Bio:
The great designer, Natalie Ramirez I am a Mexican-American. My grandparents immigrated to work in fields, in canneries, and to build railroads. I have devoted my career to projects that focus on public service with strong social impact ambitions. I have worked on San Francisco public libraries, as well as projects for ELEMENTAL, led by Pritzker Prize laureate Alejandro Aravena. I am the Project Architect for the Monterey Bay Aquarium's new education center. I have a B.S. in Engineering from Stanford and a M. Arch from UT Austin

How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
I learned the concept of an Architect through TV and movies.  It was not until sophomore year in college that I met an Architect (she was an adjunct faculty member).  Her seminar solidified my interest in pursuing architecture professionally.

What do you do?
I am an Architect.  For half of 2018, I spent two days a week on the construction site for Construction Administration duties.  I am on a first name basis with much of the construction crew.  I try to bring some humor to the site when I can. 

What excites you in the work you do?
What excites me most is the idea that I am somehow playing a small part in an organization’s mission to be a catalyst for positive change. 

Who or what inspires you professionally?
Architects who believe architecture is an active, not passive, act. Architects who encourage their clients to incorporate public serving components into their private projects. People who are agents of change through their work.

What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
My proudest accomplishment is being entrusted with the Aquarium's project. The project resonates with me on a personal level as I am here today because of entities like the Aquarium who give youth opportunities to genuinely expand their horizons.  

Featured Project Name: 
Monterey Bay Aquarium's Center for Ocean Education and Leadership
 
Featured Project Location: 
Monterey, CA
 
Featured Project Completion Date: 
2019

Role in Featured Project: 
Project Architect
 
Featured Project Description:
The Monterey Bay Aquarium's Center for Ocean Education and Leadership will be the latest instrument for the Aquarium's mission to inspire conservation of oceans. The 25,500 sq.ft. project will greatly expand free Aquarium staff-led education programming offerings for their 75,000 visiting schoolchildren each year and professional development programs for teachers. From the educational rooftop garden, to the ground floor Public Exhibit Space, the project will serve both students and the public.

Photography Credit:
Mark Cavagnero Associates