The Architecture of Place: In Conversation with Whitley Esteban

The ICAA, INTBAU, and the Prince’s Foundation are pleased to continue their collaboration with The Architecture of Place: In Conversation with..., a series of interviews featuring three architects from different backgrounds and points of view: Mohamad Hamouié, Whitley Esteban, and Elsie Owusu. Over the three-part series, each speaker plays the role of both interviewer and interviewee. In each installment, one of the three architects interviews another about the influences, experiences, and projects that have led to their design perspective on the architecture of place. At the end of each session, students from partnering university departments pose additional questions to the speakers, followed by an open Q&A with attendees.

In this second iteration of the series, Mohamad Hamouié interviewed Whitley Esteban about her work, background, and design perspective. Students from the University of Notre Dame also made a special appearance and provided guest questions for the interviewee.

Whitley Esteban recently founded her own firm, Studio Tre, and is a member of the ICAA's Board of Directors. From 2015, Whitley Esteban worked with Roman and Williams Buildings and Interiors as Managing Director and then Architectural Design Director, overseeing all aspects of the firm’s projects across three continents and commercial, institutional, and residential typologies. Her work there acknowledged the significance of classical & traditional design principles as underpinnings of the practice. Prior to Roman and Williams, Whitley established her career at the esteemed office of G.P. Schafer Architect and other notable practices along the Gulf coast of Florida. She has been extensively involved in the early years of PLINTH - the New York ICAA emerging professional contingent - and has supported the Summer Studio and the New Heights programs past. She is enthusiastic about the proliferation of the principles of classical design across all disciplines contributing to our collective built environment.

Whitley is an alumna of the School of Architecture at the University of Notre Dame. Whitley also teaches undergraduate drawing courses at Pratt Institute at the School of Interior Design as Visiting Assistant Professor. Whitley and her wife divide their time between New York City and Pensacola, Florida.

Tags: architecture of place, recorded event, architecture of place in conversation with, world of classicism, sustainability