PRP Now! Maya Shamir // Peterson Rich Office

PRP: Tell us about your PRP firm. Where are you working?
I am working at Peterson Rich Office (PRO) in Brooklyn. It’s a small-ish office that works on cultural, commercial and residential projects. The principals, Miriam Peterson and Nathan Rich, have backgrounds in economics and studio art respectively, which informs the interdisciplinary nature of the firm. There are eight architects and several interns.

PRP: Do you enjoy the city you’re working in? Favorite aspects?
I love New York! I’m living in Brooklyn which has been really fun. I often go for runs in Prospect Park and always find something exciting to see after work or on weekends. I love how walkable the city is, especially in the early summer weather.

PRP: What is currently on your desk? What are you working on? 
I’m working on a ⅛” physical model with another intern for a competition, so I’m mostly working on a table in the back of the office we took over as a model space. I also have my sketchbook, trace paper, and printed drafts of handouts for an upcoming community engagement workshop with the NYC Housing Authority on my desk.

PRP: Describe the firm culture? 
The firm atmosphere is close-knit and collaborative. We often go for happy hours and eat lunch together, outside when the weather permits, and everyone is very friendly and welcoming. Every Monday morning we have an office meeting where everyone shares the status of their projects, and we check in again on Fridays, which is a nice way to stay informed about what’s happening at PRO. The office is located in Gowanus in a cluster of other creative offices we collaborate with, like the metal fabricators next door. 

PRP: What is the first thing you'll tell your classmates upon your return to UT?
I am excited to overlap with many of my classmates this summer in New York, and upon my return, I will encourage people to take advantage of PRP! It has been a great experience and I have learned a lot I hope to bring with me for my fifth year. 

PRP: As you’re finishing up the week, what are your plans for this weekend?
I’m taking a train to Greenwich in Connecticut to meet up with some friends on Saturday. On Sunday I'm planning to go for a bike ride in Long Island City along the water.