What led you to a career in architecture?
Karol: I think architecture was a natural fit for me because it brought together many things I’ve been drawn to since I was little. I have always been creative and detail oriented, and I genuinely enjoyed solving problems and figuring out how things work. As a kid, I had an impressive collection of (mostly thrifted) Barbies. Barbie houses, furniture, and accessories weren’t exactly in our budget, so I improvised by using things around the house as furniture, building little forts, and even turning things like Tupperware into swimming pools. Creativity continued to be a big part of my life as I got older. I loved drawing and writing, and even won an ‘Invent America’ competition in fifth grade.
My parents also had a big influence on me growing up. My dad came to the U.S. from Mexico and my mom from Guatemala, both at a young age without knowing English. Watching them build something out of nothing shaped my work ethic and gave me the confidence to believe I could always find a way to figure things out. My dad also worked on construction and renovation projects, and watching him always made me curious about how things were built. When I eventually took an architecture class in high school, everything clicked for me.
How has your work in architecture influenced the way you view the world around you?
Karol: I like to joke that it’s given me X-ray vision because sometimes I’ll stare at a building and mentally picture its structure and everything else happening beyond the finished surfaces. It’s hard to look at a building without wondering how it all comes together once you know what’s behind it.
It has also made me more aware of how design influences the way we experience a space. I notice how a space makes me feel, how people naturally move through it, and how even subtle design decisions can influence that experience.
What do you think differentiates JLA from other firms when it comes to our approach to design?
Karol: I think one of JLA’s strengths is how collaborative our approach is, both within our teams and with our clients. There is a genuine exchange of ideas throughout the design process, and I think our best solutions often come from bringing different perspectives and areas of expertise to the table. We also take the time to really listen to our clients and understand what they need.
What advice would you give young designers just starting out?
Karol: Stay curious and take ownership of your learning. There will always be something new to learn in architecture, and I think that’s one of the things that makes the profession so interesting. Some of the most valuable things I’ve learned have come from taking the initiative to research something I didn’t understand, ask questions, and find the answers for myself.
What are some noteworthy projects you have worked on at JLA?
Karol: One noteworthy project I’ve worked on is Station 955 Student Housing in Eau Claire, WI. It was the first project at JLA where I had the opportunity to be heavily involved during the construction administration phase. I enjoyed seeing the project take shape during construction, and working through the challenges that come with translating what is on the drawings into the field.
I’m currently the Job Captain for The Greenline, a large mixed use multifamily project in Monona, WI with 357 residential units. It’s been a challenging and rewarding project that has given me plenty of opportunities to problem solve and continue expanding my technical knowledge. I’m excited to eventually see everything we’ve been working on come to life.
Karol Perez is a Senior Project Specialist at JLA. She attended the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee and earned her Bachelor of Science in Architecture in 2013 and Master of Architecture in 2016. Karol has been part of the JLA team since 2021.
About Eye for Architecture
Welcome to Eye For Architecture, a blog series that brings you behind the scenes and into the personal journeys of professionals shaping the built environment. From early inspirations and academic challenges to pivotal projects and lessons learned on the job. Eye For Architecture offers a candid look at the journey, the passion that drives their work, and how each team member found their own eye for architecture.