The moment I decided becoming an architect…
…was when I visited Barcelona for the first time. By then, I was only about 7 years old and I fell in love with Gaudí’s architecture. I couldn’t help but wonder what I had to become to develop that imaginative way of thinking.
I always dreamed of working in the USA because…
I grew up listening amazing stories about that country. My father lived 5 years in Boston and he tends to refer to them as one of the best moments of his life. Moreover, in terms of getting involve in an international career, USA will always be the pioneer, not only in technology advances but networking and communication. In fact, as far as I’m concerned, what happens in America is echoed to the rest of the world, so I guess I just wanted to have a taste of all of it in order to pave the way for future working opportunities.
What I love from my current job at Handel Architects is…
…how supporting and helpful is the team. I have spent there enough time to realize that everyone’s own professional and personal progress within the company depends on how much and how far is each one ready to be and the responsibilities is each one willing to take.
By contrast, what it took me more to get used to was…
The American measure system. Some people may believe that is just a matter of conversion, but despite being the most natural way of measure because it actually takes into account the average sizes of the human body, I couldn’t get the measures right until the fifth week.
If I have to define the Architect-US experience, it would be…
Inspiring. The Program encourages architects to leave the comfort zone and go ahead with the idea of living the American Dream. Besides, they are really helpful and efficient getting in charge of the tedious process of the J-1 visa. At the end, I believe it is a win-win relationship where both parts get professional benefits and recognition.
What I’d like to know before coming to the U.S. is…
…that everything goes from 0 to 100 in 5 seconds. The experience is full of ups and downs with moments of loneliness and crowd. One have to learn how to enjoy both.
In New York, you cannot miss…
…crossing the Brookyn Bridge at sunset. It was probably one of the first things I did when I arrived in NYC. It was in my Bucket List and it was fully worthwhile.
What I’ll always miss doing is…
…having my closer friends and family enjoying this experience and city with me at full time.
I never expected…
…it would take so little to finally start to achieve my goals. This experience have taught me to believe more in what I do, not be afraid of the unknown and not limit my possibilities just because they seem unattainable. It is sad to think that we are so busy working hard and trying to be well prepared for the future that we aren’t fully aware of when should the time to enjoy from that effort arrive, until it does.
If I only could choose a moment of Architect-US experience, it would be…
…when I accepted the Handel‘s job offer. By that time, I was really conscious of what was already happening and that there was no way to go back.
The plan I don’t get tired of doing is…
….to wander around New York, getting amused and astonished by every building, every sound and every moment. New York offers every kind of city in one and has a special vibe that it is difficult to find anywhere else.
