Welcome to the OPEN BOOK Community.

Hey, future architects! Ever wondered who’s got your back at OPEN BOOK? Meet Julie Palma Engels,  the heart behind it all.

She’s here to be your go-to guide, your inside connection, and your biggest supporter as you dive into the world of architecture. OPEN BOOK is her way of making sure you’ve got the ultimate toolkit to grow, create, and reshape the world.


  • Founder | Architect

    Boss lady at Studio P Architects since 2011, Julie's been shaping the skylines and careers for years. She saw the gap between what schools teach and what the real architectural world demands. So, she thought, "Why not create something radical to bridge that gap?" And boom, OPEN BOOK was born.

    Book a 1:1 with Julie

community sessions

coming soon

Online Sessions

Our sessions will focus on 3 pillars:

  1. Blueprint To Build: Focusing on bridging the gap between academic knowledge and real-world architectural application, this tag suggests a journey from conceptualization (the blueprint) to actual execution (the build).

  2. Arch Mentor Mingle: centered on the personal mentorship aspect, allowing participants to engage, ask questions, and gain insights directly from professionals like Julie and Laurence.

  3. Design Dialogue: Sessions emphasizing peer interactions, discussions on trending architectural topics, and fostering a community where everyone learns from everyone else's experiences and insights.

Ready to revolutionize your architecture journey?

Subscribe to our newsletter below to make sure you never miss one of our community sessions as seats will be limited - don't miss out on the chance to expand your knowledge, network, and career.

FAQ

What made you want to become an architect or city planner?

Personal motivation can vary widely. Some people are drawn to the creative aspect of designing buildings or urban spaces, while others may be motivated by a desire to impact community development or sustainability.

How can you enter an educational program to become an architect or city planner, especially if there are no city planning courses at my city college?

To become an architect, one typically needs to pursue a bachelor's or master's degree in architecture from an accredited program. For city planning, a degree in urban planning, urban design, or a related field is common. If local institutions don't offer these programs, aspiring students might need to consider schools in other regions or online programs.

Could you define your profession?

Architects design buildings and oversee their construction, ensuring that structures are safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing. City planners work on broader urban and regional planning, focusing on land use, community development, and infrastructure planning.

What are the important software programs to learn as a student in architecture?

Mastering certain software programs can significantly enhance your learning experience and prepare you for professional practice in architecture. Here are some of the key software programs you should consider learning: SketchUp, Revit, 3ds Max, Rhino, Infraworks, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop and the Office suite.

What kinds of degrees would you recommend in order to gain employment as an architect or city planner?

Degrees in Architecture or Urban Planning are most directly relevant. However, degrees in related fields like Civil Engineering, Environmental Design, or Landscape Architecture can also provide a pathway into these professions.

Is it possible to work from home?

The possibility of working from home can vary. Some tasks, like drafting or planning, can be done remotely, while others, like site visits or client meetings, may require in-person attendance. The COVID-19 pandemic has also pushed many firms towards adopting more flexible remote work policies.

What is some of the lingo used by architects and/or urban designers/planners?

Each profession has its own set of terminology. For architects, terms like "schematic design," "building envelope," or "space planning" are common. For urban planners, terms like "zoning," "land use planning," or "transit-oriented development" are frequently used.

What are some of the challenges of your profession? What are some of the most boring parts?

Challenges might include dealing with stringent regulations, managing client expectations, or working within budget constraints. Some may find aspects like regulatory compliance or extensive documentation to be mundane.

Are there higher and lower "levels" of positions within your profession?

Individuals can progress from entry-level positions to more senior roles like Senior Architect, Lead Planner, or even firm partner or director. Career progression may require gaining experience, developing a strong portfolio, and building professional relationships.