique, it’s a challenge assembling the best team of contractors, fabricators, and consultants for each job.

“Winning a project takes effort, but building a project well while adhering to spirit of the design is much more difficult.”

— Nancy Hou

Who are you admiring right now and why?

I admire everyone who is passionate about what they do while bringing positive change; from scientists advancing our understanding of world, to politicians fighting for policies that will make our society more equitable, and musicians writing the next song that will inspire a generation, etc.

What is the impact you’d like to have in/on the world? What is your core mission?

I’m always hoping to create work that inspires wonder and curiosity. It’s a way of sharing what I love most about design, the search for solutions and meaning.

Finally, what advice do you have for those starting their career? Would your advice be any different for women?

Keep your mind open and explore a range of professional experiences. Strangely enough, it will help narrow down what’s right for you.