We were lucky to catch up with Richard Turoski III recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Richard, thanks for joining us today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?
As I’ve been interviewing for internships, I’ve actually turned this question around on my interviewers! Each time, I get a similar response: “This is the only thing we can see ourselves doing, and we love it.” And I completely relate. The creative and visual fields are some of the most freeing and rewarding because of the passion of the people in them. We wouldn’t be doing this if we didn’t love it—at least, I know I wouldn’t.
The only time I ever questioned my path was right at the start. I had the unfortunate timing of beginning college in 2020, right in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. Architecture is inherently collaborative and designed for people, so trying to study it in isolation—with limited social interaction and fewer in-person students—was tough. The demands of the major with studio and materials classes required us to be on campus, but it was a ghost town with limited students. The transition from high school to an architecture program was already intimidating, but losing that interactive element made it even harder.
It wasn’t until my second year that my passion really ignited. Architecture isn’t meant to be easy—it’s a demanding field that naturally filters out those who aren’t fully committed. But instead of discouraging me, the challenge pushed me forward. The more I learned, the more I loved it. Some of that is thanks to the incredible faculty at SUNY Delhi and RIT, and just as much to my classmates. What they don’t tell you when you start is how close you become with the people in your program. The late nights in the studio, the critiques by peers and professionals, the victories—you go through it all together, and that sense of camaraderie makes it even more rewarding.
So, to answer the question again: I can’t imagine doing anything else. It is some of the most rewarding creative highs to design something that will benefit and add to the community. The process—the problem-solving, the creativity, the tangible impact of design—gives me purpose. And at the end of the day, isn’t that what we’re all searching for?
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?
My name is Ricky Turoski and I am currently pursuing my Master’s of Architecture at Rochester Institute of Technology. I am from Albany, New York, where the Central Warehouse building stands as an eyesore to all. That building’s untapped potential is what sparked my desire to become an architect. This idea of turning an abandoned/outdated/underutilized building and repurposing it is called adaptive reuse. To me, it always made the most sense due to the idea that the footprint is already existing and there is an ability to protect green spaces. Adaptive reuse also brings buildings up to current codes and implements more efficient building systems to make the building more sustainable for future generations. I didn’t know the specific terms and ideas when I was 13, but I knew that something was drawing me to architecture. That and the combination of love I had for the arts and math.
Architecture is unique in that it affects everyone, whether they realize it or not. A well-designed space can foster community, improve functionality, and even influence mood and productivity. My goal is to create designs that are both practical and meaningful, spaces that enhance the lives of the people who use them. I want to show that architecture isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about solving problems, imagining the future, and creating everlasting communities.
What sets me apart is my dedication to this holistic approach. I don’t see architecture as just creating something new—I see it as an opportunity to rethink what already exists, to create spaces that are more efficient, resilient, and responsive to the needs of the people. The lines that we use to create a space affect mood, the way light is positioned in a space creates environment and tranquility. A well-designed space creates peace. I’m proud of the work I’ve done so far and the direction my career is taking. More than anything, I want people to know that their voices matter in architecture. Whether they’re business owners, residents, or community advocates, their input can shape the future of the spaces they interact with every day.
If you’re interested in adaptive reuse, sustainable architecture, or simply how buildings can be designed to serve people better, I’d love to connect and explore ideas together.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
Is it too simple to say the final product? In architecture school, we spend an entire semester pouring time, effort, and creativity into our projects, so finally seeing everything come together is an indescribable feeling. After countless late nights—sometimes even all-nighters—it all culminates in a cohesive idea that embodies sustainability, community, life, or all of the above. Throughout the design process I use softwares like SketchUp and Enscape to help me visualize my projects in a 3D view. Each software helps me create the stories I intend to tell as I present my work. Then comes the final critique, where reality sets in, and we’re humbled by feedback. But even that is part of the reward. Architecture is about constant learning, refining, and growing; as is life.
After presenting my senior year capstone project, Professor Michael Tweed recommended me and my partner, Jacob Weiner, to submit our project to the Architecture in Perspective 38 competition. We joined the American Society of Architectural Illustrators and our work won the Award of Distinction, as well as a spot in the 38th edition of their annual publication. We were invited to attend the conference hosted at Texas A&M University, to receive the award and engage and learn more about what big conversations are being held in the architectural field. One thing was the integration of architecture into gaming software as the development of gaming has been influenced by architecture as they have strived to develop more realism in the gaming experience. Presentations by Chaos and Epic introduced new ways of thinking about design and expanding our imagination in the creative process. It was exciting to meet with Architects and Designers from all over the world and share their perspective on the industry. I was blessed to be able to share this honor with my family as they couldn’t miss this opportunity to celebrate with me!
Beyond school, the most fulfilling aspect is seeing a project transition from concept to reality. Architecture isn’t just about design—it shapes the way people live, work, and interact. Watching a building come to life, knowing it will impact people’s daily experiences, is an incredibly unique and rewarding experience – a journey that is exciting to see where it leads. I am committed to designing and creating possibilities!
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
One interesting thing is that when people think of creative fields, architecture isn’t always the first thing that comes to mind. What sets architecture apart from other arts is that what we design directly impacts people’s everyday lives—for better or worse.
Non-creatives might struggle to understand just how much time, energy, and emotion go into the creative process—especially in architecture, where projects can take months or even years to fully materialize. It’s not just about designing a building; it’s about solving problems, integrating sustainability, reimagining spaces, and creating environments that enhance communities.
Another thing that many—creative or not—may not realize is how important their voices are in architecture. Buildings shape the way people interact, live, and work, so public input is invaluable. Expressing what is needed in your community can help architects and developers create spaces that truly serve the people who use them.
Contact Info:
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-turoski
Image Credits
The Japanese styled project with the titles of Birdseye and Pavilion Perspective were done collaboratively with Jacob Weiner.