The Learning Curve: A Lifelong Interest Becomes a Profession

July 7, 2026

MAA’s Associate Project Manager sits down with CPE’s Mikayla Sciortino to discuss how a childhood dream became a career.

The Learning Curve Featured image with Mikayla and Jonathan Sinco from MAA — MAA’s Associate Project Manager, Jonathan Sinco discusses with CPE’s Mikayla Sciortino the work that goes into becoming an architect and what it takes beyond creativity. *Image by Sergey Nivens/iStockphoto.com*

Many people worry that turning a passion into a profession can diminish their enthusiasm for it. For Jonathan Sinco, associate project manager at Merriman Anderson Architects, this was not the case. For the last seven years Sinco has been advancing his career with the firm.

From an early age, Sinco was drawn to architecture. In this episode of The Learning Curve, he shares how he used to fall asleep thinking about how he could make buildings better or spending his time building cities with his brother.

“The only thing I wanted to build was buildings and houses, so I think it was pretty clear from a really early age that the interest was there in a strong way,” he said. While choosing architecture was never much of a question, learning how to become an architect proved to be a much longer journey.

Jonathan Sinco MAA — Jonathan Sinco. *Image courtesy of MAA*

His education taught him how to defend his work, why collaboration is important and nitty-gritty aspects to being a great architect such as software and building codes. Throughout his time with MAA, Sinco has been able to gain experience in all types of asset classes. Today he is more drawn to projects that are centered around hospitality or multifamily, the spaces people actually live in and experience on a daily basis.

“I’m constantly thinking, is this going to be the best solution and space plan? And is this space going to work for the person using it,” Sinco said.

Even after graduation, Sinco shared how there were some learning curves and skills he is continuing to develop. From creative decisions to knowing certain codes and regulations, Sinco gives an inside look to what it means to be an architect today.

Some highlights from the conversation:

(2:30) A continued fascination

(4:43) Creativity and problem solving

(8:28) Making spaces better for people

(11:03) Stand on business for your work

(15:00) The art of collaboration

(21:41) Knowing the codes

(29:33) Architecture as a practice and the benefits of hard work

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