Meet Schemata’s new Architectural Designer, Caitlin Truong. Caitlin is a recent graduate from the University of Washington who has a passion for building community, diversity and inclusion, and educating youth all through the lenses of architecture. On the University of Washington campus, Caitlin was the President of the American Institute of Architecture Students, Director of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion of the National Organization of Minority Architects Students, and member of the Student Advisory Council for the dean of the College of Built Environments.
We asked Caitlin a few questions from our New Hire Questionnaire and here are her responses:
if you had a time machine that would work only once, what point in the future or in history would you visit?
I would want to go back to the day I was born. My gender was a surprise to my dad because my mom kept it a secret from everyone. Both my parents were praying for a girl because they already had my two brothers. From the stories that I have heard, I would love to see my dad’s reaction. Also, I think it would be beautiful to see how much joy I brought my parents without them even knowing me yet.
if you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?
I would go to space. I often think about how small humans are compared to the universe and going to space would give me a better sense of this.
if your home was burning down, after family members and pets, what three things would you try to save?
I would save my jade necklace that my family gave me when I was a child, a jar of pickles, and the first vase I ever made.
if you could talk to any one person now living or dead, who would it be and why?
Not really dead or alive, just not currently existing in this moment. I would want to talk to my childhood self and learn about who I was. Or maybe the grandma version of me to learn about what I have done in life.
if you had to give up one of your senses (taste, smell, touch, sight, hearing) which would it be and why?
I would give up smell. I practice art and music which requires the other sense a lot.
if you were an animal, what would you be and why?
I would want to be a whale. They seem like happy and curious creatures who get to explore the depths of the ocean and sing melodious songs.
what is one of your favorite family traditions?
Celebrating Lunar New Year with my family and best friend. At midnight before Lunar New Year, we all go to our local Vietnamese Temple in South Seattle to watch the lion dancers and firecrackers to scare away evil spirits and to celebrate the coming of the new year.
what is your favorite thing to do in the summer?
My favorite thing to do in the summer is to go to Seward Park for picnics and to eat ice cream.