Hi! I’m Julia Gamolina. I work at the intersection of architecture, media, and culture, with a focus on the people, ideas, and stories shaping our world. I founded and lead Madame Architect, an independent publication dedicated to the people shaping our built world. I'm also an Associate Vice President at Ennead Architects, a CannonDesign company, and I write “Both, And”, a newsletter on Substack exploring the many dimensions of a creative and professional life.

Photography by Cait Bourgault, courtesy of Architalx.

After graduating from Cornell AAP, with a Bachelor of Architecture, I began my career as a designer while pursuing two parallel interests: writing as a way to share the insights and advice I was receiving, and understanding the business behind architectural practice. Over time, these interests evolved into a career spanning media, professional practice, and education.

Writing & Editorial

Since founding Madame Architect in 2018, I've led its editorial, creative, and strategic direction, growing it into an award-winning publication with readers in more than 100 countries. Through interviews, essays, events, and partnerships, I've built a platform dedicated to celebrating the people and ideas shaping our built world. I've also written for publications including Fast Company, Metropolis, The Architect's Newspaper, and A Women's Thing, exploring women's careers, creative leadership, and the evolution of architectural practice. Beyond publishing, I've conceived and produced more than 30 events and public conversations across several series, including Madame Architect Presents, Ennead in Dialogue, and New Earth Dialogues in collaboration with Another Tomorrow. These programs bring together voices across architecture, design, and culture to explore the ideas, experiences, and relationships shaping our world.

 

Design & Strategy

My background in architecture spans design, communications, business development, and strategy, giving me a comprehensive understanding of both the creative process and the business of practice. As a designer, I've worked on projects internationally, across scales and typologies, from luxury interiors to commercial workplaces. I continue to explore design through independent creative projects. Alongside my design work, I've developed a particular interest in how architecture and design firms evolve. I've helped establish practices in new markets, shape communications and visibility strategies, recruit key talent, and develop business development initiatives and long-term strategic plans.

 

Teaching & Speaking

I've taught two graduate-level courses at Pratt Institute: professional practice and a seminar on architecture and design media, for which I developed the curriculum. I'm also a frequent speaker, moderator, and guest critic at universities and conferences internationally, engaging in conversations about architecture, entrepreneurship, media, creative leadership, and career development. I regularly serve on design juries and award committees, and particularly enjoy opportunities to connect with students and emerging professionals. Having benefited from the generosity and guidance of so many people throughout my own career, I consider sharing what I've learned an important part of my work.

I also often speak about how I built Madame Architect and the ecosystem of professionals transforming our industry. I try to engage with students as much as possible, from participating on juries, to visiting and speaking to classes. So many wonderful people have given me guidance, that I take every chance that I can to pay it forward! One of my favorite things was a workshop I led for Kids Worldwide and the River Fund to introduce little ones to architecture. From time to time, I also take part in projects such as the Rosie Reborn campaign (watch the video here!), and Autodesk’s documentary, “Voices of Change: Women in Architecture in Design”.