Neena Verma W'03
What did you study at Penn and when did you graduate?
I graduated in 2003 with a dual degree, Architecture and Wharton. I am not sure there are many of us who were building models one minute and calculating net present values the next.
What was your favorite part of Penn/Wharton?
I was on Professor Barbara Kahn and Professor Mary France Luce’s research team. I participated in research meetings and carried out experiments, including computer-based tests in the basement of Steinberg-Dietrich and in-person interviews at 30th Street Station. Professor Kahn and Luce’s work ethic and quick intelligence inspire me to this day.
What do you do now and where are you based?
I am an architect with my own practice in New York City. I also teach – I am an Adjunct Professor at Hillier College of Architecture and Design (NJIT) and the Architecture Writing Fellow at The Cooper Union.
What past positions have you held?
I worked as a real estate attorney and complex civil litigator. I pursued law because I love research and writing, from my freshman writing seminar to case studies to my senior thesis. Law was intellectually challenging and very rewarding, and I could have been content as a lawyer forever. But I had a revelation one day: content is not enough. Architecture is my true calling. So, I returned to the field at age 30 and now I am living my dream. I have worked for large and small architecture offices on all sorts of projects from dormitories to hotels to restaurants to offices to houses. Since founding my own practice, I have relished designing my own projects and introducing theoretical explorations to the work.
What has been your proudest accomplishment of your career?
It is a tie between building my first project in 2014 and speaking at the Graduate School of Design at Harvard University in 2018.
What has been the biggest challenge of your career?
Owning it. When I decided to return to architecture, I walked away from a very comfortable lifestyle. I effectively started over at a time when my peers were on partner track. I got a new degree (my fourth!), and I sat for seven licensing exams (harder than the Bar Exam!). Honestly, I have not looked back once.
What advice do you have for our members as they begin exploring careers and internships?
If you feel obliged to rationalize your career choice, then question it. I do not believe we should all simply do what we are good at. My career would have turned out very differently had I done so. Do what you really want to, this is how we all truly excel. Be impractical and be unafraid. Trust that you will land on your feet. Let me be your example of that.
What’s your favorite thing to do for fun?
My husband and I love to cook.