Studio W Spotlight: Anna Finkbeiner

Chico, CA—We’re thrilled to share Anna Finkbeiner, Project Designer at our Chico Studio, as August’s Studio W Spotlight team member. Originally from the Seattle area, Anna moved to Eugene, Oregon to attend University of Oregon, where she earned a Bachelor of Architecture degree with a minor in Interior Architecture. Her journey then took her to Northern California, where she embarked on her architectural career. Anna is inspired by how architecture gives her the ability to create something out of nothing and has tangible results. She values the positive impact her work has on future generations. As a Project Designer, Anna’s responsibilities include preparing architectural drawings, evaluating materials and inspecting architectural features of structures on-site. She has contributed to projects such as the Greenville Rancheria St. Mary’s Medical & Dental Clinic, Lake County Tribal Health projects and the Liberty Elementary School New Classroom Building Project.

Anna has a passion for modern adaptations of Shakespeare, enjoys spending time outdoors and loves visiting farmers’ markets for fresh produce. From a young age, she was destined to become an architect. Learn more about Anna…

 

What is your hometown, or where do you live currently and what do you like about it?

I live in Chico, CA. I love all the fresh produce, sunlight and the fact that I can drive 15 minutes and be out in nature. I’m a huge fan of Upper Park and love spending time in Downtown Chico.

What is your favorite restaurant or food?

My favorite food is without a doubt dim sum.

What is your favorite song, movie or book?

My favorite movie is 10 Things I Hate About You, or any of the other great modern Shakespeare adaptations. My favorite book is Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban and song is probably something from Taylor Swift’s Speak Now album. What can I say? I’m a woman of refined taste.

 

 

What is a typical weekend for you?

My typical weekend includes a lot of time outside whether that be camping, fishing, kayaking, hiking or just reading a book in the sun with a cup of coffee. I also like to go to the farmers market in the morning and pick up one of Camina’s morning buns and some fresh produce.

Who is your hero or a person that inspires you?

My hero is my nana who supported me in my dream of studying architecture and has been a great example of what it is to be a strong woman.

How did you find architecture?

I started drawing plans on printer paper and stapling together my own “sets” when I was a little girl, so I was always destined for this career path before I even knew what an architect was.

 

 

 

What is a building and/or destination that inspires you and why?

A destination that inspires me is the Pacific Northwest Coast. I grew up outside of the Seattle area and there’s something about the wood shakes on the buildings along the coast and the way the buildings stand up against the wind, rain and sea that is very poetic to me.

What is your most memorable project and why?

My most memorable project is the Greenville Rancheria Replacement Clinic. While I was in college, I worked for the Dixie Fire Collaborative, which is a non-profit organization that helps victims of the Dixie Fire, and did my thesis project on rebuilding communities in Greenville. I think projects like this and those for the Paradise Unified School District are incredibly important in the recovery of communities post natural disaster. Greenville holds a special place in my heart.

What is your favorite aspect of working at Studio W Architects?

I love being able to work on projects that have a positive impact on communities around me. In general, I enjoy being able to be a part of the start of a building all the way through construction. Being able to watch something you worked on come to fruition is incredibly rewarding to me.

 

 

 

What project have you worked on at Studio W that made you grow the most professionally? Why?

I think a project at Studio W that helped my professional growth is probably Liberty Elementary School. The project architects and client leaders I have been able to work with have served as great mentors and have helped me to learn more about the field of architecture and have supported me as I work through the ARE Exams.