Team

Allison Gorman

What’s your name?

Allison Gorman

Where were you born?

I was born in Cleveland, OH, but grew up in Baltimore, MD.

Where is your favorite travel destination?

By far, the most incredible place I’ve been is the Galápagos Islands. To be in such a remote area, surrounded by untouched wildlife and nature, is amazing.

What’s something you’d still love to learn?

I’ve been an on-and-off Duolingo user for years, but it would be really great to actually know how to speak another language and feel comfortable using it when traveling.

What are some of the Mancini projects you’re working on?

Pier 17 Conference center, Omnicom, Susquehanna

Describe Mancini’s company culture in one word?

I’m still new here, but so far it seems very supportive!

What kind of projects do you want to work on (or technology you want to use) in the future?

I’d love to expand on some of the hospitality and cultural work I’ve done in the past. I’ve done some exhibit design, and I’d love to one day return to that level of detail and scale, as well as incorporate an educational, public aspect into the work.

What do you hope to see in the future in the world of architecture and design?

I’d love to see some changes in architecture education where there is less of a sense of a “rite of passage” and more emphasis on learning how to actually build a building through collaborative work.

When did you know you wanted to be an architect/designer?

In high school, we took a field trip to the Holocaust Museum in Washington, DC. I was struck by how the design of the building and exhibits worked with such a difficult topic. It inspired me to look into architecture and the impact the built environment can have on individuals.

What is something you collect?

I make sure to get a keychain every time I visit a new state or country. My collection goes back to when I was probably 5 years old.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

It’s not advice from a specific person, but I like to practice the “5-minute rule,” where if a task is going to take less than 5 minutes, I try to do it right away. It helps keep me productive and sane, even when faced with an impossible to-do list.

What is your favorite hobby?

I love to cook and host people. As a sort of side business/hobby, I actually sell laser-cut dinner party “accessories” like napkin rings, coasters, and platters.

Who inspires you the most in your field?

Not a specific person, but I am inspired by women I see rising in their fields—both people I know personally who have started their own practices and others I have worked with over the years. Since the majority of licensed architects are men, it’s great to start to see a shift in the industry with the next generations of talent.