Meet the Team: Karianna Larson

HI, Karianna!

“I knew that I wanted to be a part of a creative and collaborative environment, and to combine the technical skills I’ve learned with my artistic sensibilities.”

What is your professional background?

My career began as an intern at a small firm in Minneapolis working on historic restoration projects before joining a larger firm where I was able to learn about commercial and institutional architecture. For the past two years, following graduation from the University of Minnesota, I worked at a mid-sized residential firm where I primarily focused on luxury residential and hospitality projects across the U.S. In addition, this past year I had the opportunity to return to the University of Minnesota as an Adjunct Instructor where I led a freshman design course.

What inspired you to work with architects?

Growing up, I spent a lot of time with my mechanical engineer dad and grandpa tinkering on projects together. They always made me feel like I was contributing, even if it was just their way of indulging my enthusiasm. I was always in awe of their creativity and passion, both in their professional endeavors and on interesting DIY projects around the house. 

I knew that I wanted to be a part of a similarly creative and collaborative environment, and to combine the technical skills I learned from them with my own artistic sensibilities.

What do you look forward to most about working at RoehrSchmitt Architecture? 

As an aspiring architect working towards licensure, I’m most looking forward to learning the ins and outs of the industry from the wealth of knowledge and experience within our talented team, and to make meaningful impacts on the spaces and places in our community.

How do you want to make an impact on your firm?

I want to contribute to the growing success of RoehrSchmitt by building relationships, bringing new ideas and perspectives to the table, and by embracing all of the new technology that may appear along the way.

Favorite tool of the trade?

I enjoy trace paper — it’s a little messy, but with it I can quickly iterate and explore different ideas throughout early stages of the design process.

What would your perfect day look like? 

A perfect day for me would entail enjoying the outdoors with friends and family enjoying activities like hiking, biking, camping, boating, playing pickleball, rollerblading, taking our dog for a walk, or attending a sporting event.

Coffee or tea? 

I'm a big fan of coffee and I absolutely love checking out new coffee spots whenever I can!

What is one word you would use to describe your team? Explain why.

Dynamic. Each member of the RoehrSchmitt team comes from vastly different backgrounds and brings a unique set of skills, perspectives, and experiences to the table that I’m already enjoying being a part of.

What’s your favorite thing to do that isn't work related?

Travel! I love to explore new destinations, cultures, and landscapes. Anywhere from off-the grid camping trips to wandering through busy city streets.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

Although somewhat cliché, the notion to never stop learning lingers in the back of my head, encouraging me to maintain a sense of curiosity and motivation towards continuous research and exploration.