I am Roma Olišauskaitė, Lithuanian architectural designer, currently living in the San Francisco Bay Area.
I am interested in architecture at different scales, have a passion for historical architecture and concern about healthy cities.
One of my most memorable childhood experiences consist of taking care of mounds (half natural, half artificial historic fortification structures typical to Lithuania). I learnt we are the ones who are responsible to take care of our environment. It led me to study architecture.
The school of architecture I attended gave me understanding of the importance of the relation between architecture and its context. It led me to deepen my knowledge to urban design in master studies.
My study years brought me opportunities to get acquianted with different European architecture.
I had a study exchange in Tampere, Finland, in the fall semester of the 3rd year of university.
By the time I was in my master studies and part-time working in area of heritage preservation, I have also visited Lisbon, Portugal, where I had an internship at Barbas Lopes Arquitectos. I got acquianted with Portuguese school of architecture which, in my opinion, have a minimalist view, critical attention to detail and philosophic approach to the setting. It gave me new insights to architecture.
My practical experience mostly comes from Lietuvos paminklai (english: Lithuanian monuments). Being a third year university student I had an intership there, following the position of an architect after I graduated. This is one of a few historic preservation companies in Lithuania that deals with registered cultural heritage objects. I was fortunate to spend time at Lithuanian monuments since I had an opportunity to deepen my knowledge about my own heritage and contribute to its preservation.
Throughout my journey, I am glad to meet special people whose personalities, experiences, opinions shape me as a professional and a person.