{"id":41088,"date":"2024-11-01T15:00:15","date_gmt":"2024-11-01T14:00:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.architect-us.com\/blog\/?p=41088"},"modified":"2024-11-02T10:36:07","modified_gmt":"2024-11-02T09:36:07","slug":"18-months-of-texas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.architect-us.com\/blog\/2024\/11\/18-months-of-texas\/","title":{"rendered":"18 months of Texas"},"content":{"rendered":"

Here we are. After 18 months in Houston<\/strong>, my tenure at RDLR Architects<\/strong> ends. The last year and a half has been an incredible journey.
\nI 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.<\/p>\n

What I’ve done<\/h4>\n

My Italian license helped me understand the Building Codes<\/strong> 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.
\nThe first projects I worked on involved restroom renovations for the Houston Airport System<\/strong>, 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<\/strong>, 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.
\nBesides 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<\/strong> System on the Buffalo Bayou River<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Living the life<\/h4>\n

During these months, my colleagues became like family, and we shared many joyful moments, like the AIA<\/strong> sandcastle competition in Galveston<\/strong>, the crawfish boil, the Thanksgiving Potluck<\/strong>, and many happy hours.
\nThe 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.
\nHouston 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<\/strong> and the UH Cougars<\/strong>, attending the Rodeo, visiting the Alamo<\/strong>, and exploring haunted mansions. I’ve done it all!<\/p>\n

A new chapter begins<\/h4>\n

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.
\nMy “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.<\/p>\n

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