Today we’d like to introduce you to William Antozzi.
Hi William, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
Sure. I was born and raised in Oldsmar, a charming city outside of Tampa. As a child, I remember enjoying getting lost in daydreams and paying little attention to the world around me, even while playing sports I would find a way to let my imagination run free. Like many kids, my facination with Legos would keep me in my room for hours, designing and constructing with my hands. It wasn’t until high school when I enrolled in an architectural drafting and design elective that I found the same profound enjoyment in a particular field.
This marked the beginning of my journey toward a Bachelor of Design in Architecture at the University of Florida, followed by a Masters in Architecture with an Emphasis in Sustainability at the University of Texas. It was during this period that I found myself among like-minded individuals for the first time, sharing in the passion that fueled my creativity. The rigorous academic path brought about many sleepless nights, but the comradery and exhilarating final reviews always validated the effort.
An exceptional opportunity arose during my time at the University of Texas, as I was selected to participate in a residency program at Renzo Piano Building Workshop (RPBW) in Genoa, Italy. Working alongside Renzo Piano, a renowned architect and master builder, on the design of the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York was an honor that left an enduring impact on the trajectory of my career.
Beyond academic pursuits, I began engaging in social and global initiatives, contributing to the construction of essential infrastructure in underserved communities domestically and abroad. My participation in this gave a sense of balance and purpose to my work that I enjoyed. Post-graduation, I returned to RPBW, this time at their Paris office, where I dedicated many years to various projects, including the notable Eighty-Seven Park residential tower in Miami.
In 2013, my journey led me to New York, overseeing the construction of several RPBW projects with needed attention. Once construction was completed, I transitioned to Diller Scofidio + Renfro, a firm I regard as one of the nation’s premier architectural practices. Working alongside industry icon Liz Diller proved inspirational, influencing my contemplation of establishing my practice.
After a decade of experience at renowned firms and contributing to some of the 21st century’s most important and acclaimed buildings, I leaped and established my own office.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Every path is bound to have its share of challenges, yet navigating through obstacles and persisting in the journey turns each day into a triumph. The shift from being an employee to a business owner demands an entirely new set of skills. Understanding these skills and acknowledging areas that need improvement is crucial. It’s not just about developing your company; it’s also about personal growth.
Every day requires a commitment to both self-improvement and advancing the company’s objectives. Success hinges on the discipline to stay focused and the consistency to make steady progress. A pointed quote captures this well: ”On the road to achieving your dreams, you must apply discipline, but more importantly, consistency. Because without commitment you’ll never start, but without consistency, you’ll never finish.”
As you know, we’re big fans of William Olmsted Antozzi Office of Architecture. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
William Olmsted Antozzi Office of Architecture (WAO) is a boutique design studio that works in the realm of public-oriented design, where people live, work, and play. Our expertise in civic and culturally minded spaces is rooted in ten years of work with the esteemed architectural offices Renzo Piano Building Workshop and Diller Scofidio + Renfro.
At our core is a design philosophy that revolves around finding solutions in unexpected opportunities, utilizing simple gestures to create an outsized impact, challenging conventional paradigms, and fostering novel dialogues about humanity’s role on our planet.
In parallel, our office engages in the field of social and global initiatives, contributing to community and environmental design. Collaborative projects span diverse areas, including the Solar Decathlon, Hurricane Katrina relief in Mississippi, design/build in Ladakh, India, Haiti disaster relief, and low-income primary school design/build in San Jose, Costa Rica. Through these ventures, the office teams with nonprofit organizations such as Basic Initiative, the Design Corps, and H.E.A.R.T, to bring socially conscious and inclusive design to those in need. We’re currently most excited about a new partnership with Culture For One to bring the world of design and architecture to foster children in the city.
WAO is also proud to be at the forefront of green and sustainable design practices. Acknowledging the built environment’s significant carbon emissions contribution, surpassing any other single source, our firm is committed to environmental consciousness. By signing the AIA 2030 Commitment, we solidify our dedication to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable design solutions through an educational, cost-effective, and well-designed approach.
Outside the office, I have taught a graduate design studio (M.Arch) at the Pratt Institute, School of Architecture. In addition, I participate in studio reviews and design critiques as a guest critic at several other universities, including The University of Florida, The University of Texas, Ecole Spéciale d’Architecture, Pratt Institute, Parsons The New School, Texas Tech University, The University of Virginia, The University of South Florida, and The Universidad Francisco Marroquín.
My firm has two office locations, Tampa, FL and Brooklyn, NY. We do work in both states, with a focus on Miami.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Important lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic have become integral to the ethos of our office. Initiated just a month before the global shutdown in 2020, our status as a fledgling firm proved advantageous amidst the challenges faced by more established companies. Embracing the remote work environment became a cornerstone of our adaptation strategy, enabling us to streamline costs and attract a diverse pool of talented individuals.
Our commitment to this flexible structure persists, with several remote team members who appreciate the autonomy and technological facets of our work. The pandemic underscored the adaptability of our profession, reinforcing our resolve to remain flexible and responsive as an office.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://waoarchitects.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/w.o.a.officeofarchitecture/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-olmsted-antozzi-iii-53b1047/
