University of Delaware Ammon-Pinizzotto Biopharmaceutical Innovation Center
Firm: SmithGroup
Dominique Serrette, RA
Architect | SmithGroup’s Washington, DC Location
Dominique Serrette is a newly licensed Architect for SmithGroup’s Washington, DC office, originally from Trinidad and Tobago. As an architect in the higher education studio, she collaborates with university clients on innovative designs of new and renovated classroom and lab buildings. This includes being an integral part of the architecture SG team, implementing consistent project documents and coordinating with contractors to ensure the built product in on time and on budget.
She is also a member of SmithGroup DC’s recently formed JEDI committee where she champions equitable practices in the design profession within and outside of the office. Dominique currently serves as the events coordinator for the AIA DC Equity Committee by WIELD. She has a Master of Civil engineering in Sustainable Design and Construction Management from Stanford University and a Bachelor of Architecture from Howard University. Dominique strives to maintain a close relationship with her alma mater, Howard University, mentoring and assisting students with their educational journeys.
Educational Background
2017 Master’s Degree, Sustainable Design & Construction | Stanford University
2015 Bachelor of Architecture | Howard University
Q&A …
What advice can you offer current ARE test takers?
Take your time and go at a pace that works best for you. I failed my fourth exam which was a huge blow for me and affected my confidence in test taking. I was able to overcome that obstacle by talking to my peers many of whom also failed one or two of their exams. They helped me to motivate me to try again. In terms of work/life balance, I was lucky to have an employer that was very understanding of the process and I knew that I wanted to maintain some of my social life, so I took breaks from studying during the summer and over the holidays.
How did you remain motivated throughout the process?
I think that having coworkers and friends also taking the exams helped me stay motivated throughout the process. We encouraged and supported each other, and I still try to do that for others I know still going through the process
Do you have a newfound hobby that's currently consuming the time you'd otherwise be studying for your exam?
I have not found a new hobby just yet, but I would like to do more cooking and dance classes.
My Advice …
What advice can you give to graduates about career paths based on your experience?
“You do not have to have it all figured out as soon as you graduate. I have been working for almost 5 years now and I am still trying new things and learning every day to figure out my own career path.”
What advice can you give to young professionals who are struggling with the traditional career path of architecture?
“I would say talk to as many people as possible in all different types of creative spaces. The great thing about architecture is that you gain skills that you can apply outside of the field. And if you still feel like there is no creative space for you make your own! (Easier said than done, I know.)”
Who inspires or motivates you? How do you remain motivated?
“My dad has always inspired me. He is also an architect and being able to see his hard work and all that he achieved my entire life motivated me to get to where I am right now and to continue working hard.”
- Dominique Serrette, RA
