Professional Profile: Julie Chou 2020
Julie ChouName: Julie Chou
Title: Senior Associate
Company: Magnusson Architecture and Planning
Location: New York, NY
Birthplace: Taipei, Taiwan
Education: BA Economics, University of Chicago; BArch, Cooper Union
First job: Local bagel shop
First job in real estate or allied field: Analyzing data at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago
What do you do now and what are you planning for the future? I design affordable, supportive, and transitional housing addressing the needs of vulnerable populations in the city and metro area. I also sit on the budget, city services and land use committees for my community board to help highlight the needs of minorities and people who have often been overlooked. Recently, I completed work on the Conscious Shelter Design Guidelines and published a paper with my team on public bathrooms, advocating for better access to our public open spaces and services for homeless and marginalized people. I hope to continue to collaborate with nonprofits, government agencies and activists to push for equity and justice in our cities.
How do you unwind from a busy day? A walk in the park with my corgi.
Favorite book or author: Henri Nouwen
Favorite movie: Blade Runner
Last song/album that you purchased/downloaded? Ray Charles
One word to describe your work environment: Inspiring
Rules to live by in business: Effective listening
If you could invite one person to dinner (living or dead, but not related to you) who would it be and where would you go? Barack or Michelle Obama, Medici on 57th, Hyde Park, Chicago, would love to hear their thoughts about the South Side of Chicago and how to strengthen marginalized communities.
What is your DREAM job? (something other than your current job) Travel journalist