AIANS New Member Spotlight: Renae Van Grouw, Assoc. AIA
Our New Member Spotlight series continues as we introduce Renae Van Grouw, Assoc. AIA!
Through this series, we’re highlighting some of the newest members of AIA Newark & Suburban Architects and giving our community the opportunity to learn more about their backgrounds, interests, experiences, and professional journeys.
A special thank you to Renae for taking part and sharing her story with us.
My name is Renae Van Grouw and I am an Associate Member of the AIA working towards becoming a licensed architect. I studied architecture at Northampton Community College and transferred to New Jersey Institute of Technology where I received a B. Arch. degree.
Q&A
Tell us a little about yourself and your current role.
I currently work at Thomas Baio Architect P.C. as a Project Designer. It is a small firm that does mostly residential work. I work on projects from the initial design process to the completion of construction documents. I enjoy problem solving and imagining creative everyday spaces that the occupants can use and appreciate.
What inspired you to pursue a career in architecture?
I can think of a number of experiences and conditions from my childhood that may have inspired me to pursue architecture: seeing plans & construction sites, drawing my own ‘plans’, looking through real estate listing magazines, and playing in a homemade cottage. It's hard to pinpoint one experience but when it came time to think about a career, architecture became an appealing field of study because it was a mix of creativity and realism.
What project, class, or experience has had the biggest impact on your development so far?
I will always remember my first professional project as an intern that I worked on and how amazing it felt to be printing out plans for something that someone was going to build! Anytime I get the chance, I try to visit job sites because there is nothing better than seeing the work in progress or the finished product if there is a chance.
What area of architecture are you most interested in exploring as your career grows?
I’ve always enjoyed architectural history so I would like to learn more about preservation and adaptive reuse of buildings.
What excites you most about the future of the profession?
The impact that architecture has on society as new technologies are introduced and the trends and reactions to the changes over time.
Why did you decide to join AIA Newark & Suburban Architects?
I joined the AIA as a way to expand my network and learn more about the profession. The Newark & Suburban chapter has been a great way to interact with other members and there is always something to take away from each event.
What architect, designer or building has influenced your thinking the most?
Recently my home, since it has given me the opportunity to learn so much more about architecture as I personalize and maintain it.
Who has been an important mentor or influence in your architectural journey?
Thomas Baio has been the biggest influence in my career. I appreciate the opportunity to learn from him and others whose path I have crossed over the years. Through my experiences over the years, I have learned to look at and think about architecture in new ways.
What is one piece of advice you would give to architecture students or emerging professionals?
Be curious and ask the questions! There is always something to learn even after formal schooling has ended.
When you're not working or studying architecture, what do you enjoy doing?
I enjoy reading, baking, or finding the next cool building to visit.
