In conversation with Krista Ninivaggi, Principal & Interior Design Leader

Can you tell us about your experience working in the architecture and design industry, especially on a global scale?

When I first started my career, the industry was even more male dominated than it is now. Early on, I was very often the only female in the room as well as the youngest person in the room, and quickly had to learn to not be intimidated. A lot has changed for the better. For example, we have more parity on the design side and now have as many female clients as we do male. That said, I’ve found that doing the work, focusing on what I can do, and not who I am or my gender identity, is the best way forward. I am a designer first, so keeping my attention on my work and having it speak for me has been the best way for me personally in my experience as a designer. Yes, maybe I have had to work harder in some ways, but design is a long game, not a sprint.

If you could give advice to anyone, especially young women, looking into a similar field or career path, what would you give?

Throughout your career you will find people that will hold you up and those who will hold you back. You need to strategically steer clear from the latter. However, it is always good to develop tactics to deal with people who hold you back in the event that you do not have the luxury to avoid them. Most importantly, do not get hung up on those who are not supportive, think of them as a distraction. Just move on.

Taking the time to recognize your clients and colleagues’ perspectives will help identify those who not only want you to succeed, but will actually support your professional goals. Identify those people and value their opinions. We have many types of mentors in our careers, each one guiding a different aspect of our development. Seek the people out that you naturally align with and who equally respect you back.

At the end of the day, I would advise young professionals coming into the field that it’s okay to discount the people who discount you because of your gender identity. Give your opinion of yourself the most credit.

What would you say to your younger self?

Earlier in my career I was eager and really hungry to get ahead. I actively sought more responsibility when it came to work. With age and experience, I now realize there was something really nice to be unencumbered with all that comes with added responsibilities (meetings, clients, etc), not to mention the sheer amount of time that needs to be reallocated to meet them. I would tell my younger self to enjoy having less responsibility, to relish the ability to simply sit at my desk with my headphones on, drawing all day. There is a beauty in being able to focus on the work. The added responsibilities will come soon enough, so take the time to enjoy your career as it unfolds. It will do so without your forcing it.  

What has been the highlight in your career/life?

I can make a lot of general statements about this, because there are so many incremental highlights over the years. My number one highlight though, was when my eponymous firm, k&co was included in the New York Magazine’s approval matrix for a project (brilliant/low brow category – an ideal placement). I think my biggest unrealized goal though, would be to have a drink named after me in a restaurant designed by my team!

To get in touch with Krista Ninivaggi, contact us here. 

Stay tuned for more stories celebrating women leading the way in the architecture & design industry, groundbreaking projects and celebrating #EmbraceEquity for International Women’s Day.