Bio:
 The great designer, Maria Gorodetskaya is a principal at Shinberg.Levinas. Maria is committed to realizing the integrity of a project’s design intent from concept to completion. She maintains long term client relationships and connects the designer’s vision to the client’s goals at every stage of the project path, overcoming challenges and researching solutions to maintain that shared success.

How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
I pursued architecture on a whim. I loved to travel, enjoyed spending time in urban environments, and experiencing new places. First step at Cornell I had a challenge: succeed, not fail. Soon I loved design and went to become an architect.

What do you do?
I am a Principal at Shinberg.Levinas, in Washington, DC. All of the project types we pursue within the office are community-focused, whether we are working on a school, recreation center, faith-based building, or residential project.

What excites you in the work you do?
Most exciting is to see students or congregants visit the project for the first time and visualize their future in the new facility designed especially for them. Each design is a unique opportunity to connect a community to their home away from home.

Who or what inspires you professionally?
Our clients, the leaders behind some of the best performing charters. These are the people behind the scenes whose efforts are the force that gives life to charters, whose singular focus is to give students choice, opportunity, and promising future.

What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
Reaching a high level within the profession, balanced against the needs of 3 young children at home. Becoming a parent has drastically changed my approach to work and personal life.

Featured Project Name: 
Congregation Beth Ahabah Addition and Renovation
 
Featured Project Location: 
1111-1125 West Franklin St., Richmond VA 23220
 
Featured Project Completion Date: 
October 2018

Role in Featured Project: 
Project Manager/Project Architect
 
Featured Project Description:
The project connects 3 campus buildings a new façade and entrance that is inviting, religiously significant, accessible, and secure, via planned new construction and modernization. It incorporates materials that play off the existing structures, with a modern interpretation of masonry detailing and massing. The metal details on the façade carry religious symbolism without overwhelming the street.

Photography Credit:
Alan Karchmer