Joanna Beres, Assoc. AIA

Name: Joanna Beres, Assoc. AIA
Firm: AIA Pennsylvania (currently the AIA PA Associate Director)
Family: MaryEllen and Steve Beres (parents); Stephanie and Andy (siblings);  Frank (fiancé)
Years in practice: 6
Education: M.Arch. with a concentration in Urban Design and Conservation at the Catholic University of America; B.A. Urban Studies from the University of Pittsburgh
Your first job: I ran a snack counter at a golf course.
What’s the best part of your job? I advocate for fellow associates.
What would you change about your job? I would like to find a full time position in the field, so that I may complete IDP.
Project you’re proudest of: Participation in the Market Square Place project by STRADA.
What have you always wanted to tell your clients? Please be patient.
What’s the most annoying thing architects do? They do not listen, and they exert hubris.
Architectural quote to practice by: “Architecture is the reaching out for the truth” – Louis Kahn
Architect you’d like to have a drink with: Jean Carroon, FAIA, principal at Goody Clancy in Boston.
Favorite tool: my LAMY fountain pen.
Favorite building: San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane, by Borromini.
Favorite outdoor space: Allegheny National Forest.
Favorite indoor space: Hall of Architecture at the Carnegie Museum of Art.
Favorite city: Rome.
Favorite architecture book: Cathedral, by David Macaulay.
Favorite Pgh neighborhood: The Strip District.
Wish list for downtown Pgh: A real nightlife.
If you hadn’t become an architect, what would you have been? An opera singer.
Someday I’d like to: Pay off my student loans.
People would be surprised to know that: I make homemade sopresatta, I hunt, and I fish.
What’s on your iPod/Pandora/Spotify?  Nina Simone.
Favorite Kennywood ride: The original Noah’s Ark.
Where you live in Pittsburgh and why you think it’s great? I live in Greenfield, still a lovely family neighborhood. I love my fabulous and ever growing garden.
I want to be remembered for: Integrity and perseverance.
Advice to young architects: Listen, be patient, and don’t give up.
I belong to the AIA because: I hope to contribute to positive change within the profession.