Hi! My name is Sunny Moran and I’m an Architectural Designer, Industrial Designer, Skilled Woodworker, avid Outdoor Adventurer, and devoted Animal Lover. Currently, I reside in Troy, NY with my partner and pets. I work for a local Architecture firm and this is my side business. 

 

I'm originally from Peru, I moved to New Jersey at the age of 15, and after completing high school, I ventured off to the West Coast for 18 years. After almost two decades, I returned to the west coast.

​

I hold an NCARB-accredited BA in Architecture from the Newschool of Architecture & Design in San Diego, CA. With over 20 years of expertise in Architecture and Industrial Design, I have worked across various sectors of the Design Industry, such as: Education, Medical and Animal Facilities, Civics, Commercial & Mix-Use/Residential work, Product Prototypes, Startup Businesses, and Business Strategies.

​

My passion for all the above started in my childhood and has grown with me till now. I am thrilled to embark on the next chapter of my life and share my knowledge with the upcoming generation.

​

My journey in mentoring began in my third year of Architecture school, by joining other studio years, below or above my year, for their weekly jury reviews every Friday night. I always had a keen interest in learning from others and providing constructive feedback. After completing Architecture school, I officially joined the Mentor and Mentee Program to mentor the students at my university. Additionally, prior to starting to work in the field of Architecture, I taught at the “The Art Studio”, previously known as “Studio Kids”, for after-school programs at private Middle Schools in Montclair, NJ, under Suzanne O’Connor.

​

​

my Mission

​

​

​

My ultimate life goal is to help improve the living conditions for humans and animals by teaching the new generation to design mindfully, meaningfully, and sustainably functional Architectural spaces and multifunctional furniture/products. I'd love to share my knowledge with students whose passion for design comes naturally to them. I want to help the youth to remain courageous and authentic, conserving their integrity to avoid them from becoming professional robotic rat labs. 

​

I believe this new generation needs to understand the challenges this world faces and not ignore and contribute to the issues. If your child is consistently coming up with meaningful ideas, you can already tell that he/she/they have the potential to make a difference and it is up to us adults to nurture their good intentions. 

​

I take a very holistic approach to the methods of my teaching. Your children will never have me telling them what to do, rather, they will utilize me as their mentor, and I will guide them to navigate their own evolving methods of thinking. I will challenge them to think outside the box.

​

I follow a similar philosophy to that of Reggio Emilia's Approach: "It is a student-centered and constructivist self-guided curriculum that uses self-directed, experiential learning in relationship-driven environments, based in Respect, Responsibility, Community, Value exploration, and Discovery." 

​

Architecture is a beautiful career that unfortunately is being corrupted by the ambition of millionaire developers and the close-minded U.S. governmental system. It needs to end, and if you agree with my statement and want your child or teen to not form part of that monstrosity, then let's help them remain genuinely creative so they can reform the social infrastructure of their culture. 

​

​

my Values

​

​

​​​

I am dedicated to working and doing things that bring me joy and have a positive impact on my life. I refuse to take on projects that go against my values and beliefs. I consider myself fortunate to have discovered and known my passions at a very young age.

​

Growing up in Peru, I found myself naturally designing functional and sustainable solutions due to my own needs. I learned about environmental psychology without even realizing it, as I have always strived to feel comfortable in my surroundings.

My father, an industrial designer, taught me about innovation and minimalistic living. From the age of 9-12, we lived in the Jungle and Sierra regions of Peru for religious missions, where I was exposed to learning to live sustainably and constantly thinking outside the box. We volunteered our time to help people in need. We fixed and painted their homes and furniture. We also taught people the importance of living meaningfully and being kind to others.

​

My upbringing instilled in me a sense of creativity and resourcefulness. Back at home on the coast of Peru, my dad’s shop became my design studio. I was his assistant. I accompanied him to the recycling center to pick up on materials he needed for his projects, while I would be picking up interesting objects that caught my eye. My father will humor me and will help me design something with those pieces. Those were the best years of my life.

​

My passion for meaningful designs stems from my commitment to living with a purpose and making a positive impact. I strive for excellence, functionality, and uniqueness in my work and enjoy helping others visualize and achieve their creative goals. My core values include integrity, vulnerability, mindfulness, open communication, and respect. Although I am not a religious person, I consider myself spiritual and believe in the energy of the universe. I believe in the impact there is with the way we move around the universe and the way we impact others. This is why, as a universal Designer, it is important for me to continue spreading good energy to our world so we can improve the condition of humanity.

 

Outside of work, I am an early riser who enjoys a stress-free lifestyle. I start my day with HIIT exercise daily, followed by walking my dogs before heading to work, and after work I like to keep busy engaging in hobbies like cycling, hiking, planning my next camping trip, playing tennis, practicing the keyboard or Ukulele, listening to music, dancing, cooking, attending events, socializing with friends, and exploring places.

 

I am very grateful for each day and the opportunity to mentor others in their creative pursuits.

​

Beyond my work in design, I am passionate about storytelling and human connection. I run an open mic and writing workshop called Vulnerable Narratives (see links below), a space where people can share their raw, unfiltered experiences through spoken word and writing. This initiative is rooted in my belief that storytelling fosters resilience, authenticity, and healing. I aim to help others find strength in their stories while deepening my own understanding of the human experience.

​

Thank you for taking the time to learn about me. I look forward to helping you bring your ideas to life!

​

​

Sunny