This month marks one year since I moved to New York to begin my journey as an architect through the Architect US program, and looking back, it feels almost unreal how much my life has changed in such a short time.
When I first arrived, everything felt overwhelming—the fast pace, the energy of the city, and the challenge of adapting to a new professional and cultural environment. I remember stepping into my office on the very first day, eager but nervous, wondering how I would fit into a team of experienced architects in one of the most competitive cities in the world. Slowly, I found my rhythm. Each project gave me the opportunity to learn, grow, and bring a new perspective shaped by my background.
Professionally, this year has been transformative. I’ve had the chance to work on projects that I once only studied in books, to see my contributions become part of a larger design process, and to collaborate with people from all over the world. The exposure to new methodologies, technologies, and design approaches has pushed me to think bigger and more creatively than ever before.
But beyond the office, living in New York has reshaped me personally. The city challenges you daily, but it also rewards you with endless opportunities. I’ve met people who inspire me, discovered places that make me feel at home, and learned to adapt to change with resilience. Each subway ride, each walk through a new neighborhood, and each cultural experience has added a layer to my understanding of what it means to live here.
One year later, I can say with certainty that moving to New York has been one of the most life changing decisions I’ve ever made, both as an architect and as a person.