September 16, 2013, San Antonio

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Newsmaker: Carol M. Warkoczewski

Last October, Carol Warkoczewski became the new city architect for San Antonio. It is a title that comes with a long list of responsibilities undefined including overseeing more than 100 projects for the city’s residents.

So what does it take to be the city architect? Below are five things to know about Warkoczewski and her role with the city of San Antonio that will shed some light on her job and the future she is helping to build for the Alamo City.

• Her formal title is almost as long as the list of projects she oversees

Warkoczewski heads up Capital Improvements Management Services (CIMS)-Vertical Division. She leads a team of 25 architects and support staff. To date, her team has 133 active projects undefined including Pearsall Park, the Hemisfair PlayEscape project as well as some fire stations, community centers and libraries.

• Warkoczewski believes in taking a big-picture approach to projects

“The methods we use to plan, design and deliver our projects make a difference,” she explains. Therefore, she adds, it is important that her department, and those the city partners with, are taking a long-term view of these projects. “My philosophy is that the highest needs of the city’s citizens are best met when we take a long-term approach and make sure that the investments we make in our built environment are well-planned and well executed,” she says.

• Warkoczewski is an adept juggler of projects

She was previously the assistant director of resource management for the University of Texas System undefined which meant overseeing the projects of 15 campuses within the system.

“Of my many ‘hats’ at UT System, I oversaw the development of the University of Texas System’s six-year Capital Improvement Program. I worked with the 15 components to help identify and clarify their project needs.”

• Warkoczewski is a practical artist

Asked what compelled her to a career as an architect, Warkoczewski says that she wanted to have a positive influence on people through her projects.

“And I wanted to combine my artistic sense with a ‘practical’ purpose,” she adds.

• Warkoczewski is excited about the Hemisfair PlayEscape

“I can see myself bringing my now 9-month old granddaughter there in a couple of years, and it will be really fun!” she says.

Warkoczewski is also heading up a task force to designate what she calls a “cultural zone.” This zone would be located west of North St. Mary’s Street and east of IH-35, primarily along Commerce Street.

“We will be seeking Council approval for this designation in October,” she adds.