Sarah Woynicz-Sianozecki,
AIA, NCARB, WELL AP, LEED AP BD+C
Project Architect and an Associate at HKS Atlanta
AIA National Young Architect’s Forum Advisory Committee | Community
Image: “The Soul of Reynoldstown” by Aysha Pennerman
Sarah Woynicz-Sianozecki,
AIA, NCARB, WELL AP, LEED AP BD+C
Sarah Woynicz-Sianozecki is a Project Architect and an Associate at HKS. Based in Atlanta, she practices within the commercial/mixed-use studio. She has a passion for design, fostering relationships, presenting creative solutions and collaborative team dynamics. Some of her most recent projects include the new Norfolk Southern Headquarters in Atlanta, the Neuhoff Mixed-Use Development in Nashville, and Northside Medical Office Building in Smyrna, Georgia.
Sarah is involved in the firm’s Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (J.E.D.I.) initiatives, furthering efforts to bring visibility to diversity within the profession at a grassroots level. Sarah is a graduate of the AIA Georgia Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program (2020) and served on the AIA Atlanta Board of Directors. During her time on the AIA Atlanta Board, Sarah co-facilitated the reorganization of the Atlanta Young Architect’s Forum Leadership Committee – bringing to the table leadership opportunities by emerging professionals, for emerging professionals. Commencing in 2022, Sarah will be joining the AIA National Young Architect’s Forum Advisory Committee as Community Director.
Educational Background
Bachelor of Architecture | Virginia Tech
Minor in Leadership and Social Change
Q&A …
How has life changed since you've become licensed? Have you faced any obstacles?
I certainly have more time now that my mornings and weekends are not filled with studying! In all seriousness - prior to becoming licensed, I was on a trajectory, professionally, where my leadership and responsibility on projects was increasing. I think that becoming licensed has certainly continued to support that trajectory of project leadership - possibly even slightly accelerated that. Beyond projects though, the biggest change that I have noticed is the opportunity to give back, share knowledge, and mentor. It is incredibly exciting to see my peers who are pursuing licensure currently and be able to share any pieces of insight that I can with them as they navigate their own process and journey.
One question our students are typically interested in is what's it like to work for a small firm versus a large firm. Can you share any insight?
My first internship was with a small design-build residential firm in Durham, North Carolina. I spent the summer learning from architects, engineers, and contractors all under one firm - seeing how drawings and models were produced in-office to actually demo-ing a wall or laying tile in the field. It was a career changing experience and was the moment that I realized I wanted to be an architect. Looking back, the breadth of my experience and lessons in forming relationships in this industry was something I think was absolutely supported by working over the summer for a small firm. Today, I work for a large firm with over 23 offices and 1400 people worldwide. Every day, I have the opportunity to make connections with people and for projects on a global scale. There have been amazing opportunities, especially these last two years, to remove any barriers that might exist due to physical proximity and connect with mentors and peers - no matter where any of us may be located. At the same time, even with this global scale, our local office feels and operates like a medium-sized office.
How can you gain momentum to become a rising leader in a large firm?
Keep seeking opportunity and those who will support you in that pursuit. I have found that having a constant dialogue and open door with my managers/studio directors to be invaluable in the support of my growth and momentum. We talk about mentorship in architecture and design frequently, which is incredibly important and not to be understated. However, sponsorship is also a critical part of the equation. This TED Talk by Carla Harris started to change my perspective on just how important it is to have those people around you who will support your growth, and to support it when you are not in the room - https://www.ted.com/talks/carla_harris_how_to_find_the_person_who_can_help_you_get_ahead_at_work?language=en
Tell us about your leadership involvement and efforts with the Young Architect’s Forum.
The AIA Young Architects Forum is the voice of recently licensed Architects and the catalyst for progress within the AIA. What began as an outgrowth from AIA Grassroots (1989) continues to bring opportunity for engagement, advocacy, community building, and mentorship to early career architects. While my more recent involvement has been at a grassroots level on the local AIA Atlanta Board of Directors and the local YAF chapter, this past year, I was selected to join the AIA Young Architect's Forum Advisory Committee as Community Director. I am still very new in this role and navigating all that it entails alongside the other directors as well as state/regional representatives but am looking forward to continuing to build on past efforts as well as engage in ways to build relationships and connections from a grassroots to national level, understand the resources and support needed at a component level to develop and grow a successful YAF program, and continue to understand and define community and belonging in multiple facets.
Do you have a passion or side hustle that provides you an outlet to the typical day to day of architecture?
This past fall, my fiancé (soon-to-be- wife April 2, 2022) and I purchased our first home together. Located in a historic district, it is a home that needs a bit of renovation and sweat equity. In addition to the design, drawings, and permitting for the house, we have also done most of the demolition, a bit of interior new construction, and all of the yard exterior work ourselves. It is exciting to get outside of my day to day, use my hands, and work at a different scale. As a developer-architect duo, I am not sure where things will go but have found a passion in our work together on this home, our first home. I have also found a passion in getting involved in my local neighborhood organization. It has been an avenue for getting to know my neighbors, but also one for getting involved and staying up to date on what is happening around the neighborhood. From sharing what I know about architecture, design, or zoning policy to working on a committee who has the goal of opening a new greenspace, it has become a passion for me beyond my typical day to day.
Complete Project for Norfolk Southern Headquarters
Home Renovation
My Advice …
What advice can you give to graduates about career paths based on your experience?
“The path to getting to where you hope to grow may not look at all like what you imagined. Stay open to the process, lean into the experience, never underestimate the power of showing up. Three years ago, I shared in an end of year review that I was interested in project leadership, in the collaboration aspects of our projects, and in increased engagement with our clients. I was on a project that I had joined the team during schematic design and saw through the entire construction process. While construction administration was never on my radar as a path and part of my professional journey, three years later I look back and see just how pivotal and career changing that experience was based on the goals I had set in that end of year review. My experience in construction administration, while not at all something I had planned or could see in my future, taught me lessons on collaboration, on project leadership, and on relationship building with every team member - from contractor to consultant to client. In leaning into the process, embracing the unexpected, I look back now and see how that experience offered growth opportunities in each facet that I was looking for.”
What advice can you give young professionals who are struggling with the traditional career path of architecture? (Ie. Feeling like creative outlets are limited.)?
“There is not one single path or role in the architecture and design profession. Shaping the built environment involves many people who have just as many different backgrounds, passions, and areas of knowledge and expertise. If you find yourself struggling and not finding the fulfillment you are seeking in the work you do, speak out and reach up to those who are currently doing what you aspire to. This profession can ask a lot of a person. Set your boundaries, know your limits, discover what keeps you excited to show up.”
Who inspires or motivates you? How do you remain motivated?
“The more I engage within the profession, the more I am motivated by not just the beautiful spaces that are created but by the people who are building community, understanding belonging, and bringing visibility to those they engage with. There is something so powerfully motivating about being a part of creating a place and space for people to come exactly as they are, being visible and proud in that.”
- Sarah Woynicz-Sianozecki, AIA, NCARB, WELL AP, LEED AP BD+C
