Honoring the Journey: A New Accolade and the Road That Led Here

Happy November, Everyone! I am feeling so grateful, and honored to share some incredible news with you all. On October 17th, I was recognized as one of the Top 50 Women in Business by Long Island Business News, and I couldn’t be more excited to celebrate this milestone. This recognition feels like a true testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion I’ve poured into my career and Rooted Architecture Studio over the years. As I reflect on this accomplishment, I want to take a moment to share more about my journey, the challenges I’ve overcome, and how these experiences have shaped me into the architect, entrepreneur, and leader I am today. 

With that in mind, here is a look into what I submitted as part of my Top 50 Women in Business application, which provides a glimpse of my life and career journey:

I was born in El Salvador and came to the United States at the age of 7 on June 8th, 2000. Being an immigrant was no easy fit; still, I pushed through every hardship that came my way, while remaining a dreamer.

I had family members in construction, and I liked to ask a lot of questions. I’ve always wanted to know the why of things. When I wasn’t allowed to help when visiting sites due to being a girl, I asked how they knew how to build it all…the response was that it was from drawings that an Architect created. It was then at the age of 11 that I realized I wanted to be an Architect, because if I couldn’t build it then I would be the one in charge of telling them what to do. Of course, that is not all an Architect does, but it laid the base for me wanting to learn more. Over the years, I researched Architecture and learned from life experiences that they do more than just draw plans for homes. That provided even more value, to me, to become one.

To become an Architect there are many hurdles one must overcome. The first was attending college. Being an immigrant with a Temporary Protection Status meant I could not get Financial Aid and being in a low-income household the only answer was to receive scholarships to be able to afford without getting into debt. I remained focused and determined in High School and that all paid off, because I graduated 3rd in my class with a 102.12 GPA. Furthermore, I was accepted to the Macaulay Honors College at City College on a full ride. The first hurdle was surpassed and then I moved on to college.

College was not a breeze, it started in struggle and ended in success and passion. In June 2016, I graduated top of my class with a 3.8 GPA and Summa Cum Laude, but most importantly I graduated with so much knowledge and curiosity in my field. The second hurdle of 5 years flew by and then it was time to work on my licensure.

I took the advice of those who had been in the field longer than me and I began my licensure journey as soon as possible. After a 3-month research fellowship after graduating college, I began the 3 years’ worth of work experience required for New York State licensure. Concurrently, in February of 2017, I began studying for my Architecture Exams. I took 5 exams ranging from 3 to 5 hours each and by December 29th, 2017, I had completed my very last exam. I then focused on absorbing as much information as I could and finishing my hours. Then on September 23rd, 2019, at the age of 26, that final hurdle was completed…I became a licensed Architect.

Becoming a licensed Architect was no easy fit, something I am very proud of because I did it in 8 years when the average is just over 12 years. I am even more proud to be one of the 1.5% of Latina Licensed Architects in the United States. A statistic I know I try to increase by being a mentor for Arquitina, a non-profit that mentors other Latinas to receive their licenses. I also had the privilege to be in Latinas in Architecture Volume 2 where I got to share my Architecture journey.

 My career journey didn’t end there…at the end of 2020, I reassessed my life and career path and that led me to decide to open my own architecture company Rooted Architecture Studio PLLC. I did the research and on July 1st, 2021, at the age of 28, I launched it as a side project. By the start of 2022, I had become a consultant for my previous job, splitting my time between my projects and the projects I was managing for them. Then on February 1st, 2023, 25 days before my 30th birthday, I took the leap of faith and went full-time with Rooted Architecture Studio and haven’t looked back since.

When I began Rooted Architecture Studio, my mission was to help and inform, and that still stands, but it has also grown and focused on all areas that I am passionate about. Today, our mission is to craft meaningful, inclusive spatial design solutions for homeowners, investors, healthcare providers, and business owners. As a bilingual firm, Rooted Architecture Studio prioritizes clients’ needs, fostering connections and expanding roots. Our commitment to authentic, client-centric designs extends to creating healing architecture that promotes health and wellness while integrating environmentally conscious practices to harmonize spaces with nature, acknowledging the profound connection between humans and the natural world. While being committed to nurturing a deeper understanding of the design and construction process.

Besides the typical Architectural Services, I educate the public at different levels. I post consistently on social media with architectural and design information. I have education booklets and this year I began a few new things. I do IG live monthly and have webinars/courses as well. Besides this I do presentations, when possible, to spread the knowledge of who Architects are and what we do. Lastly, my company also has merchandise that celebrates architects, and my Latin roots.

2024 marked 3 years of having my company and I couldn’t be prouder of how far it’s come in the 31 years I’ve been alive. The company has grown exponentially and so have I on a personal and professional level. My company’s increased its revenue yearly, and our clients from all types of ethnicities are something I am proud of. Furthermore, I have received an honor this year: the company was selected as one of the Best Architects on Long Island for the Long Island Herald.

As I dove more into being an entrepreneur, I realized the value of business development and connecting with like-minded individuals. As well as being involved with groups that make a difference. I am a proud member of AIA (American Institute of Architects) Long Island, where I am on the Women in Architecture Committee. I am also a Board of Director for the Glen Cove Chamber of Commerce. Furthermore, I am the Co-Sponsorship Committee Chair for LABNNY (Latina Business Network of New York), and I am a member of a few other networking groups.

As I sit here writing this, I look at what is to come, and to me, there is freedom connected to that. I foresee myself growing into my most aligned version of myself, and I look forward to seeing where Rooted Architecture Studio is in 2, 5, 10 years from now, and based on what I’ve experienced it will have impactful growth.

Further Connect with Rooted:

As always, feel free to check out our other blog posts, Instagram / Facebook posts, and sign up for our newsletter at the bottom of our website. Here at Rooted Architecture Studio, we’re dedicated to crafting meaningful, inclusive spatial design solutions for homeowners, investors, healthcare providers, and small business owners. As a bilingual firm, we prioritize clients’ needs, fostering connections and expanding roots. Our commitment to authentic, client-centric designs extends to creating healing architecture that promotes health and wellness, while integrating environmentally conscious practices to harmonize spaces with nature, acknowledging the profound connection between humans and the natural world. We do work throughout Long Island, the 5 boroughs and select locations in New Jersey, Westchester and some parts of upstate.

In addition to our Architectural services, I am passionate in educating others about what Architects do and the value we bring to society and to the individual. I do this via social media posts, these blogs, courses, and booklets. I also have merchandise for those who love design, are Architects, are soon to be Architects, Latinos, Immigrants, and supporters of the Rooted brand. You can find our products on our website.

Keep growing,

Katherine A. Serrano Sosa, AIA | NCARB

Please note that this blog should be read for informational purposes only.  If you have any questions or require additional information, please contact our office.