Building a Career on Kindness and Positive Connections with Studio Ladder's Sam Anderson

Sam Anderson is an architectural visualization specialist who has carved out a unique career path beyond traditional practice. Sam shares her journey from pursuing architecture at the University of Texas to realizing her true passion lies in visualization. She discusses her experiences working in various roles, including at architecture firms, Epic Games, and ultimately starting her own visualization studio.

Sam emphasizes the importance of storytelling and using real-time rendering technology to showcase designs in more immersive ways. She highlights the potential of these tools to empower architects and democratize design by giving a voice to those who may not have access to traditional architectural education. Throughout the conversation, Sam emphasizes the value of kindness, resourcefulness, and adaptability in navigating career transitions.

Highlights:

• Real-time rendering tools provide architects with new avenues for creative expression and design communication.
• Exploring industries beyond architecture can lead to unexpected opportunities and growth.
• Maintaining a positive and resourceful mindset is crucial when navigating career pivots and new challenges.
• Showing kindness and making genuine connections can open doors and leave lasting impressions.
• It's essential to find a balance between professional pursuits and personal priorities for overall well-being.

Guest Bio:
Sam Anderson, creator of Studio Ladder, is a 3D artist based in NYC and LA. Sam is passionate about visual communication for design. Previously, Sam was a Senior Technical Marketing Manager at Epic Games where she produced new release content for Unreal Engine and Twinmotion as well as educational content for conferences and online tutorials. Prior to Epic Games, Sam was a visualization specialist at SHoP Architects. Other work experiences include an internship at JAJA Architects in Copenhagen and an architectural designer at Workshop/APD in New York. Sam studied at the University of Texas at Austin School of Architecture and at Ecole Nationale Superieure d’Architecture de Paris-Belleville. From each experience, Sam has developed an eye for high-quality design and communicating in a highly personable, yet professional manner. Talk to her long enough, and she will have you saying '“y’all” as if you were also born and raised in Texas.