CRISTIANA RUEDA
Lamar Johnson Collaborative
SAY IT LOUD - ARIZONA Exhibitor
Arizona Based Designer
Who or what inspires you professionally?
Growing up in a border city, I was surrounded by familiar cultural influences and strong community values. I am inspired by spaces with a powerful identity that offer an opportunity to connect with a larger community.
CRISTIANA RUEDA
Bio:
My name is Cristiana Rueda, I was born and raised in El Paso, Texas. I graduated from Texas Tech University in 2016 with my Bacherlor's of Human Sciences in Interior Design and a minor in Architecture. I have been based in Phoenix, Arizona for the last 7 years, with both experience in high-end residential and commercial projects.
How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
My grandfather and many of my uncles worked in construction as bricklayers, so I like to think design and construction are in my blood. Moreover, I've always been interested in how physical surroundings are a reflection of identity.
What do you do?
I am an Interior Designer with Lamar Johnson Collaborative, working on mainly high-rise multifamily and higher education projects. I am involved in all design phases from developing conceptual design to facilitation construction administration.
What excites you in the work you do?
Collaborating with other architects and designers to develop good ideas into great ones.
Who or what inspires you professionally?
Growing up in a border city, I was surrounded by familiar cultural influences and strong community values. I am inspired by spaces with a powerful identity that offer an opportunity to connect with a larger community.
What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
I am proud to have earned my NCIDQ certification and represent as a licensed interior designer. Many BIPOC designers, especially women, exit our profession before getting licensed, so I hold this achievement close to my heart.
Featured Project Name:
Raza Development Fund Community Hub
Featured Project Location:
Phoenix, AZ
Featured Project Completion Date:
Spring 2022
Role in Featured Project:
Interior Designer (with Multistudio at time of project)
Featured Project Description:
Raza Development Fund is a thriving local non-profit organization, focused on creating opportunities for low-income families in South Phoenix, specifically the Latine community. Raza needed a functional community hub to serve as a headquarters for several local non-profit groups for ease of collaboration on community efforts. Scope of work included a complete interior tenant improvement of a former Dollar General store. Total construction budget was approx. $750k (not including furniture).
