Bio:

Leticia Ortega Ochoa is a Los Angeles born and raised Architect and Principal at NAC Architecture — a proud Chicana with Mexican immigrant parents who immigrated in the early 1970’s. She obtained a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Cal Poly Pomona in 1998, becoming the first person in her family to graduate from a University. Her passions lie in designing educational & community facilities and giving back to the community. Leticia is a role model as a professional, a woman, and a caregiver.

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How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?

I was the only girl in my 6th-grade drafting class. It was daunting, but I was intrigued by studying and interpreting objects through drawings from various perspectives. Thanks to supportive mentors, that early experience set me firmly on my path.

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What do you do?

As a project leader, my top priority is to empower and create an inclusive work culture. With 25+ years of experience, I have mentored numerous professionals and strongly believe in amplifying voices and providing spaces for everyone to be heard.

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What excites you in the work you do? 

Collaborating with colleagues daily, I am committed to designing impactful projects that make a positive difference in the communities we serve. I am motivated by the prospect of bringing these initiatives to life and benefiting the community.

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Who or what inspires you professionally? 

My inspiration comes from those I design for, including students who can now learn in purposefully designed schools, older adults who now have access to community resources, and individuals without homes who have a haven where they can feel safe.

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What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?

While raising three young children, I earned my professional license and advanced as a female Principal in a male-dominated industry. My progression hopefully inspires and challenges gender stereotypes, opening doors for other women to succeed.

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Featured Project Name: 

Buena Park Middle School Music Building

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Featured Project Location: 

Buena Park, CA

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Featured Project Completion Date: 

2021​

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Role in Featured Project: 

Principal In Charge

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Featured Project Description:

Since completion, this building has become a favored gathering spot for the campus,and has been nicknamed the Little Jewel Box of Buena Park Middle School. The main driver for the design was to create a space that not only integrated with the existing campus, but to create a new building that had its own communicated identity on a sensory level. To capture the idea of music not only through auditory senses, but also visually and with a thoughtful take on materiality.

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Photography Credit:

Paul Vu