UPenn and Parsons' Marta Llor on Creative and Collaborative Environments, and the Difference Between Expectations and Reality

By Julia Gamolina

Marta is an architectural designer from Barcelona, based in New York. She graduated with a Master of Architecture from the University of Pennsylvania and a certificate in Urban Resilience. She holds a BFA in Architectural Design from Parsons School of Design, where she received the School of Constructed Environments Honors. Throughout her academic career, Marta has held leadership roles in various organizations, including Penn Women in Design (PWID) where she was the Professional Development Chair for three years. Marta is currently working on a publication and co-teaching a foundation studio at the Stuart Weitzman School of Design.

JG: Why did you decide to study architecture? 

ML: Growing up in Barcelona I was exposed to architecture and design from very early on, and rapidly developed a love for buildings and materials. By age ten I was sketching floor plans and making models from cereal boxes, yet somehow, it didn’t click that architecture could be my career path until I went to Parsons. Studying in New York City made me realize the importance of how spaces are created, and I knew I wanted to partake in the process of building better cities.

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

Although I’ve enjoyed every studio, I’ve had the most fun working on projects for elective classes. Some of my favorite projects include a wall made of 3D printed fabric, a sentient shy object, and a light exhibit in Athens. I loved that they happened in creative, collaborative environments without the pressure of studio constraints.

“The Hive” urban apiary project for second year studio at Penn in collaboration with Catherine Shih.

“Voided Edge” adaptive reuse project for second year studio at Penn.

“Apomechanes” exhibit for study abroad program at Penn.

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

I have been the Professional Development Chair for Penn Women in Design during my time in grad school. The organization is focused on increasing the visibility and incidence of women in design leadership roles through professional initiatives such as firm visits, mentorship, symposiums and advocacy. Going into graduate school I was aware of how few of my professors and mentors were women and I wanted to speak up about issues of inequity and work towards a more balanced profession.

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

First and foremost, I consider the type of work they do and if I could see myself working on any of their projects. I then try to assess if it would be a good fit: what kind of people work there? What’s the environment like? Speaking to people who currently work at a firm I’m interested in is the most important part of the search. The realities of working anywhere often differ from what is expected and asking someone questions that are important to you about the firm, projects, environment, balance and priorities can be more helpful than spending endless hours researching their projects.

“The realities of working anywhere often differ from what is expected and asking someone questions that are important to you about the firm, projects, environment, balance and priorities can be more helpful than spending endless hours researching their projects.”

What’s important to you? What inspires you?

I’m a firm believer in being part of the change you wish to see in the world, and what’s most important to me is to do work I love and believe in. I deeply admire activists, policy makers, advocates, allies and people who stand up for a more equitable society. Creatively, I draw inspiration from cities, from urban instances, situations, oddities and materials. I admire nature, from the smallest nanoscales to the largest forests, and its resilience, ability to heal, make space for other living creatures, and grow.

What do you hope to do in your career?

I hope to learn and absorb as much as possible from everyone around me; mentors, colleagues, managers, other types of designers, academics, researchers, and photosynthesize all that energy into creating architecture. I eventually would like to lead my own firm, but that dream is many years (and experience) away!

Final review of “The Hive” second year studio at Penn with Catherine Shih.

2017-2018 leadership board of Penn Women in Design (formerly PennDesign Women in Architecture). Left to right: Susan Kolber, Nicole Bronola, Caitlin Dashiell, Marta Llor, Ramona Adlakha, Rose Deng, Aishwarya Katta, Aahana Miller, Ramunė Bartuškaitė Swofford.

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

I admire people who are able to grow and change not only from their adversities but also from their successes, and individuals who use their voice and privilege to elevate and create space for others. I look up to every single architect interviewed on Madame Architect, the editors, and the important message the platform conveys.

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

It’s okay to not be certain about what you want. Ask questions, be curious, let your creativity out in whichever medium feels natural to you, don’t be afraid to explore different things. Often times we think about what society (or college counselors) tells us we’re not capable of, but I found that is often a construct when choosing your field of study. Trust yourself and know what you want, but also know that it’s okay to not know what that is yet. Learn what interests you, be curious, be empathetic with the people around you, and learn from everyone you meet.