Studio W Spotlight: Chrystal Torscher

Sacramento, CA—We’re pleased to introduce Chrystal Torscher, Project Administrator in our Sacramento Studio, as this month’s Studio W Spotlight team member. Chrystal has been a part of our team since September 2021 and has worked in the construction industry for over 14 years. She is the glue that holds us together by assisting team members through coordinating all communications, preparing contracts and scheduling meetings. Her assistance has facilitated the planning and construction of many of our projects, including Paradise High School, Ridgeview High School and North Natomas Community Center & Aquatics Complex.

Chrystal is an outdoorsy person, spending her free time camping, paddle boarding and taking her five children to their endless sports activities. She draws inspiration from those close to her and says, “it takes a village, and my village is who inspires me”. Learn more about Chrystal…

 

What is your hometown, or where do you live currently and what do you like about it?
I grew up in the foothills of El Dorado and moved to Citrus Heights when I was 12. I am a very outdoorsy person and growing up in the foothills was fun with lots of adventures. Citrus Heights was convenient and centrally located but small towns are more me, so I recently moved to Lincoln.

What is your favorite restaurant or food?
My favorite food is seafood. I love trying new restaurants, especially hole-in-the-wall local places that have history.

What is your favorite song, movie or book?
My favorite movie and book are one in the same, Cloud Atlas. I have seen the movie more times than I can count, and I have read the book four times.

Who is your hero or a person that inspires you?
My kids, my family and my friends. Everyone in my life inspires me in a different way, but at the end of the day it’s love, support and building each other up. One of my favorite sayings is “it takes a village” and my village is who inspires me.

 

What is a typical weekend for you?
A typical weekend for me depends on the season. Camping, hiking, river rafting, paddleboarding, lake days, snow days and endless sports activites for my five kids. It never slows down.

How did you find architecture?
Years ago, I had a friend who owned a home improvement company. I started working there and fell in love with construction. Watching something built from nothing is incredible, being part of a group that works together to make that happen is so exciting. I have been in the AEC industry for 14+ years and I couldn’t imagine enjoying any other occupation as much.

What is a building and/or destination that inspires you and why?
I don’t know if I have just one. I love old buildings, especially churches. The architecture and the stunning, ornate details that went into creating them are inspiring. I have so much appreciation for people who have the artistic talent to design and make our world more beautiful.

What is your most memorable project and why?
My most memorable projects to date, and probably for the rest of my life, will be the Paradise USD projects. I remember the 2018 Camp Fire like it was yesterday. I had friends and family that had to evacuate; I knew people who lost everything. Being part of these projects and helping this community rebuild is incredibly rewarding.

 

What is your favorite aspect of working at Studio W Architects?
The support and mentoring is my favorite part of working at Studio W. I have never worked at a company that invested so much in their employees’ professional and personal growth. I have learned so much in the time I have worked here and I continue to grow every day.

What project have you worked on at Studio W that made you grow the most professionally? Why?
All of them. Every project is different. They all bring unique challenges and solutions, so they all assist in professional growth. There is never a dull moment in this industry; I am always learning and developing new skills and knowledge.