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

Hi Polina, thanks for joining us today. What do you think it takes to be successful?

I think the most important things on your path to success is desiring your dream, choosing the right path, being positive, and taking action. Resilience and facing fears are also key components. It’s easy to get intimidated if you imagine a large insurmountable goal but success seems much more achievable if it is represented in bite sized chunks. Do the next thing you can come up with – it will be enough. Keeping up with a stepwise strategy can be extremely beneficial – I am a firm believer that one does not need to know the entire detailed strategy right away. The path shall unfold in front of those who seek, and so your main responsibility is to take steps that will keep you on this unfolding path.

I recall my story of getting an architecture-related position at Gensler – number one architecture firm in the United States, according to the Architectural Record. So many attributes of Gensler were inspirational to me – their commitment to sustainability, their innovative design, their accent on inclusive design. It seemed to me that Gensler was a company that valued individuals with multidisciplinary backgrounds – like mine with multiple degrees in architecture and psychology. Even though I was turned down the first time I applied during my undergraduate degree, I decided to apply again once I saw an opening for an esteemed research fellowship. I knew this was my next step! I methodically filled out all the required application parts including writing multiple essays, and I got the position. This just illustrates that if you keep pursuing your dream with a positive mindset, the right doors start opening. Do not give up!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am an architectural designer with training in both architecture and psychology, and I am also a creative individual who derives their happiness from meaningful imaginative projects. I am currently an architectural designer at Vima Design, a design start-up led by Michael Gonzalez Haik with whom we attended University of Southern California. I also lead architectural projects at Central Properties in Moscow – which I have to do almost entirely remotely! One of my most exciting projects at the moment is working on the design of an apartment in famous historical Crown Building (now AMAN hotel) for a private client in New York City.

I have had an all-encompassing yet focused education – I hold a Master of Architecture degree with Advanced Standing from Columbia University Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation. I also graduated with Cum Laude honors from University of Southern California with Bachelor of Science in Architecture and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Besides that, I always keep learning – for example, I am currently enrolled in Harvard computer science CS50 course.

My early work life has coincided for me with my education at USC – I was constantly interning at various architecture and interior design firms, and I was also working on projects for a real estate development company based back home. After USC, I became a Lead Architectural Designer for a small startup and led the design of more than thirty projects (most of them Accessory Dwelling Units – ADUs).

During the pursuit of my Master’s, I achieved another milestone – I worked for Gensler, the number one architecture firm in the US, in their Los Angeles office. This fellowship gave me an opportunity to advance my understanding of the healthcare design, and I was excited to combine my knowledge of architecture and psychology. The same year I won multiple Honorable Mentions at NonArchitecture Award 2022, and I also got my certification in LEED and WELL – two rating systems that allow architects to design healthier and more sustainable buildings. Lastly, I embarked on learning computational design skillset which streamlined my design processes.

Most recently, I was invited to serve as a member of a jury panel for a large architecture event back in Moscow – Urban Awards 2023, and I also received an award for my “Arctic Station” project exhibited in the center of Moscow at Zodchestvo festival. With all of this under my belt, I am determined to continue designing efficient, sustainable, and inclusive architecture and pursue my architecture licensure.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Resilience is an ability to keep going no matter the circumstances you find yourself in. To me, resilience and positive thinking are the most admirable qualities in a person – when I encounter individuals with these powerful characteristics, I almost always want to befriend them. A story I can share today is from my professional life – when I worked as a lead architectural designer after my USC education, I remember submitting construction document set to the city for a specific residential projects. I was absolutely sure I met all the zoning requirements, and to my surprise, this particular lot has underlying requirements I had no idea about! This was a massive learning experience, as I had to redraw the entire construction set consisting of many pages. I also had to get another approval from the engineers. Even though this was very stressful and exhausting, I believe that I emerged as an even stronger and more resilient individual as a result. Life might present various roadblocks, but our attitude toward them is always in our control. I encourage the readers to take their control back and face obstacles in their life with a positive and effervescent mindset.

How’d you meet your business partner?

I met Michael Gonzalez Haik at University of Southern California when he transferred into the Bachelor of Architecture program. Right from the start, I could see that Michael was a very dedicated, creative, and hard-working person, and he also had a very developed emotional intelligence as he got along with everyone he encountered on his path. Michael registered Vima Design LLC not that long after our graduation from USC, and I joined the company as an architectural designer after my graduation from Columbia University. We currently focus on primarily residential construction, and we have carried out many projects, mostly ADUs, so far. However, I see Vima growing into something much bigger as we both constantly learn, practice, and hone our skills. We both are also pursuing our architecture licensure which will be another beneficial step in our careers. I am very thankful for having met Michael, as he is one of the most talented designers I know.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.realpolya.com/
• Instagram: @realpolya
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/realpolya/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/realpolya
• Other: Vima Design: https://www.vima.space/

Image Credits
Attic render and apartment floor plan – VIMA Design LLC & Michael Gonzalez Haik. Portrait photo – photographer Yana Kalina.