Gabrielle Benson
PROJECT DESIGNER
AIAS, LEED GA
A recent graduate of Carnegie Mellon University’s Bachelor of Architecture program and is currently completing a master's degree in Sustainable Design while working as a project designer at DS Architecture. Having contributed to a variety of Historic Preservation |Adaptive Reuse, Hospitality, Public Safety | Civic projects, as well as residential architecture, she enjoys working on a variety of different architectural typologies, particularly in combination with sustainable and passive design techniques
INTERVIEW
WHERE DID YOU GROW UP?
In Tallmadge, close to the infamous Tallmadge Circle (roundabouts are a superior traffic intervention).
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE HOBBY OR PASTIME?
I love to try out as many crafts as I possibly can, but I always have at least 3 knitting or crochet projects going at one time so I think those two hobbies take the top spot.
IF YOU WERE AN ANIMAL, WHAT WOULD YOU BE AND WHY?
An owl, I think. Not only did I love Harry Potter growing up, I also lived through the owl-themed fashion craze during middle school around 2013 which I think became a core part of my childhood.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE VACATION SPOT?
Normandy, France. My mom’s family lives there and there is nothing like driving through the rolling countryside, fresh baguette, good wine, and hanging out in my grandparents’ backyard. Porto, Portugal takes a close second!
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE WORD?
Fenestration. Just kidding, I think the whole building industry should just stop and say "windows" instead.
WHO IS YOUR ROLE MODEL?
Duo the owl from Duolingo.
WHAT’S THE BEST HALLOWEEN COSTUME YOU'VE EVER HAD?
A couple years ago I was the animated lofi girl from YouTube. It was subtle enough that I could just walk around as a normal person but if people knew the character, it was obvious.
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE 90's SHOW?
I’m not really a show person, so I’m going to go with a made-for-TV miniseries. The 1995 Pride and Prejudice with Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth is the best adaptation of Pride and Prejudice and I will die on that hill.
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE BOOK?
This isn’t easy, but one of my favorites is Sabriel by Garth Nix and the entire Abhorsen series. It’s fantasy and technically YA, but I’ve reread the series multiple times over the years and haven’t gotten tired of it yet… maybe this is my sign to reread it again.
WHAT DOES ARCHITECTURAL EXCELLENCE MEAN TO YOU?
To me, architectural excellence means for one to have the comprehensive ability to blend the needs of a community, the environment, and aesthetics together. This way, they create a structure that is not only good for the client, but all the parties affected by a building.
