International Women's Day: Interview with Alina Ionescu

Tell us more about yourself!

I’m a versatile architectural designer on a journey to find my own voice in the design world. After nearly two decades of working with international companies on large-scale projects-such as The International School of Bucharest, High Speed Rail 2, Whitechapel Station, and The Elizabeth Line, to name a few, I’ve built a well-rounded expertise. While some projects are widely recognized, many others, though lesser known, have played an equally important role in shaping my experience.

Lately, I’ve been focusing on smaller-scale projects that offer greater creative flexibility. These include interior designs for small to medium-sized commercial spaces, planning applications for residential properties, and landscape designs for private gardens. This shift allows me to work more closely with clients, bringing their unique visions to life in a more personalized way.

What do you love most about what you do?

What I love most is the people. Meeting interesting individuals, hearing their stories, and gaining their trust to bring their vision to life is incredibly rewarding. I enjoy the entire process - from that first relaxed conversation where we exchange ideas to transforming those discussions into sketches and final designs that they can bring to life.

While I’m grateful for my past experiences and the wonderful people I’ve met along the way, working for myself feels more aligned with who I am. It gives me the flexibility to work at my own pace, follow my own rhythm, and build a business that truly reflects my identity.

Why did you decide to work for yourself?

I’ve always been an independent person who thrives when given the space to work on my own terms. While I’m grateful for my past experiences and the wonderful people I’ve met along the way, working for myself feels more aligned with who I am. It gives me the flexibility to work at my own pace, follow my own rhythm, and build a business that truly reflects my identity.

What does the future of work look like for you?

I see my future in continuing to grow my business, potentially expanding into collaborations with a team or like-minded partners.

In your opinion, what role do women play in shaping the future of work?

I believe we need more women leaders to bring balance to the current landscape, which often feels overly aggressive. I deeply respect both men and women, but I think workplaces, and even entire countries, would benefit from a more cooperative approach rather than constant competition.

Women are natural creators, protectors, and imaginative thinkers. We work hard and have the unique ability to multiply the impact of whatever we’re given. As a proud Romanian woman architect in a male-dominated industry, I hope to leave my mark on the world with grace in the time I have.

How long have you used Fiverr, and how does it help you grow your business?

I created my Fiverr account four years ago but actively started using it about two years ago. It’s been a great way to connect with clients who need my expertise. Beyond finding the right clients, Fiverr provides valuable tools to manage my work and continuously develop my business.

I believe that with the right mindset and drive, Fiverr is more than just a platform for finding clients, it’s also a space for networking and forming interdisciplinary teams, which is something I plan to explore in the near future.