We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Cristina Cotruta a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Cristina with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
Developing My Work Ethic:
My work ethic has been deeply influenced by a blend of personal experiences and cultural values. Growing up in Moldova, my family instilled in me the belief that resilience and hard work are fundamental to overcoming challenges. This foundational belief has been a guiding force throughout my career.
Upon completing my undergraduate studies, I jumped straight into the deep end with significant projects like designing a penitentiary building and a private high school. For someone at the start of their career, these projects demanded exhaustive hours, relentless dedication, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. While the workload was intense and the hours were long, these experiences taught me the value of perseverance and the rewards of pushing through adversity.
Despite the demanding nature of these projects, I felt a strong urge to explore my creativity further and to challenge myself beyond conventional limits. In a field where I was often told that ambitious dreams were not practical, especially as a young woman, I knew that I needed to prove that architecture could be more than just business—it could be a platform for innovation and self-expression.
This drive led me to pursue a Master’s degree at SCI-Arc, one of the most forward-thinking architectural schools in the U.S. The rigorous environment and the creative challenges I faced there were both demanding and exhilarating. The sleepless nights and intense dedication during this period were crucial in shaping my professional identity and expanding my capabilities. I emerged from this experience not only as a more skilled designer but also as a more confident individual, ready to embrace and drive innovation in architecture.
My work ethic, therefore, is a reflection of my journey from Moldova to Los Angeles, shaped by the lessons learned from early career challenges and the relentless pursuit of creativity and excellence. It’s about embracing hard work as a tool for overcoming obstacles and achieving professional and personal growth.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am an architectural designer based in Los Angeles, California, specializing in both commercial and residential structures. My career journey has been shaped by a deep passion for integrating innovative technologies into architectural practice, particularly through the lens of artificial intelligence and machine learning.
After completing my Master’s degree at SCI-Arc, where I immersed myself in exploring cutting-edge design methodologies, I became fascinated by the potential of AI to transform architecture. My work is currently centered around leveraging AI and advanced software connectivity to push the boundaries of design and explore new economic opportunities within the field. This interest extends to both my role at my Los Angeles-based firm and my own creative studio.
One of the most exciting projects I worked on recently is a smart hospital design for a confidential client, which incorporates AI-driven aesthetics to enhance user-centric experiences and adapt to the client’s emerging smart technology. While the project is still unpublished and set to be showcased in Dubai for construction sponsorship, it exemplifies the integration of AI into architectural design to create more responsive and engaging environments. Beyond its innovative design, this project has the potential to drive economic growth by demonstrating how smart infrastructure can improve healthcare efficiency, attract international attention, and set a precedent for future developments in smart cities. The integration of AI in this project not only elevates its functionality but also positions it as a model for economic and technological advancement in the region.
My exploration of AI in architecture began with my graduate thesis, which investigated how traditional museum design and curatorial practices could be reimagined through AI. This project originated from early dialogues with ChatGPT 2.0, a precursor to the more advanced versions we have today. These discussions, conducted during my time at a studio led by K Allado-McDowell and Google AI’s Artists + Machine Intelligence program, were instrumental in shaping my understanding of AI as a tangible and influential part of our lives. The outcomes of this research led to innovative design solutions that explored AI’s role in architectural design, and the project remains a significant milestone in my career.
I am continually driven by the belief that AI and emerging technologies have the potential to revolutionize the way we approach architecture, making it more adaptive, efficient, and connected. My goal is to continue pushing the boundaries of design through these technologies while contributing to the ongoing evolution of the field, while making my contribution to economic development by creating spaces that are efficient, engaging, and economically beneficial.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Main three qualities I possess:
1. Resilience and Work Ethic: From a young age, my family instilled in me the importance of resilience and a strong work ethic. This foundation has been crucial throughout my journey, especially when facing challenging projects or navigating significant transitions, such as moving from Moldova to Los Angeles for my graduate studies. The ability to persevere through difficulties and maintain dedication to my goals has been instrumental in achieving success.
2.Adaptability and Curiosity: Embracing new technologies like AI and remaining open to innovative ideas have driven my growth and success in architecture.
3. Technical and Creative Skills: Balancing rigorous technical knowledge with creative thinking has enabled me to tackle complex projects and produce impactful designs.
And my advice to young individuals just starting is build resilience, be curious, and always but always maintain a positive attitude. Cultivating a positive mindset, even in challenging situations. and staying optimistic helps you approach problems with creativity and resilience. Positivity not only boosts your own morale but also inspires and motivates those around you.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was to provide unwavering support and instill in me a profound sense of resilience and possibility. Despite starting from humble beginnings, they dedicated themselves to giving my brother and me everything they had—through their relentless hard work, sleepless nights, and deep love. Their sacrifices and commitment to our education not only provided us with opportunities but also filled us with the belief that the world is conquerable. Their example taught me that with resilience and determination, we can overcome any challenge and achieve our dreams. I am forever in debt to them and love them unconditionally for the incredible foundation they’ve given me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://codesignstudio.net/
- Instagram: codesignstudionet
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ cristina-c-1b9b151a5
Image Credits
Image courtesy of Cristina Cotruta
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
