Here we are. After 18 months in Houston, my tenure at RDLR Architects ends. The last year and a half has been an incredible journey.
I arrived in Texas without experience in public infrastructure architecture, but I quickly adapted to the new environment, thanks to my wonderful colleagues and the RDLR principals.
What I’ve done
My Italian license helped me understand the Building Codes and local regulations, but I had to learn pretty much everything all over again, starting from the measurement units. Switching from the metric system to the imperial one was more challenging than I thought.
The first projects I worked on involved restroom renovations for the Houston Airport System, a typical assignment for newcomers at the firm. I improved my management skills by overseeing the whole construction process, from the permit drawings to the site supervision. Since then, I managed and coordinated over 25 restroom renovation projects for HAS, including revising the HAS design standards to enhance the passengers’ experience. RDLR was appointed to develop a ground-breaking modular system for the restrooms, and I contributed as designer and project manager. The prototypes are currently in the testing phase.
Besides the work for the Airports, I participated in numerous exciting projects for prominent clients like a new Sheriff’s office for Harris County, the Downtown campus renovation for the University of Houston, and the new bus facility for the Houston METRO System on the Buffalo Bayou River.
Living the life
During these months, my colleagues became like family, and we shared many joyful moments, like the AIA sandcastle competition in Galveston, the crawfish boil, the Thanksgiving Potluck, and many happy hours.
The creative freedom and mentorship I received at RDLR Architects played a crucial role in my professional development. I felt deeply thankful for the opportunities to learn and grow alongside such talented individuals.
Houston has given me so much, and I’ve also adopted some Texan traditions myself: barbecue and kolaches, crawfish, Tex-Mex cuisine, cowboy hats and boots, supporting the Houston Rockets and the UH Cougars, attending the Rodeo, visiting the Alamo, and exploring haunted mansions. I’ve done it all!
A new chapter begins
The last weeks have been busy: what I gained here will always hold a special place in my heart, and I couldn’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment and hope for the future.
My «last day» was both a closure and a celebration of new beginnings. Although I am leaving my current position, I am not leaving Houston and RDLR. I have obtained an O visa and will be part of the team for the next 3 years.
