The Architecture of Place: In Conversation with Whitley Esteban

Perhaps now more than ever before, we are all aware of the built environment that surrounds us, and of the impacts it has on the health of individuals, communities, and the planet. The Architecture of Place series, first launched in fall 2020, brings together the established and emerging voices working to create a better built future.

From October through December 2022, the ICAA, INTBAU, and The Prince's Foundation will co-host The Architecture of Place: In Conversation with..., a series of interviews featuring three architects from different backgrounds and points of view: Mohamad Hamouié, Whitley Esteban, and Elsie Owusu. Over the three-part series, each speaker will have the chance to play the role of both interviewer and interviewee. In each installment, one of the three architects will be interviewed by one of the others about the influences, experiences, and projects that have led to their design perspective on the architecture of place. At the end of each session, students from partnering university departments will pose additional questions to the speakers, followed by an open Q&A with attendees.

The programs are free and open for public registration, and recorded versions of the programs will be made available to all.

In this second iteration of the series, Mohamad Hamouié will interview Whitley Esteban about her work, background, and design perspective. Students from the University of Notre Dame will make a special appearance and provide guest questions for the interviewee.

Whitley Esteban recently founded her own firm, Studio Tre, and is member of the ICAA's Board of Directors. From 2015, Whitley Esteban worked with Roman and Williams Buildings and Interiors as Managing Director and then Architectural Design Director, overseeing all aspects of the firm’s projects across three continents and commercial, institutional, and residential typologies. Her work there acknowledged the significance of classical & traditional design principles as underpinnings of the practice. Prior to Roman and Williams, Whitley established her career at the esteemed office of G.P. Schafer Architect and other notable practices along the Gulf coast of Florida. She has been extensively involved in the early years of PLINTH--the New York ICAA emerging professional contingent--and has supported the Summer Studio and the New Heights programs past. She is enthusiastic about the proliferation of the principles of classical design across all disciplines contributing to our collective built environment.

Whitley is an alumna of the School of Architecture at the University of Notre Dame. Whitley also teaches undergraduate drawing courses at Pratt Institute at the School of Interior Design as Visiting Assistant Professor. Whitley and her wife divide their time between New York City and Pensacola, Florida.