Alison Cordova

Hometown: Santa Cruz, Bolivia
Education Background: B.A. in Architecture, Universidad Católica Boliviana “San Pablo”

How did you get interested in your field?
I have always considered myself a very artistic person, even from a young age. I grew up surrounded by music, which sparked my interest in art and design in all its forms. I decided to study architecture because it is a profession that not only embraces art but also requires deep thinking about aesthetics and how to respond to the needs of a community. During my undergraduate studies, I remember exploring the new technologies of modern architecture, and I became especially interested in following the work of some of the most influential architects of our time, such as Kengo Kuma, Zaha Hadid, and Norman Foster. This exposure led me to question how we can innovate and discover new approaches to architecture that create meaningful solutions for the pressing challenges faced by today’s metropolises and large cities.

What was your background prior to coming to Penn?
Before coming to Penn, I completed my five-year Bachelor of Architecture in Bolivia, where I also worked at a studio specializing in luxury residential design. That experience introduced me to the world of high-end detailing and client-driven projects. After graduating, I collaborated with some well-known architecture studios in the U.S. as a design contractor, contributing to large-scale hospitality and corporate projects mostly in Miami.

Why did you choose Penn?
I chose Penn because I wanted a program that pushes the boundaries of design innovation. My interests have always been in large-scale buildings, parametric design, and exploring new materials and techniques, and Penn offered the perfect environment for that. What stood out to me is that the school’s drive for innovation goes beyond architecture, it also engages with business and interdisciplinary ideas, which I find essential for the future of design. The curriculum is both rigorous and inspiring, and it felt exactly like the challenge I was looking for.

What has been your favorite class so far?
What I enjoy most is how all the classes connect with each other and directly support the studio work. It makes the whole learning experience feel very integrated. While I’ve liked all of them, my favorites are the ones that really push innovation and encourage you to develop your own voice and perspective as an architect.

What are you learning right now that will help you in the future?
Right now, I’m learning how important it is to constantly iterate and push boundaries in the design process. The goal isn’t just to refine what already exists, but to create something the world has never seen before. That mindset is preparing me to approach future projects with both creativity and confidence.

What do you like best about Philadelphia?
What I like most about Philadelphia is the rich history and architecture—you can see the influence of architects like Louis Kahn all around the city. The location of Penn’s campus creates the perfect environment to focus on your studies while still being close to the city’s vibrant lifestyle, which makes it a great place for graduate students.

What kinds of activities and/or organizations are you involved in?
Even though our program can have a demanding workload, I’ve found it possible to create a good balance and get involved in many activities. Right now, I’m part of the Real Estate Club in partnership with Wharton, the Music Business Club, and the Penn Fashion Collective, where I serve on the committee for set design in the fashion shows and styling. I’m also helping to launch Weitzman Latino, a new student organization starting this year, and I serve as a REP for my studio.

What are your career ambitions?
My career goal is to develop my own style and body of work by creating my own studio, with a focus on luxury and elegant design. I want to collaborate across different industries—from fashion and music to hospitality and corporate architecture. Like Frank Gehry, who has embraced projects with diverse functions, I aspire to challenge myself with varied opportunities and bring innovation into every design.