In this episode of The Emergence Room, we sit down with the extraordinary duo Bonnie Fisher and Boris Dramov of the ROMA Design Group—partners in life, in practice, and in purpose. This married team of architects has shaped communities, cities, and cultural memory through their work, including the iconic Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Our conversation moves from the foundations of architecture to the architecture of a life well-lived—exploring what it means to collaborate with intention, nurture creativity, raise a family, and stay aligned with one's values in the face of external demands. Bonnie and Boris open up about balancing client expectations with artistic integrity, making space for children to become themselves, and how partnership—both personal and professional—can deepen one's sense of purpose.
They are, without question, relationship goals: tender, grounded, generous, and deeply inspiring. Their reflections remind us that building a life, a family, or a community follows the same principles as building meaningful spaces—clarity, care, flexibility, and love.
A beautiful conversation with two people who truly design from the heart.
