Taehyun Ryou // Architecture Research Office

Tell us about your PRP firm. Where are you working?

I am currently working at the Architecture Research Office in Brooklyn, New York. The office is made up of around forty people and specializes in cultural and institutional work. The office has a history of designing projects related to other typologies, but during my time there, I have been able to participate in institutional and cultural projects.

Do you enjoy the city you’re working in? Favorite aspects?

I always dreamed of moving to New York as a kid and coming into college, I knew that if the opportunity presented itself, I would take it. Now that I have, I find myself enjoying what New York has to offer. The overall atmosphere of the city can get overwhelming sometimes, but there is a constant hustle and bustle from which to take inspiration. It’s been nice to be able to take the train or bus to nearby cities as well and so one quality that I genuinely enjoyed was the fact that there is always something new to experience.

What is currently on your desk? What are you working on?

I like to keep my desk as neat as possible so currently, I only have my notebook, office laptop, and water bottle. Sometimes, I’ll have my lunch with me, but other than that, those are my desk essentials. 

Describe the firm culture? The office atmosphere?

The people that I work with have been so incredibly warm in and out of the office that I find it easy to ask questions if I ever need help. There is a lot of collaboration between everyone at ARO regarding the work at hand that you truly get a sense of how collaborative the design process needs to be. There are a lot of celebrations in the office as well. Whether we’re celebrating birthdays, going out for happy hour, or hosting office parties, the office likes to have fun as well. I would say that ARO is big on working hard and playing hard!

What is the first thing you'll tell your classmates upon your return to UT?

Other than wanting to share my experience of working in New York, I would like to also share some of my favorite experiences of getting to explore the city. During my stay in a completely different city, I found myself enjoying my own company, so it’s been a nice reminder that while meeting new people can be exciting, learning to embrace yourself is another quality worth cultivating.

As you’re finishing up the week, what are your plans for this weekend?

I have a childhood friend coming to visit me this weekend. She’s never been to New York so I imagine it’ll be a busy weekend full of exploring and taking her to famous institutions such as The MET.