PRP Now! Ana Coppola // Weiss/Manfredi
PRP: Tell us about your PRP firm. Where are you working?
I am working at Weiss/Manfredi in New York City. Our office is located in the neighborhood of Tribeca. We have a marvelous view of the Hudson River and New Jersey were we get to watch the most beautiful sunsets. We are about 40 designers and 2 full-time interns working on a variety of community, academic, and landscape projects.
PRP: Do you enjoy the city you’re working in? Favorite aspects?
I never imagined working or living in New York City. New York can be a bit overwhelming at first, there is a lot of people, noise, lights and events. However, it just took me a couple of weeks to fall in love with this city. There is always something to do! This month is ARCHTOBER, a month full of architectural events and the firm is participating in PUMPKITECTURE, an architecture pumpkin carving contest. I am really excited!
PRP: What is currently on your desk? What are you working on?
Currently on my desk there is a construction document set for a project in Toronto, Canada. I have been working on this project since I started and I have helped to do renderings, detail drawings and even got to make some material selections; this explains all the wall tiles and carpet samples stacked under my desk. In addition, I have my daily cup of coffee, some trace paper with detail section drawings, and some render sections I made for a publication of the Hunter’s Point South Park project .
PRP: Describe the firm culture? The office atmosphere?
Everyone in the office is extremely talented and kind. It’s amazing how much I’ve learned from everyone, especially when they pin up their progress on the office walls. We have monthly office meetings where we get to hear about everyone's projects and eat delicious pastries. In addition, we do a monthly office lunch, where we get to try some of NYC's best restaurants. This month we are doing a Dumpling Festival!
PRP: What is the first thing you'll tell your classmates upon your return to UT?
I think I am moving back to New York. This has been an unbelievable experience. The city is magical and the people and project’s at Weiss/Manfredi are the best. I’ve learned and grown so much these past few months and I can’t believe I only have two months left. PRP: As you’re finishing up the week, what are your plans for this weekend? This weekend I am planning on visiting Philip Johnson’s Glass House in New Canaan, Connecticut. I’ve been planning this visit for a long time now and I am really excited to see the house surrounded by trees covered in orange and yellow leaves.
PRP: Is there anything else that you would like to add?
The Professional Residency Program has been the best part of the UTSOA architecture program. Take this opportunity to grow not just as a designer but also as a person. Get out of your comfort zone and apply to somewhere you’ve never imagine yourself in. It’s amazing how much you learn in these 6 months. Enjoy every single day because it will go by extremely fast.