Bio:

The Great designer, Alexia Chen is an project architect at LGA, who is passionate about creating a better world through the built environment. She strives for a balance between great experiential design, functionality, and environmental impact. She was the leader of the award-winning UNLV Solar Decathlon 2013 team. Alexia volunteers for the International Living Future Institute in Southern Nevada, where she provides continue education on environmental design programs to the profession and students in our community.

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How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?

Growing up with a passion for design, I graduat- ed with a Theatre degree with focus on scenic design in the middle of the recession. I eventual- ly decided to go to grad school for architecture based on my husband’s suggestion. I loved it ever since!

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What do you do?

I work with clients to conceptualize the project vision, coordinate with consultants and our team to ensure the design is carried through documen- tation and construction while always advocating for best practices in the environmental approach.

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What excites you in the work you do?

I’m most excited when we are able to help clients realize their dreams and goals, seeing their smiles and emotional reaction when they are excited about their new space. I love the journey of dis- covery that we share as we work toward a better future.

 

Who or what inspires you professionally?

The Living Building certified projects and their de- sign teams have been the biggest inspiration for me in recent years. Seeing the trailblazing hard work and advocacy for a better way to design our world motivates me to keep learning and practic- ing.

 

What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?

In the DOE Solar Decathlon 2013, our student team overcame one challenge after another to eventually win 2nd place by a mere 4 point differ- ence behind Team Austria, proving to everyone that teamwork and shared purpose can make anything happen.

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Featured Project Name: 

The Boulder City Railroad Museum Visitor Center

 

Featured Project Location: 

Boulder City, Nevada

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Featured Project Completion Date: 

Unbuilt

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Role in Featured Project: 

Project Architect

 

Featured Project Description:

The Boulder City Railroad Museum Visitor Center will be a new landmark attracting tourists and businesses to the City. It will be the new face of the State Railroad Museum and an orientation point for visitors to explore the historical site. It will house the ticketing function, train ride waiting areas, gift shop, exhibits, meeting rooms, and admin offices. Designed to reflect the local history of the railroad and the Hoover Dam, it aims to inspire future generations of railroad enthusiasts.

 

Photography Credit:

Renderings by LGA Architecture

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