Parsons School of Design's Emma Fuller on Being Well-Rounded and Always Inspired

By Julia Gamolina

Emma is a proud graduate of Parsons School of Design, with a BFA in architectural design. Originally from Denver, CO until moving to New York in 2016 to pursue her passion, Emma supplemented her education by working across the hospitality industry. This unexpectedly yet pleasantly honed her interest in architecture, space, and movement within this demanding and ever-evolving market. Emma has worked tirelessly to develop skills alongside the architecture curriculum, from site analysis, model making, adobe suites, and design implementation to important skills like leadership, problem-solving and time management.

JG: Why did you decide to study architecture?

EF: I grew up innately wanting to feel the most out of my space - I was always rearranging my room, buying cheesy Parisian art from Hobby Lobby. I even bought a stencil and paint to add a pattern to the lower half of my wall (when this was trendy). I grew up watching HGTV and was convinced I would have my own show one day, somewhat still am. However, now I understand shows are produced and somewhat romanticized, but it made design seem much more attainable to the laymen and that was appealing to me.

I actually had a core interest in interiors but after my first year of college, I felt that I wanted a broader education that would enable me to expand further. I wanted it all. I also think it was a subtle way for me to rebel against the gender divide and prove to myself that I could study and succeed in architecture.

What was the favorite project you worked on in school? Favorite paper you wrote? Favorite extracurricular?

I loved all of them for different reasons. I can narrow it down to two. The first one was with Arta Yazdanseta, and it was my introduction to all things environmental technology. I am really proud of this project because not only did I push myself, but I felt the project was truly flushed out. I feel that I answered almost every question, although we know that’s almost impossible. My second favorite was Carlo Enzo's project based in Marble Hill. We designed a transportation hub and mine had certain elements of hospitality program intertwined, merging two of my prominent passions. This one challenged me intellectually and theoretically unlike any other project. It was so fulfilling. The conversations Carlo and I had were always intriguing, sometimes exhausting, but always exciting.

My favorite paper was one I wrote freshman year investigating spaces using semiotics. This method was new to me and the process of uncovering meaning and themes behind objects and designs was fascinating.

My favorite extracurricular is definitely boxing. I feel great staying active and getting energy flowing. Plus, it’s very empowering.

What are some of the initiatives you’ve focused on in school, and why?

I have always believed that spaces in the built environment should evoke emotion, joy, comfort, and excitement, but most of all, should have a distinct purpose to its site, adding value for those it interacts with. For me, every project had to be grounded, rooted in research, and be able to stand on its own. This was my way of making sure it didn’t just look pretty. Aside from that, the usual – sustainability, light, views, materials, program, circulation. I now understand these elements as standards in the industry, but to us studying, they were everything.

When searching for internships and jobs, what are you looking for?

Personally, I crave structure starting out – I have found this to be instrumental in releasing my creative juices. I want to add value somewhere that has a mentorship culture that can support me in building a strong foundation and hone my skills in a real world setting. I’m looking for a lively, inspiring, positive office culture. Having people at my level would also be a plus. It’s also important that the company has strong morals and values that align. Not only in design but in life, especially given the current climate of today.

What’s important to you? What inspires you?

I love this question - almost everything inspires me to some degree, I look for the good in all things and as I do that, I continue to see more good and this inspires me. But above all, what’s most important to me is authenticity. I really respect and look for people who are passionate, driven, optimistic and who are true to themselves. Not only do these people inspire me but so do the simple things such as walking around the city while listening to music and watching the choreography of the city and everyone else’s daily lives.

“...it’s OK not to know what you want to do, but commit to something. Chances are, you’ll learn a lot more about life than whatever you study.”

What do you hope to do in your career?

I really want to be able to say I am well-rounded and well-versed in many things. I want to explore all of my interests, whether it be architecture and interiors, music, fashion, business, or hospitality. It’s vague, but also a reflection of where I am in my career. I don’t really know for sure yet and that’s okay - That’s actually the best part!

Who do you look up to? Both in terms of women in architecture, and in general.

Definitely my mom. I know I am biased, but she’s hands-down the best role model I could’ve asked for in every aspect. I definitely admire many famous people - in regards to design it’s Zaha Hadid and Kelly Wearstler, in regards to life and perspective it’s Oprah and Michelle Obama, and in regards to self-help it’s people like Jim Kwik and Joe Dispenza. They are all incredible people that add light everywhere and are authentic to themselves. Aside from that, I truly value my peers, friends, and Ron my therapist. I learn so much from them each day, which should be recognized. I try to really take advantage of every interaction because you never know who will inspire you. Everyone has something valuable to add and something to teach us.

What advice would you give to those in high school now, choosing their field of study?

I would say it’s OK not to know what you want to do, but commit to something. Chances are, you’ll learn a lot more about life than whatever you study. For me it happened to be architecture, but even I’m still asking myself, “Well, do I want to be an architect?” and that’s okay. Architecture school taught me more about how to see and approach the world. It gave me tools to problem solve at any level. It gave me a different perspective on life, one that will benefit me in whatever I do. The same goes for you. If you do know what you want to do – go for it. Block out all negativity and doubt. There’s always a way. Everything works itself out in the end.