We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Cristina Cotruta. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Cristina below.

Cristina, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

One of the greatest advantages of my profession is the opportunity to work on a wide variety of creative projects, each unique and special in its own way. While it’s incredibly difficult to choose just one project that stands out, I would say that the most formative for me as an architect was the first large-scale professional project I worked on after earning my bachelor’s degree: the design of a new penitentiary in Chisinau, Moldova.

This project was a collaborative effort between the Moldovan government, Dutch engineering partners, and financial support from the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB). It was significant not only for its complexity but also for its mission to address systemic challenges in the country’s prison infrastructure. Its importance lay in its impact—delivering a modern, humane facility that met European standards and marked a pivotal step forward for Moldova’s justice system.

This project was a transformative experience. It pushed me to refine my technical expertise, manage cross-cultural collaboration effectively, and lead a team under high-stakes conditions. Witnessing the journey from concept to reality remains one of the defining moments of my career, one that shaped my growth both professionally and personally. I believe this was the project where I truly recognized the profound impact my work and profession can have on individuals, communities, and even entire nations. It also became a pivotal experience for my personal and professional growth, inspiring me to explore my potential and continuously push the boundaries of what I can achieve.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Cristina Cotruta, and I am an architectural designer and researcher based in Los Angeles, specializing in integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning into architectural design and urban planning. My passion for architecture began during my undergraduate studies at the Technical University of Moldova, where I earned a master’s degree in architecture and urban planning. It was during my academic journey that I realized the potential of architecture to transform lives and create environments that are not only functional but also deeply meaningful. I later on deepened my expertise at SCI-Arc in Los Angeles, exploring the intersection of design and technology, pushing the boundaries of traditional architecture and learning to create innovative solutions through advanced computational tools and generative design processes.

Over the years, I have developed a unique approach to design through BIM (Building Information Modeling), AI-driven tools like Stable Diffusion and MidJourney, and immersive platforms such as Unreal Engine. My work spans a range of projects, from designing smart hospitals and educational institutions to leading the concept and implementation of complex urban projects like a new penitentiary in Moldova. Each project is tailored to solve specific challenges, whether it’s improving efficiency in healthcare environments, fostering innovative learning spaces, or addressing systemic issues in public infrastructure.

What sets me apart is my dedication to combining creativity with cutting-edge technology. I don’t just design spaces—I innovate solutions that prioritize user experience. My research and work in artificial intelligence focuses on harnessing AI and machine learning to transform architectural design processes, making them more intuitive, efficient, and responsive to user needs.

What is essential in my field is not only my role as a designer and professional but also the client and the individuals seeking a new building or space. It is crucial that they allow room for creative freedom and flexibility, enabling the professional to drive progress and innovation through their vision. This is how societal progress takes place.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

The first project I managed independently was Da Vinci, a school designed for 1,500 students. My primary focus was to create a space that encourages students to “think outside the box,” as I believe the environment plays a pivotal role in shaping personalities. Positive, well-rounded personalities lead to progress, influence others, and contribute meaningfully to society. By fostering an environment that nurtures good, we inspire individuals to do good.

Ultimately, I want to contribute to a future where architecture enhances not just the physical space, but also the human experience within it.
Hence my ongoing research into the ML and AI fields.

Can you share your view on NFTs? (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)

I view NFTs as an exciting and transformative technology, particularly in the art and design world. They offer a new way to establish ownership and provenance of digital creations, providing artists and creators with greater control over their work in the digital realm. While the environmental impact and market volatility of NFTs require careful consideration, I believe they have the potential to redefine how we experience and interact with art and architecture, creating new opportunities for creative expression and digital engagement.

As professionals, we must grasp this emerging realm and create opportunities for others to explore it confidently and securely.

My thesis project, IWA-A Digital Art Museum, was designed to explore the intersection of architecture, art, and digital technologies, with a particular focus on NFTs and AI. IWA-A Digital Art Museum is a groundbreaking concept that merges the worlds of NFTs and AI to redefine how we create, experience, and preserve art. Designed as a hybrid space, it celebrates the unique potential of NFTs to authenticate and showcase digital art while leveraging AI to curate, enhance, and personalize visitor experiences.

It is ultimately a response to: what do we do with this digitality that somehow needs a physicality as well.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://codesignstudio.net
• Instagram: _cristina_cotruta_
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ cristina-c-1b9b151a5

Image Credits

All credits go to Cristina Cotruta