Sandra Chow

AIA, NOMA (she/her)

Associate, Senior Project Manager

schow@bararch.com

INSPIRATION / SELECTED PROJECTS

“For as material alone gives reality to art, we will, in forming it, come to know those forces which are at work in any creation.”
— Anni Albers

What changes do you anticipate when thinking about the future of office/architecture/design?
Architecture is shifting rapidly as we deepen our understanding of how our work shapes both the physical and social environment. To meet this moment, we need to approach technology, adaptability, and sustainability proactively and integrate them thoughtfully throughout a project instead of applying them reactively. Grounding our decisions in honest awareness of our time, our challenges, and our available resources is essential to creating meaningful, responsible design.

What hobbies, activities do you enjoy outside of work? Fun fact about you.
What I love most is community – whether urban hiking, laughing at comedy shows, or dancing at concerts. But the best moments are the spontaneous gatherings when friends and family naturally come together.

What makes really great design?
For me, great design is defined by how deeply people can live in and connect with a space over time. It should feel intuitive yet continually revealing, supporting everyday rituals while offering moments of surprise and meaning. When design is empathetic and grounded in real human experience, it becomes a place where people feel safe, seen, and able to genuinely thrive.

Education: M.Arch., Rhode Island School of Design; B.A. Psychology & Sociology, Wesleyan University

Licenses & Accreditations: Licensed Architect, California

Organizations & Memberships: National Organization of Minority Architects