In the next few hours, I’ll be embarking on a new chapter in my life, so I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself. My name is Natalia, I’m from Colombia, I’m an architect and artist. Throughout my professional career, I’ve had the opportunity to work on projects of various scales, from retail design to urban planning. Housing has been a significant focus in my career, shaping my professional interests and aspirations.
I earned my master’s degree in Architecture from Tsinghua University in Beijing. I planned to grow professionally in China, but the COVID-19 pandemic shifted those plans. Life is a roulette, full of challenges that teach us how to adjust and adapt. After the pandemic, I returned to Colombia. This period allowed me to gain new perspectives and develop additional skills, but my desire to collaborate with people from different cultures never wavered.
Earlier this year, I discovered Architect-US. I had heard about trainee programs before but had never fully explored them. After learning more about it, I decided to take the plunge. I spoke with Patti, and after a few months of reflection, I made my decision to join. My entire process was supervised by Georgiana, who was incredibly supportive—she answered all my questions and, along with the team, helped me improve my portfolio. Their guidance and job proposals eventually led me to conversations with the principals at RDLR Architects.
Now, I’m heading to Houston to begin this exciting adventure at the studio and, more importantly, to start a new chapter in my life. While leaving my family and friends behind is bittersweet, I’m motivated by the opportunity to achieve my professional goals. This experience will expand my skills and will allow me to learn from industry experts and gain fresh perspectives in the architectural field.
I’m thrilled to share what’s next and look forward to this incredible journey!
