We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Samantha Hill a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Samantha , thanks for joining us today. Risk taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

One significant risk I took was the decision to start my own architecture firm, Design With Skill. It was a pivotal moment in my career, and it came with a mixture of excitement, uncertainty, and a strong sense of purpose.

This decision traces back to my experiences at world-renowned architecture firms like Gehry Partners, Arquitectonica, and Gensler. While working on diverse projects, ranging from luxury hospitality to public facilities, I found myself gravitating towards multifamily and mixed-use developments. These projects resonated with me on a profound level because they offered the potential to address not only functional design challenges, but also societal and community needs.

However, it was during my tenure at Gensler, working on a public project for the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, that I had a moment of clarity. Though I was engaged and learning a great deal, I felt a yearning to return to the world of multifamily projects. This realization was the spark that ignited the idea to my own firm.

The decision was not made lightly. There were risks associated with venturing out on my own. I knew that starting a business would require a significant investment of time, energy, and resources. There were concerns about building a client base, managing the administrative aspects of the firm, and navigating the complexities of the architecture industry.

However, I was driven by a deep-seated belief in the potential impact I could have through Design With Skill. I wanted to be part of the solution to the housing shortage crisis in California. The mission to create spaces that build communities, ones that are accessible, affordable, and inclusive, fueled my determination.

With careful planning, I established the foundational elements of Design With Skill, focusing on our core principles of collaboration, community, and equality. We set out to provide full architecture services, from initial concept to construction administration, and even expanded our offerings to include accessibility/ADA compliance consulting through our sister company, Access With Skill.

The early stages were challenging, and there were moments of doubt. However, as the firm began to take shape, I saw the vision come to life. We secured projects, formed partnerships, and began making a tangible impact on the built environment.

Today, Design With Skill and Access With Skill stand as testaments to the risks taken and a vision pursued. It is a reminder that sometimes, taking a calculated risk in pursuit of a greater purpose can lead to meaningful and transformative outcomes. It reaffirmed for me that when you’re driven by a clear mission and a genuine passion for what you do, the rewards can far outweigh the initial uncertainties.

Samantha , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

As I mentioned, I’m an architect, CASp, and the founder and managing principal of Design With Skill and Access With Skill. I work and live in Los Angeles and I’m a passionate housing and disability advocate. My journey in architecture began with a passion for creating spaces that make a meaningful impact on communities. I began my career by pursuing a Bachelor of Architecture at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. I further expanded my horizons through the Visiting Students Program at the London Architectural Association and later participated in the Women’s Entrepreneurship Program through Cornell University. Ultimately, I landed in California where I was able to learn and grow professionally. My architecture experience covers a diverse array of projects, from educational facilities to residential towers and cultural landmarks. However, over time I realized my true passion lies in multifamily and mixed-use work, with an emphasis on affordable housing. While honing my skills over the years, I also developed an expertise in accessibility code compliance and decided to become a Certified Access Specialist (CASp). I wanted to ensure that the spaces we design as architects are accessible and welcoming to all individuals.

Design With Skill isn’t just an architecture firm—it’s a mission to create spaces that are inclusive, equitable, and community-centric. Our guiding principles are collaboration, community, and equality. We offer a wide range of architectural services, from feasibility studies and initial concept design to overseeing construction administration. Additionally, we provide accessibility/ADA compliance consulting through our sister company, Access With Skill. We are committed to help others in our industry create accessible spaces and promote universal design.
I’m incredibly proud of the impact Design With Skill and Access With Skill have made, and continue to make, not only in creating beautiful spaces, but also in fostering a sense of belonging and accessibility within our communities. I believe that architecture has the power to be a catalyst for positive change, and that belief is at the core of everything we do.

Have you ever had to pivot?

There was a pivotal moment in my career that prompted a significant shift in direction. I was working on a high-profile project, designing a penthouse condominium in San Francisco that was projected to be the most expensive ever sold in the city. While on the surface, this seemed like a major milestone in my career, I found myself grappling with a deep sense of unease.

I realized that despite the glamour and prestige of the project, it lacked a fundamental element that I had always sought in my work—meaningful community impact. It was a turning point that led me to question my true purpose in architecture.

Shortly after this realization, an opportunity arose to work on a public project for the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health. This project represented a departure from the high-profile, luxury developments I had been working on. It was a chance to contribute to a project that had a direct and positive impact on the community.

The experience was transformative. I felt a deep sense of fulfillment knowing that my work was directly benefiting those in need. It was at this juncture that I made the pivotal decision to shift my focus towards multifamily housing and mixed-use projects. I wanted to create spaces that were not only aesthetically pleasing, but also accessible and affordable for all members of the community.

This shift required a reevaluation of my priorities and a repositioning of my career trajectory. It was a courageous step, but one that has since defined the trajectory of my career and the mission of Design With Skill and Access With Skill. Today, I am proud to lead a team that is dedicated to creating spaces that foster equality and community well-being. It’s a testament to the power of recognizing one’s true purpose and having the courage to pivot when necessary.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Certainly. One of the most challenging moments in my career came when I was unexpectedly laid off from a dream job at the end of 2011. It was a significant blow to my confidence and a stark reminder that job security is not guaranteed, even in prestigious positions.

At first, it was a deeply disheartening experience. I questioned my abilities and wondered if I had somehow fallen short. However, I quickly realized that this setback was an opportunity for growth and a chance to redefine my path.

I decided to take control of my career trajectory and set clear goals for myself. I identified the areas I wanted to excel in and mapped out the steps to achieve them. This period of uncertainty became a catalyst for self-discovery and empowerment.

I immersed myself in learning and honing my skills, seeking out new experiences and challenges. Through persistence and determination, I expanded my knowledge base and gained valuable expertise in multifamily housing and mixed-use projects.

This period of resilience and self-reinvention ultimately led me to establish Design With Skill, an architecture firm that is driven by a mission to create inclusive, community-centered spaces. That same deep-seated passion for inclusivity led to Access With Skill, a consultancy firm driven by a mission to ensure universal design in all aspects of our built environment. . Losing my dream job led me to where I am today. It’s a testament to the power of perseverance and the ability to turn adversity into an opportunity for growth and transformation. This experience forced me to build resilience and find the silver lining in life’s most challenging experiences. I will continue to embrace my failures for the rest of my career because I know those failures are the only way to success.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://designwithskill.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designwithskill/?hl=en
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-hill-97899a4/
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/designwithskill/