Posen People: Meet Yuliya Tkach
Yuliya Tkach is a senior project architect at the firm. Her passion is to blend the latest technologies and advanced design tools to unleash her team’s creativity and increase everyone’s expertise, while meeting demanding schedules and budgets.
Read below to learn more about Yuliya’s background and her work as a project architect.
What did you do before joining Posen Architects?
I wanted a fulfilling career, so I was very mobile in the industry, learning every aspect of it to determine exactly what I wanted to do. I worked in construction, various subcontractors’ shops, real estate development, facilities and small and large architectural and engineering firms. These organizations ranged from having a worldwide footprint to very small firms, both in New Jersey and New York City.
What made you decide to focus on technology in the architectural world?
The technology that is now available to architects has completely changed the field and it is continuing to evolve. It’s exciting and fulfilling to be able to apply these new tools to design with efficiency and creative freedom.
Can you give an example of some of this new technology?
What drew me to focus on technology in architecture was witnessing how quickly the landscape around us is evolving — not just physically, but in how we think, build, and respond to challenges. I realized that traditional methods, while foundational, often couldn’t keep pace with the demands of modern design — whether it’s tighter timelines, complex coordination, or the growing need for sustainable solutions.
Technology offered a way to bridge that gap. Tools like building information modeling (BIM) and parametric design gave me the ability to work more efficiently, make smarter decisions earlier in the process, and ultimately save time without sacrificing creativity or quality. For me, it’s not just about using software — it’s about leveraging technology as a way to design with more clarity, more impact, and more adaptability in a world that never stops changing.
What do you like most about your job?
I love the freedom architecture provides. All the projects are so different, and you can go in many directions, working on your own or with a great team. You can decide how to get certain tasks accomplished, using the latest tools and technology to achieve the best results.
Who or what inspired you to become an architect?
As a kid, I grew up studying fine arts, but science and technology were equally fascinating. Architecture was the perfect marriage of them all, so by the time I was in high school, I knew this was what I wanted to do. In fact, already at that age, I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.
What has surprised you most about the architecture field?
I was surprised at how much depends on collaboration and communication, not just design. I initially came into architecture thinking it was all about creativity and technical skills — and while those are important, I quickly realized that successful projects hinge just as much on how well you can communicate with clients, engineers, and contractors.
It also surprised me how much problem-solving happens in real time. Designs evolve constantly based on new constraints, feedback, or unexpected site issues. Being flexible and responsive became just as critical as having a strong vision. That dynamic, ever-changing nature of architecture — where no two days or projects are ever the same — is something I didn’t expect at first, but now value deeply.
Is there a particular type of project you would like to work on that you haven’t yet?
I would love to design a big cruise ship. I’ve worked on many different buildings that house people to live, work or play, but they’re always on the street. I think it would be fascinating to work on something that isn’t on land.
What are the characteristics necessary to make a good architect?
You must be patient, and you must be flexible because your job is to understand the client’s priorities and adapt to what they need.
What makes Posen different from other firms?
The culture. They are so open-minded, to their clients, each other, and the consultants involved in each project. They encourage input and just provide an atmosphere productive to growth and collaboration.