Marysia Danos

I attribute my success to the people who have come along my path, especially my family. Early on, my parents instilled a hardworking attitude in me and built a strong foundation without pressure. They taught me to stay organized and be on top of things. Throughout school, my professors and classmates, along with the people I work with now, have formed me into who I am and pushed me to be the best version of myself.

The right thing to do, and the hard thing, are usually the same.

I would say to just be an advocate for yourself. Most importantly, do not be afraid to speak up if you want to be given opportunity. Believe in yourself, stand up for what you want. I know it can be a hard thing to do if you are in a room with more senior people, but just make it known what you want, and do not be afraid to ask.

As a young woman in the AEC industry, I’m passionate about helping shape a more inclusive and forward-thinking future for architecture. I believe women bring valuable perspectives to design, leadership, and the business of building—and that we should have a seat at the table not only as designers, but as project leaders, firm owners, and decision-makers. My goal is to create thoughtful, meaningful architecture while building a career that challenges the traditional definition of success in the industry: one rooted in creativity, collaboration, leadership, and the freedom to pursue work that truly matters.

I value integrity above all else. To me, that means saying what you’re going to do—and following through. It means being honest, dependable, and someone others can trust. I believe those principles are just as important in architecture as creativity and technical expertise. Whether working with a client, contractor, consultant, or colleague, I strive to approach every relationship with transparency, accountability, and genuine respect.