2021 Women in CRE: Kara Shypula, Hoffmann Architects

Name: Kara Shypula, Assoc. AIA

Title: Senior Project Manager

Company Name: Hoffmann Architects

In the past year, what project, transaction or accomplishment are you most proud of?
Without question – One Wall St. Working and collaborating with a strong and talented project team over the past 4+ years on the restoration and adaptive reuse of the landmarked former Irving Trust building, One Wall St., has been an honor. This year, we reached a project milestone with the completion of the historical faceted monumental limestone entrance along Broadway. Our team restored the original double-height limestone alcove by successfully designing a suspended and undulated limestone soffit ceiling replicating the ornamental striated limestone panels of the façade. The complexity of the geometry and design required meticulous precision and scope execution. This engineered piece of art pays homage to the art deco style of One Wall St.

Tell us a thing or two about you that is NOT on your resume or LinkedIn profile?
I travel as much as possible and take every opportunity to get another stamp in my passport, expand my perspective and open my eyes to new architectural styles, cultures, and cuisines. Traveling has also allowed me the opportunity to participate in a weeklong Urban Sketching Symposium in Portugal with the New York City Urban Sketchers group. I’m also an avid runner, having completed over 15 half marathons and two marathons—the NYC Marathon and the Greece Marathon (the original course).

How do you keep your team motivated despite conflicts and obstacles?
I lead my team with passion and a positive attitude and encourage them to see challenges as learning opportunities. There will certainly be obstacles and conflicts to some degree, no matter the size or scope of the project. When they do inevitably arise, I aim to utilize them as challenges that afford an opportunity for creative problem solving rather than focusing on them as a negative or stressful experience. I feel that as a team we thrive on that positive outlook and that these obstacles, are critical opportunities for growth. The knowledge gained from each, whether it be a success or a lesson learned, is invaluable to the development of my team and our company.