Maria Aldescu
Describe a typical GT3 working day in the life of Maria.
Wide open flexibility – there are no typical days for an Architect! I like waking up early (even though I live very close to the office) enjoy my coffee and think about my goals for the day. I like to be in control and plan ahead. I know I am going to be taken by surprise and I always become curious to see how the day will turn out. I am a YES person; I love challenges through the design process.
My day is full of relationships, clients, colleagues, contractors & different projects. I work through all project stages, from feasibility studies to handover. I like to be busy and I see every challenge as an opportunity to grow and to contribute towards society!
Why did you become an Architect?
Since I was little, my activities were centred around creativity. I’ve always been an energetic person that didn’t like the routine. I knew it was not going to be easy. I embrace this profession as I look at it as an opportunity to design a unique solution to a unique problem. I see this career as a never-ending journey. Architecture combines so many elements and principles, requires meaningful thoughts and always gives me a sense of achievement. I know it will take me to places I cannot imagine. It will prove to be the most challenging, rewarding, frustrating, vulnerable and inspiring thing I do.
How would you describe the culture of GT3?
GT3 culture is people centred. The main objective is to strengthen and develop community responsive architecture. We are a young enthusiastic studio! While we manage our efforts, we all work together on a variety of projects providing each other support.
If you didn’t take the Architecture route, what other kind of career could you see yourself in?
I could see myself as an archaeologist doing that maybe a few hundreds of years ago, travelling the world and jump into the unknown, uncover lost treasures and being taken by surprise about what I thought I knew about this world and society.
Do you have a favourite design style, if so, what would you say this is?
My favourite style which I cannot apply to this day is Renaissance. I love how it combines arts, symmetry, proportion, geometry, impressive scale, technology achievements and how it reflects society back in those days.
Every day, I seek for proportion and purpose in my design. I pay attention to details. I follow Functional Design and the principles of Good Design: honest, useful, innovative and long lasting.
Tell us two things most people don’t know about you…
I rescued more than 10 cats from the streets of Bucharest! In my spare time I love to do oil painting.