Peace of Mind: POM Studio's Portia Strahan on Leadership, Care, and Following Your Calling
Portia Strahan’s portrait by Leah Judson.
By Julia Gamolina
Portia Strahan is the founding Principal of POM Studio Architects, and is a licensed Architect in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. POM, which stands for ‘Peace of Mind,’ was founded to create visibility of responsible minority architects and designers, who are committed to socially and ecologically restorative design.
Portia holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Cornell University along with a Master of Architecture from the University of Utah. Memorable among these is her participation in the Design Build Bluff Program at the University of Utah, an immersive community design-build collaborative that deepened her skills in construction and project management. Throughout her career, Portia has had the privilege of contributing to a diverse range of projects from institutions, to event barns, to homes that showcase her versatility as an architect. She’s participated in numerous panel discussion and design reviews to support students and emerging professionals in the industry. She’s recently taught undergraduate design studio at the University of Maryland. In her interview with Julia Gamolina, Portia talks about setting the standards around the conversations taking place in her firm, advising those starting their careers to follow their calling.
JG: You run a practice out of the Washington metropolitan area. What have you been seeing in this specific region this year, and what have been the challenges of practicing now?
PS: We are so fortunate to be forming partnerships with local farmers, builders, homeowners, and non-profits in the rural areas of DC, Maryland, and Virginia, who prioritize well-crafted and sustainable buildings and homes. They are coming to us with knowledge and skills in those areas, which for us is a game-changer. There’s a shift from talking about style and aesthetics, to discussing more wall anatomy, insulation, and energy-efficiency during the earlier conversations and we love it!
We are gaining a deeper knowledge of natural buildings, building science, and low-carbon material by participating in workshops and connecting with earth-friendly design consultants and product vendors. Currently we are in the process of designing two farm buildings where we are proposing natural building materials like timber frame, strawbales or wood fiber, and clay based paints to name a few.
What are you planning for the rest of 2024?
The rest of 2024 involves staying in harmony with our work and life goals, which is a segway to the challenges. Knowing what ways to grow, what projects to take on when and when to say “no,” is always a challenge. We are working with business consultants at HELM to update our branding and website, and to help to align with us with our goals. This year we opened our physical studio space which was a huge and exciting effort! We recently received a local grant to help with improvements and furnishing.
Garrett Park Farmhouse. Photography by Kevin Scrimgeour.
The Bee House Construction Progress. Courtesy of homeowner.
Now let's go back a little bit — tell me about why you studied architecture, and how you chose where you studied architecture.
My twin sister plays a big role in this story. We went to different high schools and when we were considering majors, I told her I was headed towards the engineering field because math was the only subject that I felt comfortable in. She mentioned that we both also excelled in the arts world and that’s when we decided to study architecture at Cornell University. Our older sister had previously graduated from their hospitality school so we were familiar with the campus and knew that it had a good architecture program. I had very little expectations and really struggled for the first couple of years. It wasn’t until around the 3rd year I really connected with the design challenges and how to provide artful solutions.
I also went to Cornell, and also felt like I really started hitting my stride there in my third year. Architecture school takes some adjusting, I think. Tell me now about your experiences working for various offices before starting your practice. What did you learn that you still apply today?
I’ve worked at large, medium, and small offices, but it’s small architecture offices that are my jam. There’s more opportunity to be involved in the design phases, which was important to me, and to have more connection with clients and consultants. You can go from being on a construction site and drawing details, to Photoshop-ing or fixing the printer back in the office all in one day. This variety was very appealing to me.
As a firm owner it feels great to also implement what I felt was lacking in my previous positions as well, especially as it applies to health and wellness. I integrate these topics and discussions into the practice formally and informally. Work and life are stressful so it’s important for the firm to create a safe space where those feelings can be voiced.
“There’s a shift from talking about style and aesthetics, to discussing more wall anatomy, insulation, and energy-efficiency during the earlier conversations and we love it!”
How did POM Studio come about? What are your priorities for it as we enter 2025?
POM Studio Architects was formed to provide diverse leadership in the design industry in the Washington, DC area, especially from an introverted, LGBT, black woman perspective. I felt a call to action from within to face my fears. Over the years I had gained experience and knowledge in both design and construction, I’ve become licensed and freelanced, and in 2020 I had come to a crossroad. I could continue to do what’s comfortable — to some degree — which was working for other people, or I could step into the unknown which was POM Studio. I called on the support of my mentors, my partner, my family, and my colleagues. Everyone was supportive and onboard, which helped me move pass the fear and focus on the journey ahead.
Priorities for 2025 are to fine-tune our mission and who our target clients are. In the beginning I was saying “yes” to a lot of people and projects. After a few years there were certain partnerships and projects that melded well with POM Studio’s mission and purpose, so now we want to be more mindful with our marketing strategies. We also want to improve our business financial literacy, access our profits and losses, and develop an operating budget for next year.
POM Studio Offices. Photography by Leah Judson.
Looking back at it all, what have been the biggest challenges? How did you both manage through perceived disappointments or setbacks?
The biggest challenges are with circumstances that are outside my control, such as when projects you pursue don’t move forward; when there are hang ups in permitting and construction that drag out and negatively impact everything; when there’s confusion and frustration with communication. For me these challenges sometimes lead to feelings of inadequacy or failure, especially as an introverted and contemplative person.
I manage with business counseling, therapy, exercise and spending time with my family. My dogs give me free dog therapy whenever I want! It’s difficult to be hard on yourself when they are looking at you with their goofy faces. It’s a process of unburdening myself of the negative thoughts and the need for perfectionism. This is where finding “peace of mind” takes precedence. Things don’t always go the way you want them to and sometimes you have to sit in the discomfort of it and let it pass. Also, I try to focus on the reality of how well a lot of things have worked out. I think about how far I’ve come, how much I’ve learned, and all the interesting people I’ve met. New opportunities are always coming around the corner, and sometimes there’s no time to dwell on the negative because you need to shift mentally to the next thing.
With that in mind, what have you also learned in the last six months?
The last six months I was deep in the renovation of our studio space. I had the roles of client, architect, and contractor all at the same time. There was a lot of decision fatigue and wanting to do every right the first time. I’ve learned the value in taking your time and moving slowly. Sometimes you have to take a step back and shift to something else, or hand it over to someone else who has the capacity and skills.
“As a firm owner it feels great to also implement what I felt was lacking in my previous positions as well, especially as it applies to health and wellness. I integrate these topics and discussions into the practice formally and informally.”
Who are you admiring now and why?
My mom Genevieve is at the top of the list of people I admire. We’ve been hanging out together more these days and she’s a very caring and loving person. The older I get and more life experiences I have the more appreciation I have for her. As a single mother she sacrificed a lot to provide us with a foundation, education, and options. She did this for my sisters and I, for extended family, and for people in our community. Her service and care for others is the spirit of what I feel POM Studio Architects is. It extends out to the surrounding community and everyone we come in contact with, and it’s what keeps us growing and successful.
I’m currently reading a book called Tubman Travels to learn more about Harriet Tubman. We all know the general story, but as I get into more detailed accounts of what she did, its beyond admirable. Facing death and torture on a daily basis while helping her family and community and other women pursue freedom. Black women are amazing. It’s frustrating thinking through my own education and realizing how much focus was placed on men, especially white men as the hero and champion while stories like hers and countless other women are diluted or purposely untold.
What is the impact you’d like to have on the world? What is your core mission? And, what does success in that look like to you?
POM Studio’s motto is that we listen, we design, we care. We want to specialize in responding to the needs of people and the planet. Success as it relates to that involves creating a covenant between us and the mission which will help guide us and determine what projects to pursue, and staying engaged with our community, volunteering, and supporting other like-minded organizations. We aim to keep learning and educating ourselves to be better listeners and sustainable designers.
Portia at timber frame workshop. Photography by Patrice.
Meeting on farm. Photography by Leah Judson.
Finally, what advice do you have for those starting their career? Would your advice be any different for women?
There’s an affirmation that I wrote when I started this journey, which was, “Pursue the unknown, beautiful is the other side.” I wrote this with the understanding that the other side isn’t always in your favor, and the beauty is in the pursuit.
My advice to those starting their career is don’t wait for anyone to turn to you to say, “Okay, it’s your turn to lead, or go, or speak.” There are people on your journey who will elevate you and ones who won’t, and it’s not always clear who’s who. It is important that at all times you pursue knowledge, experiences, and opportunities that are going to lead to your prosperity. The advice I have for women is that, in my observations, women easily fill the supportive role while possessing all the skills and knowledge to lead and run their own business. I know leadership is not always the agenda or goal, but if you are at all feeling the call, go for it.