Marija Stancic

Marija Stancic, who graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Architecture in 2023, is currently working as a Design Professional at Onyx Creative, a nationwide firm headquartered in Cleveland with multiple offices across the United States, including Los Angeles, where she has been based for over two and a half years. Her work primarily focuses on retail tenant improvements, especially in fashion retail, while contributing to a broader portfolio of architectural projects. Marija chose NewSchool of Architecture & Design for its flexibility and its ability to build on the foundation she developed at the University of Belgrade, where she earned her initial degree. She values how the program prepares students for real-world practice, making it especially impactful for emerging professionals. Reflecting on her early career, Marija draws inspiration from Frank Gehry, emphasizing that “architecture isn’t just a form it’s an act of care.” She encourages students to embrace this perspective, understanding architecture as a responsibility shaped by its users and the environments it serves.