We recently connected with Sreoshy Banerjea and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Sreoshy, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
For me, my purpose is about embracing who I am as an associate architect and as an individual and claiming my agency in this space. It’s the culmination of my experiences, education, and personal growth that has led me to this point where I feel empowered to make a meaningful impact in the field. Throughout my architectural education and early career, I developed a passion for adding value through creative solutions. I learned to challenge conventions, push boundaries, and explore innovative ideas. These experiences not only honed my skills but also fueled my desire to assume authority and drive positive change. As I progressed in my career, I realized that true agency extends beyond traditional architectural practice. It’s about harnessing the power to influence and innovate, both within and beyond the built environment. It’s about recognizing my own worthiness to contribute uniquely and to inspire others to do the same. Agency, for me, is not just a practice but a mindset. It’s about embracing authentic leadership, empowering others, and building capacity for positive change. It’s about seeing the discipline through a different lens and advocating for an educational curriculum that fosters critical thinking, creativity, and the ability to drive transformation.
In my current role, I may not fit the conventional definition of an architect, but I firmly believe that I am in my purpose. By applying my architectural thinking and skills to review a wide array of capital public projects, and by mentoring and supporting the growth of my team, I am contributing to a built environment that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also socially and environmentally responsible. I found my purpose, when I realized how to harness my unique strengths, experiences, and passions to create a positive impact and inspire others to do the same.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
My professional journey has been dedicated to increasing equity, sustainability, and resilience within the field of architecture and urban design. Currently, I serve as the Executive Director at the Public Design Commission (PDC), New York City’s design review agency. In this role, I manage the Commission and our team in reviewing proposals for permanent structures, landscape architecture, and art on City-owned property. We advocate for innovative, sustainable, and equitable design of public spaces and civic structures, aiming to improve the public realm for all New Yorkers across the five boroughs.
Prior to joining PDC, I was the Vice-President of urban design for the NYC Economic Development Corporation, where I established and led the Urban Design Unit within the Planning Division. There, I shaped consultants’ visions for renovating EDC assets and large-scale master plans, bringing a comprehensive urban design perspective to economic development projects.
My commitment to public service and design excellence has been recognized by the architecture community. I’m honored to be the 2021 recipient of the AIANY chapter’s Service to the City award, which acknowledges tangible design contributions to improve New York City’s livability.
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, I founded Design Corps, partnering with AIA and NYCxDesign to create a network of 100 volunteer architects. This initiative assisted over 70 restaurants with design needs that arose during the pandemic, demonstrating the power of design to address urgent community needs.
My experience spans both public and private sectors. I’ve worked as an architectural associate with Rafael Viñoly and Dattner Architects on award-winning civic and institutional projects, bringing this valuable perspective to my current public sector work. I’m also a former forefront fellow of the Urban Design Forum, continually engaging with cutting-edge ideas in urban design.
Complementing my public service, I’m the founder of the Creative RFP Toolkit, an online course I developed to address a critical gap in the architecture industry. This course aims to level the playing field for emerging architectural firms, teaching techniques to strengthen proposals and enabling a more diverse range of firms to compete effectively for public work.
My academic background includes a Bachelor of Architecture from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a Master’s degree in urban design from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, providing a strong foundation for my work at the intersection of architecture, urban design, and public policy.
Through all these roles and initiatives, my aim remains consistent: to foster a built environment that truly serves and inspires all New Yorkers, creates opportunities for new voices in design, and ensures that our city’s architecture reflects the rich diversity of its people.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, I’d say the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been:
1. Authentic collaboration and communication: The ability to pitch ideas that come from my authentic self and passion for driving equity through urban design has been crucial. This involves not just presenting ideas, but also listening well and being easy to work with.
2. Translational skills: Being able to translate my architecture, zoning, and urban design knowledge into practical applications has been invaluable. This includes my technical site planning, massing, and visualization skills. The ability to take complex concepts and render them into clear, compelling visuals that lead to decision-making has been a crucial bridge between technical expertise and real-world impact. These skills have allowed me to effectively communicate ideas across various stakeholders, from real estate and planning departments, to community members to city agencies, facilitating better understanding and more informed choices in urban design projects.
3. Self-belief and overcoming imposter syndrome: This has been a critical part of my journey. I worked long and hard, with the help of a coach, to move past imposter syndrome and learn to channel what drives me into action. This process of building self-confidence was transformative. It allowed me to embrace the confidence that came when others believed in me and empowered me to put forth thought leadership. This hard-earned self-belief, combined with being a team player and developing strong diplomacy skills, has significantly contributed to my growth and ability to make an impact in my field.
For those early in their journey, my advice would be:
First, take time to reflect on your values, skills, and network. Identify your unique value proposition – what makes you, you. This self-awareness is crucial.
Next, consider how your unique qualities translate into your career aspirations. Look for opportunities that not only match your values but also challenge you to grow. It’s about finding that sweet spot where you can offer your unique skills to an organization that values them, while also pushing you out of your comfort zone.
Taking a values-first approach allows for better matches between employees and employers. It’s a win-win scenario when you can offer your unique skills to a company that values them and encourages independence, growth, and leadership.
Don’t be afraid to seek help in building your confidence and overcoming self-doubt. Learning to recognize your value and channel your passions into action is a skill that can be developed over time. It’s okay to struggle with self-doubt, but it’s important to actively work on building your confidence and embracing your unique strengths.
In my case, this alignment happened during my time at NYCEDC. But I was only ready for that opportunity after setting a strong foundation of skills at Dattner Architects. So don’t rush – each experience builds on the last.
Remember, it’s not just about finding the perfect job right away. It’s about continually growing, learning, and aligning your work with your values and passions. This approach has led me to where I am today, and I believe it can guide others on their unique journeys as well.
Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?
A book that has played an important role in my development is ‘Playing Big’ by Tara Mohr. This book was particularly impactful as I was working to overcome imposter syndrome and grow into leadership roles. A few of the most valuable nuggets of wisdom I took from this book are:
The concept of the ‘inner critic’ versus the ‘inner mentor.’ Mohr’s framework helped me recognize and differentiate between my self-doubting voice and my wiser, more confident self.
The importance of ‘unhooking’ from praise and criticism. This insight has been transformative in how I approach my work, especially in the public sphere where opinions can be diverse and strong.
The power of ‘leaping’ before you feel ready. This principle encouraged me to take on challenges that stretched me beyond my comfort zone.
The idea of ‘communicating with power.’ Mohr’s strategies for speaking with more confidence and authority have been invaluable in my professional roles.
These insights have significantly shaped my approach to leadership and public service. They’ve reinforced my belief in the importance of authentic, confident leadership and have given me practical tools to step into my full potential.
I’d like to acknowledge that my journey of personal growth wasn’t solely through reading. I’m deeply grateful to Maya Sharfi of Build Yourself Workshop, who played a crucial role in helping me work through my inner chatter and identify my north star and driving values. This personalized coaching was instrumental in applying the book’s principles to my specific situation and goals.
The combination of Mohr’s book and Sharfi’s guidance was pivotal in my journey of building self-confidence and overcoming imposter syndrome. It helped me recognize and overcome many of the internal barriers that were holding me back, and provided actionable strategies for ‘playing bigger’ in my career and life.I’d recommend both this book and seeking personalized coaching to anyone, especially women, looking to amplify their voice and impact in their field. It’s particularly relevant for those in design and public service, where confidence in presenting ideas and navigating complex stakeholder relationships is key. The insights gained from both can be transformative in helping you align your work with your core values and maximize your potential.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sreoshy.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sreban20/
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/sreoshybanerjea
- Other: My online course can be found at Creative RFP Toolkit: https://atlas.newzenler.com/
Image Credits
Mayoral Photography Office
