An architect by trade and an artist by birthright, Oana Stănescu is a multi-hyphenate whose work inspires musings of community and play. Raised in Romania amidst the revolution that ousted dictator Nicolae Ceausescu, Oana grew up understanding a fundamental truth: worlds can, and do, change—often when you least expect. This reality taught her to create her own world. Utilizing architecture as her domain, Oana has created several worlds, often bridging the gap between a discipline known for its permanence with several others. This ability to work across cross-disciplinary lines has lead to many iconic projects; one of which being the 50-foot stage-prop volcano that eclipsed Kanye West during his Yeezus tour.

Blending the worlds of architecture, design and pop culture is no easy feat but Oana has done so with expert execution; not only for Kanye West but for other creative pioneers such as Virgil Abloh, for whom Oana helped design the iconic Off-White location in Singapore. Speaking on to the New York Times these collaborations, Oana noted, “Design is at its best when it’s collaborative. I’m interested in pushing the boundaries of what architecture can do.”

In our own conversation, and in our own way, Oana and I spoke of pushing the boundaries of what one can do. Principally we focused on doing so through one’s own. “It’s a privilege to take subjects of interests, things that are on your mind, and just pursue them,” Oana noted in the episode. In the context of work, this remains the supreme dream, and what I loved most about this interview is that Oana reminded us that this dream remains a possibility: it’s very much possible to create your own world—to take subjects of interests and just pursue them.

Thus, Changemakers, the lasting note of this conversation is to take your ideas and find a medium—a vessel if you will—through which your ideas can manifest into the material world. Be it as an architect, artist, designer, or podcaster. There’s dignity in work, and nourishment in seeing our dreams come true.

Changemakers, I invite you to listen in on this conversation with Oana. As we discuss the importance of audacity, remaining curious and how we, at the end of it all, become responsible for the world(s) we live in, I hope you find lasting inspiration for your own work and life.

Episode 011 of The Catalyst can be listened to by playing the audio player below as well as on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. If you enjoyed the conversation with Oana, let me know! I would love to hear from you, Changemakers, so share your comments below on this post or on The Catalyst’s Instagram and Twitter.

architecture Kanye west off-white virgil abloh