#56 A Career of Joy, Fearlessness, and Serendipity with Sylvia Kwan, FAIA

Sylvia Kwan, FAIA is a principal based out of DLR Group’s San
Francisco office. She has practiced in San Francisco for more
than 40 years and her past and present designs continue to impact
the built environment in the Bay Area. Sylvia founded Kwan Henmi
Architecture in 1980, and in 2017 Kwan Henmi joined DLR Group,
where Sylvia continues to focus on the transportation and higher
education sectors. She takes great pride in building
relationships with clients and exceeding their expectations.


 


Sylvia is an AIA Fellow, and has served on AIA boards at both
national and local chapter levels. She has received numerous
awards and personal recognitions for her design and business
achievements, including the San Francisco Business Times’ 75 Most
Influential Women in Business.


In this episode we talk about:


Sylvia’s experience of starting her own firm in her 20’s, and
what she attributes to her success

On relinquishing control as the size of your firm grows

Going into full rainmaker mode, and how Sylvia honed her
business development skills over the years

Business development tips, and advice for public speaking

On building relationships with decision makers and developing
your reputation

Sylvia’s experience of running her practice while raising two
sons

Kwan Henmi’s merger with DLR Group 

Sylvia’s goals for this next phase of her career after being
in the profession for 40+ years

Her career highlight

How Sylvia ended up being cast on Survivor Fiji!



 


Special thanks to Drew Henmi for this episode’s intro song. Check
out the full version of the song here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4K7uFzRNNk


 


LISTEN to other episodes at www.designvoicepodcast.com


FOLLOW the show on Instagram @designvoicepodcast


EMAIL us at hello@designvoicepodcast.com