Margaret Balich

Hometown: New Kensington, Pennsylvania (30 minutes northeast of Pittsburgh) 
Education Background: Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies and Nonfiction English Writing, Certificate of Sustainability, University of Pittsburgh 

How did you get interested in your field? 
I first wanted to be an architect in elementary school—I think I was in fifth grade. My mom bought me a roll of drawing paper that I never ended up using. I’ve always had a bit of an obsession with buildings and spaces and rooms, both design and ornamentation. Like any young kid, I quickly shifted my focus, and I ended up pursuing writing in high school and early college. I took my first architecture class my sophomore year at Pitt, and it completely reoriented my career aspirations and my academic life. I fell in love with the studio process and the iterative methodologies that make architectural education so much more challenging and rewarding than anything else I’ve done.  

What was your background prior to coming to Penn? 
I came to Weitzman directly after I graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Architectural Studies and Nonfiction English Writing. I finished school in late April, and I started the Master of Architecture program in the Summer Studio workshop in June.  

Why did you choose Penn? 
Penn was one of my top choices when I began applying to graduate school. One of the old architecture lecture series posters was on the bulletin board in our studio’s kitchen throughout my time at Pitt, and my favorite undergraduate professor went to Penn for his PhD, so I’d always been interested in applying. Despite most Pittsburghers’ disdain for Philadelphia, I also often thought about moving here—not too close to home, but not too far away from my family and friends. When I met my future peers and professors at the April open house, I instantly felt at home. I knew I’d found a place where I could make good friends while getting a great architectural education. 

What has been your favorite class so far? 
My favorite class this semester is my 601 Studio with Brian Philips! We are focusing on building a piece of an “Analog City” in the Gallery Mall, part of the Fashion District in Philadelphia. I am developing a partial apartment complex for musicians. 

What are you learning right now that will help you in the future?
Everything we learn in the Master of Architecture program is extremely relevant to the AREs (Architect Registration Exams), but I love developing my drawings for maximum clarity and beauty. Great drawings make great projects. 

What do you like best about Philadelphia? 
I genuinely love Philadelphia. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else at this point in my life. The row homes are beautiful. My neighbors are kind. There are so many unique and delicious restaurants throughout the city, and there are so many communities to explore. The music scene is amazing, if that’s something you’re into (I have friends in both bands and solo projects—lots of great DJs here). My favorite weekend activities are heading to Clark Park for the Saturday farmers' market and grabbing food and drinks at Abyssinia with friends. 

What kinds of activities and/or organizations are you involved in? 
I am a Tech Representative for my studio class, and I am a research assistant for Professor Fernando Lara.  

What are your career ambitions? 
After graduating, I hope to become licensed and work in the affordable housing sector. I’d also love to design art and education spaces, such as museums and libraries.