The series 1:1 Leaders of Arquitectonica highlights individuals throughout Arquitectonica's global offices making waves in architecture and design. Join us regularly as we showcase their career paths design philosophies and the role of architecture shaping our world. We sat down with our Los Angeles Office Director Jacqueline Beckingham to chat about her journey and vision for the built environment. Enjoy the delightful Q&A we luckily had the chance to share with Jacqueline.

Your career spans multiple countries and continents. How has this shaped your approach?

I grew up in a small city in the north of England, which was far from cosmopolitan. Attending university in Dallas and later moving to London in the 1990s—at the height of Britpop and an exciting era for design—was eye-opening. I worked on projects across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, which pushed me to think globally about design's cultural and social impact. Now, in Los Angeles, I bring those lessons into my work, balancing international insights with local nuances.

What’s a recent Arquitectonica project that excites you?

One of the most exciting projects I’ve worked on is in Jinju, South Korea, where we’re collaborating with Shinsegae. It’s a unique mix of a bus terminal integrated with retail, leisure, and residential spaces, forming a main component of a larger master plan. It’s a fantastic example of how thoughtful design can bring vibrancy to a city by addressing multiple urban needs in a cohesive way.

What skill have you thought to be most valuable in your career as an architect?

I always think that an architect is like the conductor of an orchestra. We need to manage multiple moving parts while maintaining the overall vision. Communication is key—both internally with our teams and externally with clients. As I’ve gained experience, I’ve become more comfortable navigating those challenges.

What excites you most about your work right now?

I love the design process—the opportunity to start with a blank site and create something that enhances the environment. Recently, I’ve been inspired by our younger staff. They bring fresh ideas and a willingness to experiment. That exchange of perspectives is incredibly energizing.

How is technology reshaping architectural practice, and how does it impact your approach at Arquitectonica?

Technology has completely transformed how we design and communicate our ideas. Our younger team members bring incredible skills in 3D modeling and animation, which allow us to present designs to clients in ways that are more dynamic and tangible than ever before. This ability to visualize concepts so vividly is a game-changer for the design process. ,,However, there’s still an important balance to maintain. While technology opens new doors, there are moments—like sketching an idea in real-time for a client—where the simplicity of a pen and paper still matters. I always tell our team, don’t worry about what your sketches look like- the more you do it the better they will look.

What’s next for Arquitectonica’s LA office?

Culver City is an inspiring place to work, full of creative energy. Our studio is expanding, and we’re thrilled to welcome two new hires in January. We’re also working on realizing key projects, including the Sunset Boulevard development. My goal is to strengthen our presence in Los Angeles and continue building projects that reflect the city’s diversity.

What advice would you give to aspiring architects that you wish you had been told yourself?

Be patient and listen. When I was starting out, I was eager to jump into conversations, but I’ve learned the value of hearing other perspectives first. And don’t keep your ideas to yourself—they’re not as unique as you think, but they’ll never come to life if they stay in your head.