My singular goal was to work as an architect. I didn't have anything otherwise. I thought, “I’m an architect, and I'm going to work as an architect.” I soon realized that it didn't come that easy. So, I called every architect in Edmonton. I would say, “My name is Margaret Adu, I am a qualified Architect from Ghana, and I want to work as an architect.” And every one of them turned me down.
During that time, I was still making the phone calls to architectural firms, and they continued to say no. One of the last ones I called was located very near to where we were living. I realized I could walk in there and make my case in person – so I did.

I took my portfolio, my resume, and I barged into their offices. I said, "I just spoke to you, and you said you didn't have a job, but I want a job – I’m not going anywhere –I get it, I don’t have the Canadian, education, experience, and a black woman with a gap in her teeth, who speaks with an accent, and you are thinking I am not suitable for the position, - in fact, i’ll work for free.” One of the partners said, “let me see your portfolio.” He was impressed with my work and knew the university I attended, the renowned Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.