Meet Teri Watson | Architectural Designer & Project Manager

We had the good fortune of connecting with Teri Watson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Teri, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?

The thought process behind starting my own business was to establish a bit of professional freedom. I had the urge to grow but I also wanted to make sure I was happy throughout the process. Staying true to yourself and working on your own terms can be very beneficial risk. It takes a lot to stay in the architecture profession. We are drawn to design but ones passion can get lost in the professional world through unrealistic expectations and traditional paths. I wanted to control my narrative and most importantly, my portfolio. I wanted to define what types and portions of a project I was involved with. I believe this approach allowed me to stay motivated and eager to work. I am very fortunate to be able to practice and learn the way I do.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?

YEN Studio is a design company that provides design services for projects in the local communities. Immediately after graduating with my masters degree, I was able to join a great design team, Royal Byckovas, as a consultant where I work on high-end commercial projects. After a few years of experience, I wanted to start utilizing my tangibles in areas and communities that looked like mine. I knew I could be of assistance, so I decided to open YEN Studio and provide services to those who aren’t often able to find professionals or even know where to begin a project. I’m a simple girl that comes from these same types of neighborhoods and I’m intrigued with the smaller projects. I love introducing architecture and design in an efficient and simple way. I learn from the big projects and apply those lessons to service others. I have also launched a platform called The Neighborhood Architects, which helps locate minority architects and design professionals required to complete an architecture project in hopes to increase BIPOC visibility in our profession.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Some of the most fun and interesting places that I love in Miami are Lagniappe, Victory Restaurant & Lounge, Kush and Layla at Kayak Miami Beach. I enjoy the intimate hidden gems in the city and visit these places on a monthly basis.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

I believe FAMU AIAS, AIA Florida and the South Florida NOMA Chapter deserves credit for the opportunities and experiences I’ve been provided thus far. I was first nominated into a leadership position while studying for undergraduate degree. My position as FAMU AIAS (American Institute of Architecture Students) Vice President and President introduced me to the architecture profession through state conferences and grassroots leadership training. This also led to office positions at AIA Florida and now membership with AIA Miami. The South Florida NOMA (National Organization of Minority Architects) Chapter has offered substantial guidance and encouragement in the past few years, which in return has given me the confidence to grow professionally. These organizations deserve thanks for their efforts, mentorship and support they have provided me.

Website: www.yenstudio.us & www.theneighborhoodarchitects.com

Instagram: @_hoodarchitect & @theneighborhoodarchitects

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teri-watson-assoc-aia-noma-9a660271/