Our first staff spotlight of 2023 is Morgan Warner! Morgan earned her Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Roger Williams University and continued her education at University of Washington in Seattle, where she received her Master of Architecture and Graduate Certificate in Urban Design. Within the context of the built environment, Morgan has a strong passion for high performance design, adaptive reuse, and community development. She is currently working on the Balfour Senior Living complex in Brookline and the Liberal Arts (LARTS) Building restoration and renovation project at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.

Q: What inspired you to become an architect/designer?

As a kid, my father always had a home renovation project he was working on and would let me help with some of the design choices and construction. In high school, I excelled in math and science and had a passion for art, so when my guidance counselor suggested architecture as a career path, it stuck.

Q: If you could give advice to a young designer what would you say?

There is always something new to learn and you will forever be a student of architecture. The architectural community is always exchanging information and lessons learned –do not feel intimidated or too embarrassed to ask questions!

Q: Do you have any guiding design principles in your process?

“Function Over Form.” Meeting programmatic and safety requirements is always my first and last consideration when making any design decision.

Q: What inspires you as an architect/designer?

The thought that architects and designers not only have the privilege, but the responsibility to design the world we all live in. Knowing that the decisions we make as designers affect health, wellness, and community all make the process more meaningful and worth the work.

Q: Do you have a favorite building or perhaps a favorite architect?

Thorncrown Chapel by E. Fay Jones in Arkansas was the first piece of architecture that I fell in love with. The way the structural design compliments the wooded surroundings made me realize that design can be simple, functional, and beautiful all at the same time. I haven’t had the pleasure to visit yet, but I hope to one day.