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Senior Job Captain | Team Lead

Amanda Gruen

Education

Bachelor of Arts, Urban Design
& Architecture Studies
Minors in Art History & Studio Art
New York University

Master of Historic Preservation
Pratt Institute

Master of Architecture
University of Pennsylvania

Registrations & Associations

Architect, State of California
– in progress

Membership
American Institute of Architects
(Associate)
NCARB

9
Years of Experience
2
Years with Firm

Professional Profile

Amanda brings a thoughtful blend of architectural expertise and historic preservation knowledge to StudioWC’s educational practice. Holding advanced degrees in both Architecture and Historic Preservation, she approaches each project with a deep respect for context, craft, and technical rigor.

Since joining StudioWC, Amanda has taken a key role on complex, multi-phased campus projects that combine new construction with the modernization of existing facilities. She navigates the layered challenges of working within active school environments—balancing phasing, constructability, and coordination—while keeping design intent and student experience at the forefront. Her ability to contribute meaningfully to both new building design and intricate renovations makes her a strong asset on comprehensive campus improvements.

Amanda is highly skilled in construction documentation and BIM coordination, consistently identifying efficiencies and elevating team standards for modeling and drawing production. She is a collaborative team member who supports clear communication across disciplines and helps strengthen project delivery from early planning through construction.

Prior to focusing on TK-12 work, Amanda contributed to large-scale developments and higher education renovations, gaining experience in complex programming, documentation, and furniture coordination. This breadth of experience informs her thoughtful, detail-oriented approach to educational design.

Amanda is passionate about creating well-crafted, enduring spaces that support learning and community—an ethos that aligns seamlessly with StudioWC’s commitment to California’s school districts.

Personal Story

Amanda is a native San Diegan who grew up with three younger siblings. She attended Rancho Santa Fe Elementary School and Torrey Pines High School. She played several sports and enjoyed tennis the most.

Amanda’s mother has had the most influence on her daughter, supporting her decision to become an architect early on. “As a child, I was always building, drawing, reading, and buying architecture books as souvenirs,” she said. “My mother and I would drive around different neighborhoods and look at open houses, so she inspired me with this pastime. I also grew up in a 1927 Lilian Rice Spanish Colonial house. This encouraged my curiosity in learning about history, architecture, and architectural theory.”

Amanda recently bought her first home and has done a lot of remodeling herself, including laying tile, installing the kitchen backsplash, some flooring, renovating the fireplace, and painting.

Fortunate to be an international traveler, a partial list of places she has visited includes Iceland, Egypt, South Korea, Argentina, Israel, Turkey, Greece, Germany, France, and Italy. “Traveling has developed and expanded my perspective, leading to many incredible experiences, tasting amazing food, appreciating architecture and other wonders of the world, as well as meeting people I never would have otherwise,” she said.

In addition to DIY projects at home, she loves to spend time with her family, including her husband, Chris, and their dog, Truffle,. Both she and Chris love to globetrot (they met in Italy). Their most recent trip together was to India for a friend’s wedding (The Taj Mahal, shown in photograph). In the next few years, they are hoping to cross Spain, Portugal, Morocco, and South Africa off their wish list.

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