Meet Taryn Zaragoza | Operations in the Creative Industry

We had the good fortune of connecting with Taryn Zaragoza and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Taryn, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Although I’ve never considered myself inherently creative, I’ve always been drawn to careers within creative industries. It fulfills the side of me which craves artistic elements in my life. Architecture, to me, is a form of art that we live in and interact with daily. My role as an Operations Manager at Relativity Architects allows me to be part of this creative process, ensuring that the visions and designs of architects are realized efficiently and effectively. I find it incredibly fulfilling to be involved in projects that not only look visually stunning but also serve a practical purpose, enhancing the quality of life for the people who use these spaces. Additionally, the constant evolution of architectural styles and the integration of new technologies keep this field dynamic and exciting, providing endless opportunities for learning and growth.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
The expansion of a small architecture firm into a larger international company has been a challenging yet rewarding journey, filled with numerous learning experiences. Keeping up with the latest technological advancements was essential to stay competitive and deliver high-quality work is a major hurdle to overcome in any growing firm. It has required us to be flexible and adaptable, often seeking expertise and applying what’s best for the way we work. Managing people, especially in a growing firm, presented its own set of challenges. As the firm expanded, we had to develop effective communication strategies, build a cohesive company culture, and manage a diverse team of professionals. Ensuring that our team members were not only skilled but also aligned with our company’s vision and values was crucial. We had to learn how to motivate and retain talent, while also fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment. Amidst these challenges, one of my proudest achievements has been the establishment of Operations by Design. This new venture was born out of a recognition of the struggles small architecture firms face in balancing the artistic and business sides of their operations. Our company aims to assist these firms by managing their business-related tasks, allowing architects to focus on what they do best: designing and creating. By offering services in areas such as financial management, human resources, compliance, and technology integration, we provide a comprehensive solution that enables smaller firms to thrive without the burden of operational complexities. Operations by Design is a testament to our commitment to the field of architecture and represents a culmination of the lessons learned and expertise gained in our journey from a small firm to an international entity.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
In a town where tourism is so big it’s very important to me that we avoid all the tourist traps at all costs. For coffee/breakfast we are going to hit up Paper or Plastik café in mid city, Met Her at a Bar(try to get there before 9am), or Bru’s Wiffle in Santa Monica. For hiking, to avoid crazy crowds and not being able to park would also take them to one of my favorite spots, the Culver City stairs, they have the best view of both downtown and the beach(on a clear day) or Will Rodgers State park.
My favorite meal is dinner, here are my favorites for each category: KBBQ – Baekjeong, Ramen – Shin Sen Gumi, Italian – Jon n Vinny’s, Chinese – Genghis Kohen, Indian – Crown of India.
Finally, for drinks we will go to No Vacancy for the vibes and good drinks. We will then go to Dirty Laundry or Breakroom 86 to dance the night away.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The Studio of Relativity has been a pivotal part of my journey, playing a significant role in my professional growth. When I joined the firm seven years ago, I was still in the process of completing my Bachelor’s degree. The supportive environment at the studio not only allowed me to finish my undergraduate studies but also encouraged me to pursue further education. Currently, I am on the cusp of completing my Master’s degree, a milestone I could not have achieved without the firm’s backing. Throughout my tenure at the Studio of Relativity, I have witnessed and contributed to the firm’s growth, paralleling my own development. The opportunities provided by the studio have been instrumental in shaping my career. They’ve offered me a platform to apply my academic learnings in a practical setting, enabling me to bridge the gap between theory and practice. This hands-on experience has been invaluable, allowing me to refine my skills and deepen my understanding of the field.
The people in this firm have been my greatest supporters.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taryn-z-3b7b5b15a/