Meet Rebecca Rudner | Architectural Designer & Graduate Student

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rebecca Rudner and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rebecca, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
As a kid in school I was pretty good at most subjects, but never the best. In high school I started taking an architecture course as my art credit, not thinking much would come of it. I never felt more at home than when I was in the studio. I ended up loving it and finding something that was creative and all about problem solving. I ended up doing an independent study in architecture my last two years of high school because there were no more classes offered. I wrote my own syllabus with the help and mentorship of my teacher. The school ended up permanently offering those courses. I went to college and fell in love with psychology and thoughtfulness behind architecture. Architecture was the perfect mix of creative and logical for me. Being creative is a large part of who I am; I grew up competitively dancing and finding architecture found me a new outlet.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve been working as an architectural designer at LB Architects in NYC. I am incredibly grateful to work with such amazing people. I am currently a graduate student at NYU getting a Masters in Real Estate Development. I have decided to transition into development. I’ve decided that in order to have more control and input in projects, I want to work on the development side of things. These industries are all about networking. You never know who may help you get a job in the future. I initially got the job at LB because I knew Dave Silverman, Principal Architect, through the non-profit foundation my family runs. I’m adaptable, quick with technology, personable, and a hard worker. I never have to be the absolute best at anything because these skills make people want to hire me. I’m someone who likes to plan and know things in advance. When I was in high school I thought I knew what my career was going to look like. And when I got to college I also thought I knew what my career was going to look like, although now slightly different than my views in high school. And now I’d like to say, I don’t want to know what my career is going to look like. I’ve learned that I should take every opportunity that presents itself and try things that maybe I thought I would never do. I no longer look at my career as completely linear. I want to get out there and learn new things and try new things. I can apply all of my skills to anything put in front of me.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My favorite local bar on a weekday night is the best for people watching. It’s comfortable, no frills, just NYC people at their finest. I keep a spreadsheet of my favorite restaurants and coffee shops. I love to take people to a Broadway show. There’s nothing quite like it. I try to stay away from the “touristy stuff” in NYC. The best part about NYC is that you never really need a plan. There’s always stuff going on along the way.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Derrick Laurion, my high school architecture teacher, who introduced me to this world. Scot Wittman, head of my high school art department, who in a continuous support in my schooling and career.

Adib Cure, my studio professor at the University of Miami, who taught me to love the cultures, people, and places.

My grandparents, Barbara and George, who support my dreams, ideas, and everything I want to be in this world.

Website: https://rebeccarudner.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-rudner/