Meet Asia Zdziarska

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Asia Zdziarska. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Asia below.

Hi Asia, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

As a female architect leading a design and build firm in a predominantly male industry, I’ve often found myself the only woman in the room. This unique position has taught me invaluable lessons and honed certain qualities that have been key to my success.
One of the strengths I bring to my role is the ability to juggle multiple tasks and responsibilities. In the architecture and construction fields, projects are multifaceted, requiring seamless coordination between design, client interactions, and on-site execution. My ability to switch between these roles effortlessly ensures that projects run smoothly and deadlines are met without compromising quality.
I’ve learned to avoid falling into the trap of expected stereotypes. Being a woman in a leadership position can sometimes come with preconceived notions about my capabilities or management style. By consistently demonstrating competence, confidence, and a clear vision, I’ve been able to break down these stereotypes and establish myself as a credible leader. My focus has always been on delivering results, which speaks louder than any stereotype ever could.
Integrity is at the core of my approach. Building a design and build firm requires trust—trust from clients, trust from the team, and trust in myself. I welcome honest and direct communication and maintain transparency in all my dealings, ensuring that every project is approached with honesty and ethical considerations. This has not only earned me respect with my team, but also long-term relationships with clients and partners who value integrity.
Resilience and adaptability have also been crucial. The construction industry can be unpredictable, with challenges arising at any moment. My ability to stay resilient in the face of adversity and adapt to changing circumstances has allowed me to navigate these challenges effectively and emerge stronger.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

My journey into architecture is a bit unconventional and spans multiple continents, having lived in Europe, Africa, Australia, and now the USA. After completing my college degree, I was a full-time mom to three young children. Despite the demands of motherhood, my passion for architecture never waned. When the time felt right, I decided to follow that passion and was accepted into the architecture program at UCLA. Completing my studies there was transformative, and becoming a builder felt like a natural progression from my architectural education.
What excites me is the ability to transform ideas into reality. The journey from concept to completion is filled with creativity, innovation, and meticulous planning. Each project is designed to surprise and delight with thoughtful details that make our clients say “wow.” The opportunity to create spaces that are both practical and aesthetically pleasing is incredibly fulfilling.
Being a woman in a predominantly male industry has its challenges, but it has also equipped me with unique strengths: I juggle multiple roles effortlessly, ensuring smooth and efficient project execution. I consistently deliver exceptional results, showcasing competence and vision beyond traditional expectations. Integrity is at the core of everything we do. Building trust through transparency and honesty is paramount.
I’m excited to announce the opening of our new offices in Manhattan Beach, which will serve as a creative hub for our team and a welcoming space for our clients. Additionally, we have several exciting projects on the horizon, including sustainable, eco-friendly homes that incorporate the latest green building technologies. These projects reflect our commitment to innovative design and environmental responsibility.
Outside of architecture and construction, I cherish every moment spent with my family and enjoy the natural beauty of the South Bay. Whether it’s soaking up the sunshine, enjoying ocean breezes, reading, running, or swimming, I find balance and inspiration in my surroundings and the diverse cultural experiences I’ve gathered over the years.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey as a female architect in a predominantly male industry are resilience, courage, and adaptability.
Resilience has been essential in navigating a male-dominated world. There have been numerous times where I was the only woman in the room, and it was resilience that kept me going. I learned to turn challenges into opportunities and setbacks into lessons. For those starting out, my advice is to build resilience by embracing challenges head-on and viewing them as learning experiences. Surround yourself with a supportive network of mentors and peers who can offer guidance and encouragement.
Courage has been another key quality, especially in following my passion for architecture later in life while balancing my family. It took courage to go back to school at UCLA, pursue my degree, and transition into a new career while being a full-time mom to three young kids. For anyone early in their journey, I recommend finding your passion and pursuing it with unwavering determination. Believe in yourself, take calculated risks, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Balancing personal and professional life is challenging but incredibly rewarding.
Adaptability has also been crucial in my career. The architecture and construction fields are constantly evolving, and being able to adapt to new trends, technologies, and methodologies has allowed me to stay ahead. I’ve learned to be flexible and open to change, which has been vital in delivering innovative solutions to my clients. My advice to those starting out is to stay curious and continuously seek new knowledge. Embrace change and be willing to pivot your strategies to meet the demands of the industry. Attend workshops, webinars, and courses to keep your skills up to date and relevant.
These qualities have not only helped me succeed but have also allowed me to create meaningful and impactful work through archemy.LA.

Looking back, the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey as a female architect in a predominantly male industry are resilience, courage, and adaptability.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

Each project we undertake is unique, and our ideal clients are those who desire a personalized experience that reflects their individual style and needs. They value a home that is not only functional but also a true representation of their personality and lifestyle.
An ideal client is someone who has a clear vision for their project but is also open to new ideas and innovative solutions. Is passionate about creating a beautiful, functional, and sustainable living space and values a collaborative and detail-oriented approach. . Collaboration is at the heart of our process. We thrive when working with clients who actively participate in the design journey, creating a home that is as unique and special as the client.

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Ivan Feign
Shane O’Donnell
Siri Berting

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