PRP Now! Ana Kauachi // Corgan

PRP Now! aims to showcase the great experiences students encounter within the Professional Residency Program. PRP offers upper-level architecture students a unique opportunity to expand their education through work experience in the architectural profession. Over the past twenty years, our students have been linked with 260 firms in 29 countries. We will feature a handful of students within each session, graduate and undergrad, domestic and international firms. PRP staff mostly recently had the pleasure to speak with Ana Kauachi [B.Arch. '16] about her experience.

PRP: Tell us about your PRP firm. Where are you working?
I am currently working at Corgan in Dallas. I love it here! I am part of a studio which focuses on Corporate Architecture and Mission Critical Facilities. Corgan is a pretty large firm which a small studio feel. Almost like UT.

PRP: Do you enjoy the city you’re working in? Favorite aspects?
I do enjoy Dallas. I wanted to stay in Texas and I do not regret my decision. Dallas is a city with great opportunities and a wide variety of things to do. I can't wait for the winter though.

PRP: What is currently on your desk? What are you working on?
I have a Corgan Tervis on my desk, a phone, a bunch of pens and markers, and a pile of redlines. I am currently working on the new headquarters for the Japanese company Kubota which will be in Grapevine and on a campus for students with special needs here in Plano. I am also working on a Firm-wide Dog House competition for Dallas' Pawkitecture. Here in Corgan interns are not baby-sat, they throw you into the deep end of the pool right away and I couldn't be more grateful for that! Keeps things intense and keeps you motivated!

PRP: Describe the firm culture? The office atmosphere?
Yes Corgan is a large corporate firm but I've never felt like a number like I was afraid I would. Corgan is divided into smaller studios according to market sector. Everyone at the firm is incredibly friendly and try to make you feel right at home since day one. The office atmosphere is amazing. The principals have an open door policy, you can talk to everyone about everything, I really like it. They really make you feel like every single one of us is important to the firm. The firm culture is extremely dynamic, they work hard and play hard too. Every Wednesday we have donuts, we have all the soda and coffee we could ever want, even popcorn! There is also Lunch and Learns on Wednesdays which like the name implies, you learn about different materials, Case Studies, etc. Friday Forums are about different projects on different studios of Corgan or sometimes they host special events like the On My Own Time Art Show. There is also a bunch of activities outside of work hours. We've gone bowling, we've had picnics, we've gone to see baseball, happy hour almost every Thursday... There is never nothing to do!

PRP: What is the first thing you'll tell your classmates upon your return to UT? 
Do PRP! The amount of things you learn is incredible! And if you were ever hesitant about going to a large firm, don't be. I've found this experience extremely rewarding and I'm not even halfway done with it. Also, don't be scared to share your ideas since the very beginning, that's what you are there for.

PRP: As you’re finishing up the week, what are your plans for this weekend?
This Friday we are having a College Colors Day at Corgan which I am really looking forward to. We are going to have food trucks and everything! I am also planning to go to the city Aquarium. I've been there before but I like it that much. Next weekend we are also having a thing called Hearts and Hammers, a community service event in which Corgan helps remodel a house of a person in need, which I think it’s pretty cool.