The airport design and planning process is critical in determining a passenger’s total experience with their flights, from navigating through terminal buildings to locating runways. Dorota Gocal, a seasoned architect who continually prioritizes easiness for consumers with her designs, gives insight into architecture and her role in empowering women in the craft.
Welcome aboard, Dorota. How do you make every passenger’s experience the most convenient when constructing an airport?
I am fascinated with airport architecture, especially terminals, so I envision myself in passengers’ shoes to embrace their boarding experience. I understand the necessity of boarding the right terminal at the proper time, and the design of an airport is a crucial factor in that. As an immigrant from Europe, I have walked through many infrastructures and been confused, which is not ideal for anyone.
Airports with a LEED certification must undergo sustainable design practices, meaning that the resulting edifice should be efficient regarding passenger satisfaction and environmental impact. The process consists of creating unique designs, reviewing those designs, determining the materials I have, and making executive decisions.
How do you view yourself as a leader in the women’s architect community?
I am currently working towards my PMP certification to propel my career as an architect with hopes of starting an MBA soon. I feel that I help advance the cause of women in architecture, invoking diversity. I admire Zaha Hadid as an example of a prominent female architect who led innovative projects during her career. She has influenced me, an immigrant from Europe, to represent the female population and support young women who desire to be architects.
As a woman in architecture and a dignified member of Women in Architecture, I am committed to cultivating a more supportive and impartial environment for other women, as our gender is underrepresented in the industry. I aspire to advocate for women’s rights and opportunities in the workforce, making their voices heard and embracing inclusivity to leave a positive impact on the world.
I have managed multinational and multicultural teams in a professional setting, stimulating effective communication while traversing differing time zones and cultural differences. I have personally mentored and tutored junior staff, equipping them with the knowledge to build comprehensive Revit models and manage them through the construction phase to demonstrate good leadership by example.
One of my key accomplishments was my role as a senior design architect on the Noida International Airport project. I interacted with government agencies, consultants, and the internal design team to meet all regulations and international airport design standards. I coordinated multidisciplinary teams and was an active patron in engineering exercises that focused on optimizing design efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
What are some strategies for managing multinational, multicultural teams?
I am a “half-nomad,” having studied as an exchange student in Germany and the USA and worked in physical and remote positions in the USA, India, and Australia. The ability to communicate across global time zones is imperative to a project’s success, alongside building relationships with each team member, which is where cultural intelligence helps remediate ethnic hurdles. Empathy must be present so each member can feel understood and acknowledged.
Adaptability and frequent communication are critical facets that come alongside being an architect while working remotely. I performed remote work from Poland while producing innovative designs for StudioHaus, a design studio that prioritizes aesthetically pleasing functional spaces. In this global interface management scenario, design thinking goes hand-in-hand with intercultural competence.
Jean Ortiz is a professional architectural technician and visionary in the academic industry. She uses software like AutoCAD to scheme infrastructure projects and then aligns a construction crew with her blueprints, ensuring projects adhere to client requirements.
Brick houses have been a cornerstone of architecture for centuries, celebrated for their durability, aesthetic versatility, and timeless appeal. In modern design, architects continue to explore innovative ways to incorporate brick into residential spaces, blending traditional materials with contemporary needs. While the design of each brick house is unique, there are several ways to incorporate […]
One of the significant decor elements for the living room is the sofa. Sofa designs for living room radiates the feeling of comfort, the dweller’s personality, and their personal touch to the design. From traditional Indian settees to modern-day lounges, with plenty of choices available, it can be puzzling what to choose. With this curation […]
Plants for home garden, apart from making houses look more beautiful and inviting, add health and calmness to them. Having any kind of indoor plant, a herb plant or a flowering plant adds some value to your decor and the quality of the space. Always choose plants that will flourish in your space and climate. […]
Flooring design is an important element for the overall aesthetics and function of your home. Whether you prefer the classic style of marble, the tradition and warmth of wooden flooring, or the practical use of tiles, the right flooring can revive your space. With shifts in design trends, Indian homes are starting to incorporate a […]
When designing a home, interior decor ideas to craft spaces become a necessity. From small plant vases to big furniture pieces everything comes in handy for making space speak one’s personality. But with an ample amount of products available in the market, it becomes daunting at times what to choose. With this blog, we cover […]
A bedroom is more than just a place to sleep, it’s a personal retreat that reflects your style. Modern bedroom designs are the best mix of functionality, comfort, as well as aesthetics that transform an ordinary space into an elegant yet inviting one. Whether you like minimalistic design, industrial design, warm wood, and linen in […]
The Indian home decor market has undergone a remarkable transformation, driven by rapid urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and a growing preference for personalized, high-quality interiors. No longer are homeowners settling for mass-produced decor—there is a clear shift towards customization, exclusivity, and sustainable choices. The demand for bespoke home decor products, especially wallpapers, is skyrocketing as […]
Have you ever walked into a home and instantly felt a sense of peace, like everything just “flows” perfectly? Or, on the flip side, stepped into a space that felt heavy, cluttered, or just… off? Believe it or not, the way a home is designed and decorated affects not just its aesthetics but also the […]
Tiny house designs are very exciting and intimidating in themselves. Moreover, they come with their benefits and challenges as well. To know and understand tiny house designs, one must have enough knowledge about the challenges one can face. It can be individual or separate entities and also can be shared living spaces. The following are […]
A well-designed false ceiling design for hall can create the entire mood of your interiors by adding elegance and character to the space. From simple gypsum to highly designed wooden patterns, these ceiling designs not only beautify the whole ambience but also improve sound quality distribution, thermal insulation, and lighting distribution within the room. In […]