How Friendly Futures Helped Me Rediscover My Passion For Design

Hello! My name is Maiya Hirschhorn and I am an architecture student and former intern/ now designer at Friendly Futures! This blog post is an opportunity for me to share a personal story of how Friendly Futures helped reinspire and reinvigorate my passion for art, design, and architecture. 

After finishing my second year of architecture school in New York I felt depleted and unsure about my fit in the field. Much of the work seemed uninspiring to me, like I didn’t connect with it, and I thought that must mean I need to switch career paths. I came home to San Diego for the summer uncertain of my next steps. 

A few weeks later, I went to a prefab building panels exhibition in Tijuana. My father had met Ryan earlier that day in line waiting for tacos, and after hearing about Ryan’s studio, suggested he talk with me. I was really intrigued by Friendly Future’s mission and approach to design, so I inquired about being the first Friendly Futures intern, to which Ryan agreed! 

From the start we were focusing on how design can connect families and communities and it was really fun! I started to understand that the world of architecture and the people we design for could be much more personal, connective, and impactful, which I appreciated. After working with him for just a couple of weeks I was truly inspired and my love for design was reinvigorated. I am so excited to continue working alongside a team of such talented and inspiring people!