{"id":41648,"date":"2025-01-21T19:52:04","date_gmt":"2025-01-21T18:52:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.architect-us.com\/blog\/?p=41648"},"modified":"2025-01-24T12:19:29","modified_gmt":"2025-01-24T11:19:29","slug":"my-experience-at-studiomda","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.architect-us.com\/blog\/2025\/01\/my-experience-at-studiomda\/","title":{"rendered":"My experience at StudioMDA in New York!"},"content":{"rendered":"

My name is Angello Re\u00e1tegui, I\u2019m 25 years old, from Peru, and currently working as an
\narchitect at studioMDA<\/strong>, a position I secured with the help of Architect-US<\/strong>. After graduating from university and spending a year working in Peru\u2019s construction sector, I\u00a0 decided to pursue opportunities abroad to further develop my career. I felt unmotivated due to the limited career prospects in my home country, where architecture often isn\u2019t valued as much, and professional growth can take years.<\/p>\n

After exploring numerous web sites, I came across Architect-US through a friend\u2019s recommendation. Intrigued by the program, I did my research and decided to give it a try. At first, I had doubts about my chances of securing a position in the U.S. as an architect. I wasn\u2019t confident in my portfolio or resume. However, after a year of working on notable projects like the International Airport of Lima<\/strong> and in an Emblematic School<\/strong>, part of urban development plan, I gained the confidence to apply through Architect-US.<\/p>\n

After three rounds of interviews<\/strong>, I finally landed a position at studioMDA. I vividly remember the day of my final interview: I was in a suit, nervously sitting in front of a camera. I had a smooth conversation with Andras, my current supervisor, with whom I am working on a 5-story gallery project. Then Markus, the founder<\/strong> of studioMDA, joined the call. Two weeks later, I received an offer, and the visa process began\u2014 stressful two months, as visa approval rates in Peru can be quite low. Fortunately, I received my visa, and after some emotional goodbyes to family and friends, I embarked on my journey with studioMDA. Working at studioMDA has been an eye-opening experience.<\/p>\n

In Peru, I was mainly confined to the design aspect of architecture. Here, I\u2019ve had to wear many different hats<\/strong>\u2014designing, learning about building codes, and gaining knowledge in mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems, as well as furniture, interior design, and even marketing. I\u2019m also gearing up to handle project supervision and management in the future. It\u2019s challenging, but it\u2019s incredibly rewarding to expand my expertise<\/strong>. I\u2019m proud to say that, in just half a year, this program has shaped me into a much more refined version of myself, both professionally<\/strong> and personally<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

studioMDA has a broad portfolio, covering commercial<\/strong>, cultural<\/strong>, and residential projects. <\/strong>With a team of around 8 to 10 architects, the environment here is collaborative<\/strong> and dynamic<\/strong>. Some of us are racing to submit drawings, others are modeling complex structures, and others are engaging with clients\u2014it\u2019s a truly enriching experience. And working in New York <\/strong>City<\/strong> adds another layer of excitement.<\/p>\n

New York City operates at a fast pace<\/strong>, especially in design and construction. The level of investment in construction and restoration is impressive, and the number of projects the studio handles is extraordinary. I\u2019ve been to New York before as a tourist, but now, as an architect, I understand what goes on behind these buildings. For instance, after months of work on a 5-story gallery project, we recently received approval from the Landmarks <\/strong>Preservation Commission<\/strong> to move forward with developing the details and interior layouts for the project.<\/p>\n

Despite the excitement, working in New York comes with its challenges. Housing can be difficult, and adapting to the city\u2019s collective lifestyle takes time. Emotionally, being so far from my family has been hard. However, this distance has strengthened our bond, making us realize how fortunate we are to have each other. After much reflection, I\u2019ve decided to continue this journey. I\u2019ve already learned so much, and with the gallery project set to be completed by 2026, I\u2019m eager to see it through from start to finish. This experience has changed my life and transformed my outlook on architecture.<\/p>\n

I can\u2019t imagine who I\u2019d be today without the knowledge I\u2019ve gained. This program has given me clarity about the future I want to pursue, and the U.S. is undoubtedly at the forefront of the construction sector. I\u2019ll forever be grateful to Georgiana, Patricia, Sonia and the Architect-US team, who supported me throughout this process.<\/p>\n