contact blue ridge design studio
p: 540. 437.1228

f:  540.437.1227
 

martha waligora

1. Why did you choose architecture as a vocation? 
I really enjoyed technical drawing class in high school and was always fascinated by art. Interior design seemed to combine both. 

2. Where did you go to architecture school? 
New York School of Interior Design (NYC) 

3. Where did you start your career? 
I worked part-time at Wayne Marcus Design during my third and fourth year of design school. After graduating, I joined The Phillips Janson Group Architects and then The Switzer Group (all in Manhattan). 

4. Why did you choose to come to Harrisonburg? 
My husband was recruited by the local nephrology practice. 

5. Is architecture important and if so why? 
Both, architecture and interior design are important.  The physical design of the settings where we live, study or work, shapes our experiences, relationships, moods…Design reflects ourselves in a sense. 

6. What characteristics define your career? A type of project?, A way of working?, A type of client? 
All of the above. In dealing with corporate clients, we tend to have more freedom to design, while in residential projects, the style of the design is usually set by the client. 

7. What do you do when you’re not working? 
I drive my children to after school activities (piano, x-country, karate), walk my dog and read every chance I get (I’ve been in the same book club for 8 years). I love spending time with my family (tennis, hiking, card games, foosball). 

8. What would you be doing if you weren’t an Architect? 
I would probably be a dog trainer or a photographer 

9. Share a little about your spouse and/ or kids and/ or pets 
My husband, Andrew, is a nephrologist with Harrisonburg Medical Associates. We’ve been married 14 years and have two children: Ryan and Michelle. We also have a golden retriever, Sunny, and two parakeets. 

10. What community groups are you part of? 
Rockingham County Medical Alliance and THMS PTA board member. 

11. What’s the last thing you would give up for Lent? 
Sleeping (I usually give up chocolate). 

12. What aspect of architectural practice most makes you want to throw in the towel and do something else? Nothing really- I enjoy this field because of the variety. You are challenged to learn something new with each project. 

13. What do we need to know about you that makes you uniquely you? 
Sense of humor and extreme patience 


randy seitz     |   ron davenport    
kevin bowman    |   david mullen  |  anna campbell    |   missy brubaker   |   lois kreider   |  martha waligora 
welby lehman