Ciara Hackman // Quinn Evans
Tell us about your PRP firm. Where are you working?
This semester I’ve been working at Quinn Evans in Washington, D.C.! Quinn Evans is an Architecture, Interior, Landscape and Preservation firm with six offices and over 200 employees around the world. With its roots in architecture and preservation, the firm’s practice is grounded in being good stewards of our local and global community. That stewardship has permeated all parts of the firm through sustainability, equity and inclusivity in our work and culture for the past 40 years. This year, that work was acknowledged and celebrated by the AIA with Quinn Evans being awarded the Firm Award.
What is currently on your desk? What are you working on?
This semester and summer I’ve been working with the Heritage team on the restoration of a historic building here in Washington, D.C.! I’ve been so lucky to stay with one project and one team for my seven months with the firm. I began my time with QE translating survey data into a comprehensive Revit model, then moved into completing a set of construction documents from SD to 50% CDs. Along the way, I’ve been able to contribute my knowledge of woodworking to the restoration of historic windows while also learning so much from my peers and colleagues about other historic building material and preservation practices.
Describe the firm culture? The office atmosphere?
QE is so collaborative. There is a concerted effort to share knowledge across teams. I’ve been able to connect with in-house experts to discuss design challenges that I did not have experience in. Everyone is generous with their time and knowledge.
What is the first thing you'll tell your classmates upon your return to UT?
I’m excited to tell them about how joyful of a work experience this was for me! I’ve been encouraged to stand in my expertise, challenged to try a new facet of architectural work, and mentored through my successes and failures.
As you’re finishing up the week, what are your plans for this weekend?
This Friday marks two weeks until my last day with the firm 😞 so I’ll be joining a few coworkers at a Jazz in the Garden event happening at the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden and then maybe going to a vintage market in Georgetown on Sunday with some friends!