EP.08 / Patricia Rhee, FAIA, DBIA, EYRC Architects on The Culver Steps
Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or on your favorite podcast platform.
The once underutilized triangular site in Downtown Culver City was transformed into an open-air gathering place for the community. In our conversation, we dive into the design process, the future of Culver City, and Patricia's role as a founding co-chair of the AIA Los Angeles Women in Architecture Committee.
I'm joined by Patricia Rhee, FAIA, DBIA a partner at Ehrlich Yanai Rhee Chaney Architects (EYRC), to discuss the The Culver Steps project. We touch on how the project evolved throughout the design process, the ways EYRC successfully approaches every urban site, and the potential of The Culver Steps project to serve as a model for developers in Los Angeles by showcasing the value of activated public spaces.
Patricia also shares her background and what led her to architecture. She highlights the goals of the AIA Los Angeles Women in Architecture committee, and the benefits of getting involved. Plus, she offers advice for women pursuing a career in architecture, encouraging them to embrace diverse paths, share their stories, and release any shame around asking for help.
About Patricia Rhee, FAIA, DBIA
Patricia Rhee is a partner at the internationally acclaimed architecture firm Ehrlich Yanai Rhee Chaney Architects. Her work crosses multiple market sectors and ranges from creative office to adaptive reuse and institutional projects. As a lead designer in the firm, her projects have a focus on community building and neighborhood betterment, regardless of the program. Projects such as The Culver Steps are successful in the way they are celebrated by their communities and give back to their residents (in the case of The Culver Steps: a large civic gathering space and multi-use plaza). Other notable local and national community and civic projects include the Stoneview Nature Center in Culver City and the John M. Roll United States Courthouse in Yuma, Arizona.
In a world where people are becoming more polarized and engaging face-to-face is becoming rare, creating spaces that bring people together is invaluable. Her designs are sensitive to the physical and cultural context of the clients and communities she serves, capturing their identity through unique treatments of form and material.
Patricia was a founding co-chair of the AIA Los Angeles Women in Architecture committee. She has lectured internationally, and serves as a juror for the AIA, DBIA and universities nationally. She was recently appointed the Kea Distinguished Professor at the University of Maryland and completed the USC Ross Minority Program in Real Estate where she gained a deeper knowledge of real estate development. She is the recipient of the Culver City Women in Business Council Visionary Award, and is deeply involved in her local community, serving on numerous committees within Culver City. Patricia enthusiastically serves on the board for Heidi Duckler Dance. Her master's degree in Architecture is from Harvard's Graduate School of Design and her bachelor's degree in Design of the Environment is from the University of Pennsylvania.
Topics Covered
The design, the different iterations, and the project’s partnerships
An overview of EYRC
The challenges and solutions encountered throughout the process
Patricia’s hopes and vision for the future of Culver City over the next 20 years
Patricia’s background at Penn and Harvard GSD, moving to LA, and her initial interests in architecture
The goals, founding members, and origin of the AIA Los Angeles Women in Architecture Committee
Advice for early-career architects
Did you love this episode? Let us know by rating and reviewing our show on Apple Podcasts. It’s easy - simply click this link, click on Listen on Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom of the page, and select “Write a Review”. Let us know what you liked best about the episode, and what others can expect when they listen to our show.
While you’re at it, consider subscribing to Building LA. When you subscribe, you can guarantee you never miss a conversation with one our renowned designers, architects, and developers. Subscribe now!