Petra Navratilova is an accomplished architect with Roger Ferris + Partners LLC, a renowned architecture firm headquartered in Westport, Connecticut. Since graduating with a Bachelor of Architecture from The University of Arizona in 2014, Ms. Navratilova has dedicated her career to delivering innovative and sustainable design solutions that harmonize with their environments. Her work has encompassed a broad spectrum of projects, from residential and commercial buildings to institutional spaces, reflecting her ability to balance creativity with practicality in architecture. Known for its environmentally conscious approach and client-centered philosophy, Roger Ferris + Partners has provided an ideal platform for Ms. Navratilova to develop her craft and take on new challenges in architecture.
As a leading architect at the firm, Ms. Navratilova has assumed a pivotal role in managing complex design projects. Her responsibilities span the entire design process, from initial client consultations to the conceptual design phase, where she drafts drawing packages, floor plans, and renderings. Her talent for creating detailed visual representations ensures that clients can fully envision the outcome. Throughout the design development phase, she collaborates with clients to refine and enhance their vision, drawing on her expertise in 3D modeling and design presentation. By the time a project transitions to construction, Ms. Navratilova has thoroughly prepared her team and established a cohesive design direction that guides the builders and contractors to completion. She remains actively involved by conducting regular site visits to ensure that the built environment adheres to her design specifications.
In 2022, Ms. Navratilova’s work on two significant projects— the Pink Pool House and the East Houston Office building in New York City—earned her the Chicago Athenaeum American Architecture Design Award. These projects underscore her skill in integrating contemporary architecture within diverse urban landscapes. For the East Houston Office building, she introduced open glazing and a welcoming entry portal, skillfully merging modern design elements with the city’s historic charm. The building’s design also incorporated a serene garden space, establishing a seamless transition between the bustling urban setting and the office’s interior.
Ms. Navratilova attributes much of her success to the creative latitude her firm provides, allowing her to work on diverse projects that inspire her continuous growth. The variety of assignments—from hospitals and libraries to private residences—fuels her curiosity and deepens her commitment to finding thoughtful design solutions. She approaches each project with a clear objective: to create spaces that are both visually compelling and functional for the people who will use them. This balance of artistry and functionality is a driving force in her work.
Over the years, Ms. Navratilova has advanced from an intern to a managerial position, overseeing other architects and interns at Roger Ferris + Partners. Her role has evolved to encompass marketing responsibilities, including managing the photography of completed projects and curating the firm’s visual portfolio. This expanded role has allowed her to explore various aspects of architecture, including business and marketing, areas she sees as essential to the success of any architectural endeavor. She is profoundly interested in how buildings influence human behavior, interaction, and perspective. This insight fuels her design process, as she sketches and conceptualizes how her ideas will shape physical space. Her love for art and an early fascination with cosmetics originally drew her to architecture, a field she views as the ideal blend of creativity and structure. Her greatest professional accomplishment is her ability to navigate each phase of a project, from initial concept to completion. Each project she undertakes brings new challenges, and her capacity to address these complexities has strengthened her confidence in her field.
Ms. Navratilova’s aspiration to achieve licensure as a professional architect reflects her commitment to furthering her expertise. She envisions obtaining her license within the next two years, which will open doors to more independent projects and, ultimately, the possibility of founding her own firm. Her long-term goal is to create an architectural practice that champions inspiring, innovative projects for a diverse clientele. Ms. Navratilova is motivated by the evolving landscape of architecture and the advancements in materials science that enable novel design possibilities. She is particularly intrigued by the development of new polymers and other materials that expand the scope of architectural expression. By integrating these materials into her work, she seeks to create architectural experiences that are not only visually striking but also cutting-edge in their application of modern science.
In her reflections on the profession, Ms. Navratilova emphasizes the fulfillment that comes from understanding and connecting with clients on a personal level. Her favorite aspect of architecture lies in the opportunity to shape environments that enhance clients’ lives, a unique satisfaction that she finds deeply rewarding. She has developed a holistic approach that combines her architectural skills with her curiosity about human needs, leading to projects that are both personal and impactful. Inspiration is a central theme in Ms. Navratilova’s career. She finds motivation in the work of other architects and the ways in which they push the boundaries of design, utilizing materials and forms to reimagine spaces. This observation of innovative practices fuels her ambition to create designs that challenge traditional norms. Additionally, her respect for historical architecture provides a foundation for her work, as she seeks to build on the enduring qualities that make certain designs timeless.
In her personal life, Ms. Navratilova engages in outdoor activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and hiking, which help her draw inspiration from natural environments. Additionally, she has a longstanding appreciation for music, having played the violin for ten years. This artistic background informs her architectural perspective, allowing her to approach design with a nuanced sense of rhythm and balance. Through her work at Roger Ferris + Partners, Ms. Navratilova has found a career that aligns with her passion for creativity, precision, and impactful design. As she continues to grow as an architect, her dedication to making meaningful contributions to the built environment remains steadfast, with aspirations that promise an exciting future in architecture.
