Dallas Mapping Project
1. What inspired you to become an architect?
I always considered the environment as important and I felt a strong attraction to what made up my surroundings. I quickly noticed that buildings were a key part to what made our communities. Buildings represent protection, beauty, religion, etc. I wanted to be part of creating the built environment and leave my mark with my designs.
2. Now that you’re a graduate, what are your long term goals in life?
I want to continue my education by getting my master’s degree. I hope to get licensed as an architect and start my own business.
3. What advice would you give to your younger students that are trying to fulfill this dream of becoming an architect?
Be prepared to put your all in architecture. Once you start on this path towards architecture, you live and breathe it. It most definitely is not an 8-5 job. A design is never finished, thus you are always looking to improve it. So focus and keep designing.
4. If you could meet any architect, who would you choose? Why?
Santiago Calatrava-, his work is a great example of architecture and engineering in perfect harmony with each other to create an aesthetic masterpiece.
5. Do you believe architects should be skilled at hand drawing?
Yes! It’s a communication tool. People almost always require some type of visual representation to understand our designs. It is important to be able to draw a quick sketch to show your clients what you are talking about. A picture is definitely worth a thousand words.
6. Do you think financial problems should stop people from following their dreams?
No. There is always help and many ways you can help fund your education. You definitely need to work for it. A good place to start would be your school counselor.
7. Describe your experience in college.
I went to Texas A&M University. It was a new environment that came with a completely new set of challenges to overcome. Being in the school of architecture, you become part of a community. It was a diverse atmosphere where I was able to learn from people around me. Despite the long hours and the hard work, I definitely enjoyed my college years.
8. What buildings are you working on now?
I am currently at work on restaurants and hotel buildings.
9. Do you enjoy being an ACE mentor?
I love being a mentor. It allows me to help students on the same career path as me.
10. Do you like working with teens that are interested in a similar career as you?
Yes, students are so full of life and are bursting with ideas. It’s an awesome feeling to influence students and help them achieve their goals.
11. Do you like being an architect, and how would you describe it?
I love my career, it is never ending. I am always looking for ways to improve my work. Architecture and design definitely fulfills this part of my life.
Isaura Perez
Isaura Perez is a graduate of Texas A&M University and a Skyline High School Alum. Isaura got her bachelor’s degree in Environmental Design, and is always looking for opportunities to design and help in our community. She plans to move forward to become an architect. After college she was an architectural intern, at Carrell Partners & Yost Architecture and, she is an ACE mentor, the first in Dallas to have gone through the program and return as a mentor. She currently works at Poole Drennan Design Studio. Isaura has many specialties, including hand-sketching and watercoloring.