Equity in Architecture's 14 Questions with Janice Wittschiebe

JANICE WITTSCHIEBE, AIA came into architecture by chance. She decided to join her sister and attend Georgia Tech with a major in Industrial Design but after the first year one of her professors told her she should change her major and study Architecture. It was the best decision she took. After graduation she worked for a few local firms including Cooper Carry, Thompson Hancock & Witter and Brookwood Group before deciding to open her own practice. She partnered with Carol Richard and opened Richard Wittschiebe in 1991. Their focus was K-12 schools, colleges and universities, corporate and industrial office spaces, aquatic facilities, recreational and parks buildings, and fraternity houses. The company went through a few changes merging with Hand Design Studios in 2007 and with Stevens & Wilkinson in 2014 but continued to create the same outstanding projects. Outside the office, Janice Wittschiebe, AIA is very involved in her community, focusing on mentorship and supporting the professional development of students and interns.

A few months ago, in April, she was awarded the Bernard B. Rothschild Award by the American Institute of Architects Georgia Association (AIA Georgia). The Rothschild Award is the highest honor AIA Georgia can bestow on an individual, alive or deceased.

What follows is a series of questions I sent to Janice, and her responses:

1. What architectural movement most influenced your work?

I think the architectural movement I like the best is Arts and Crafts. The concept that the characteristic of the material itself is the “decoration” has great sustainable influences.

2. What is the best project you’ve ever worked on?

When I was with THW I was the Project Architect on the Marriott at Sawgrass which I was able to work on from inception all the way through Grand Opening. Wow what a great learning experience and I was able to visit Florida, which is where I am from. Because it was a hotel, I learned about guest rooms, spas, restaurants, and conference centers.

3. What is an architect or project you admire, both local and non-local?

I have to say, after being in this profession for 37 years, I admire the creativity and perseverance of all architects whether interns or Fellows. It is a challenging business on all sides and takes a personal dedication to be successful.

4. What is your favorite place to just be?

On the beach in Ft. Myers Florida, where I am from.

5. Did you always want to start your own firm or did you decide later in life? What made you make the jump?

I never had a grand plan but was able to take advantage of opportunities when they arose. I always tried to give 120% so when an opportunity arose, I would be recommended. This led to an opportunity to join Carol Richard in her practice in 1991.

6. What challenges did you face when you first started? What challenges do you continually face?

I think the thing that, for us, the scariest thing was hiring that first employee. As owners, you can take or not take salary, but with employees you have to be bringing in the projects that will support them. The challenges we continually face is just that, competing for work and keeping everyone busy. I know the firm can produce great work, so that is not the challenge.

7. Would you advise young architects to start their own practice? What are the “requirements”: experience, design, money, etc. that you would say are a necessity to take that step?

Yes, I would advise that young architects start their own practice. I would say that approximately 8-10 years of experience, being licensed and following the licensing laws of the state are imperatives. You will learn so much and appreciate the hard work your employers did to give you the experience to be able to start your own firm.

8. Do you think there are skills or traits that women generally tend to possess which are of benefit in this field?

I think that women are less driven by ego and more by figuring out ways for everyone to participate, get credit and be elevated by their experiences.

9. What do you see as some of the challenges for women in architecture?

I think there are many opportunities for women in Architecture, but it does take a lot of hard work and understanding the business world as well as architecture. The upper levels of many firms we work for or are employed by are still managed by men and there is a difference between how men and women conduct business.

10. What woman in architecture do you most admire?

I admire all the women who came before me, especially the minority women, who now have their own businesses.

11. Do you have a family?No, my husband passed away from cancer a

2019 AIA Georgia People’s Choice Award winner, Mckenney’s Headquarters Renovation and Addition by Stevens & Wilkinson. Photos courtesy of Amber Kimbrell.

number of years ago. My sister and her husband live in town and my brother and his wife live in Ft. Myers, Florida.

12. Do you have children? Do you think that made it harder for you as an architect to advance in your career?

No, I don’t have children, but yes, without a life partner dedicated to sharing the work of bringing up children it can be a challenge on any career. That did not stop us as a firm from hiring women with children and helping them accommodate their busy lives.

13. Do you believe in the idea that women can have it all: “career and families”?

It can be done but you have to be very deliberate about it and plan how you are going to achieve it.

14. What would you say to young women architects about the right time to focus on family vs. career?

It is different for everyone, they have to look at their particular situation and make a plan that keeps them up to date on technology and the changing architectural influences. It doesn’t seem to work well to “drop out” of the profession for an extended number of years. • CARMEN STAN, AIA