Hispanic Heritage Month

In my opinion, great architecture is responsive to attributes of place and its culture and should be unique to the place. Understanding that has allowed me to be a better architect.

Diversity of culture in the workplace is beneficial because it brings fresh perspectives, increases creativity, and benefits our clients. We hope that our team can bring the perspectives of the clients and members of society that we are looking to serve.

As an industry we are still working hard to have more diversity, I hope that I can encourage and support other women and people from different cultural backgrounds to follow their aspirations. One of the ways we can move the needle is by paying it forward.

As a first-generation Dominican American, my Hispanic heritage has shaped who I am as a person and designer. The tenacity and spirit of the Latino people are something that drives me in both my personal and professional endeavors. Growing up seeing my father succeed as an engineer while being a minority immigrant was a great source of inspiration.

I find as a Latina, being very community oriented helps with what I do as a designer. It takes a village to bring the design vision to life so being able to work well with both clients and colleagues is key. Also, my penchant for color and patterns comes from my Hispanic heritage and I love to incorporate life and vibrancy into every project.

I would say to be proud of your heritage as you can draw great strength and inspiration from your roots. There is a beautiful story waiting to be told!

My Latin heritage is deeply rooted in a tradition of craftsmanship that has shaped both vernacular and academic architecture for millennia. In Latin America, we have mastered the art of building efficiently with materials like brick and mortar, and this has profoundly influenced my approach to architecture. The craft of working with these materials, particularly brick and the use of courtyards, has been passed down through generations, and it’s something I carry with me in every project I undertake. There is something deeply satisfying about architecture that feels connected to its region, that reflects the local materials, climate, and culture. This connection to place is a cornerstone of my design philosophy, and it stems from my heritage. My family name, Lozada, originates from those who were responsible for tiling with ‘loza’ (porcelain tile), so craftsmanship has always been a part of my identity, ingrained in me both personally and professionally. I strive to infuse my work with this sense of history and tradition, creating architecture that not only belongs to its environment but also speaks to the soul of the community it serves. My Hispanic heritage has given me an appreciation for the tactile, the local, and the enduring, and it continually guides me in the pursuit of authentic, meaningful design.

Diversity is the lifeblood of our planet, enriching it with endless variety and beauty. As a part of Latin culture, I am deeply rooted in the values of community, celebration, and embracing differences. In Latin communities, we don’t just acknowledge diversity—we celebrate it. Through music, dance, and shared traditions, we often find ways to transcend those differences and come together to honor life. This spirit is a core aspect of my cultural identity, and I believe it shapes my approach to architecture as well. In the same way, in my profession, architecture can be a tool for fostering cohesion and inclusivity. Just as Latin culture embraces diversity, I aim to create spaces that bring people together, regardless of background, and design environments that encourage connection, understanding, and a sense of belonging. Architecture that reflects and respects cultural differences can play a powerful role in building more inclusive and harmonious cities. My heritage continuously reminds me to infuse my designs with warmth, vibrancy, and a strong sense of community, contributing to the creation of spaces where everyone can feel seen, valued, and part of something larger.

Enthusiasm is, in many ways, the foundation of creativity and collaboration. In Latin culture, we embrace life with energy and passion, using music, celebration, and joy to stay connected to the present moment and keep our spirits alive. This same approach fuels my perspective on architecture and teamwork. I believe cultivating and sharing enthusiasm is key to fostering a vibrant design process and a cooperative work environment. When we approach projects with passion and positivity, it not only enhances our creativity but also energizes those around us. It creates a ripple effect, leading to more collaborative, engaged, and inspired teams. I strive to bring this spirit into every project, encouraging others to find that spark within themselves and share it with the team. By nurturing an atmosphere of enthusiasm, we can transform challenges into opportunities and generate innovative, meaningful designs. In our industry, where we often face complex problems and high-pressure deadlines, the ability to infuse excitement and passion into the process can truly set us apart. I hope that my perspective—rooted in the joy and vitality of my Latin heritage—can inspire others to approach their work with a similar sense of enthusiasm and togetherness, ultimately leading to more dynamic and cohesive designs.

Professionally my Hispanic heritage has helped me develop skills and gain mentorship through the beautiful community of Latino architects and designers. While I was in school there were only two or three Hispanic professors, and during architectural history courses, there was only ever mention of one Hispanic architect. Although I didn’t dwell on that, once I found a community in the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) or Latinos in Architecture (LiA) I could see how culture influencing design was important and needed. Being part of these communities also energizes me now as an emerging professional. There is a low percentage of licensed architects that are Latino which motivates me to contribute to increasing the number. My family history also plays a role in my motivation. Three of my grandparents migrated to the United States to work for better opportunities for their children and grandchildren. I want to make them proud and know that their sacrifice has gotten me to this point and further.

My cultural identity really enhances my work when I get to connect to the communities in which we work, whether that’s on the project or professional side. I continue to give back to NOMA and LiA, through these organizations I can develop programs and opportunities for students from middle school to university and connect to those who have a similar background as I do. I feel it’s important to continue to uplift and share resources with them, representation and mentorship really make a difference.

I inspire the firm or the Houston Studio through some of our events. Last fall I organized a studio potluck, asking for everyone to bring their own favorite dish. And the result was a lunch with diverse flavors. My perspective on coming together and feasting as a family comes from how I was raised, constantly surrounded by family and good food. It was really enjoyable to have our own international Thanksgiving. To inspire the industry, I really think it comes from working in the community and being visible. One opportunity that I really appreciate is how our Houton Studio is connected to a High School’s Architectural Program. We’ve been able to meet with kids from similar backgrounds as ourselves, share our paths in architecture, and tour them through a project of ours.