Bio:

The great designer , Astrid Santos is a newly registered Architect in Austin, TX. She holds a Bachelor of Environmental Design from Texas A&M University. She has contributed to the design of many projects including a multipurpose building in San Antonio, a multifamily project in Austin, and a church campus in Cedar Park. Her interests in advocating for equity, diversity, and employee health lead to her involvement in attaining the JUST label for McKinney York Architects.

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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?

I learned about architecture when I enrolled in my high school's engineering and technology magnet program where drafting classes were part of the curriculum. Those classes quickly became my favorite and sparked my interest in architectural design.

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What do you do?

I collaborate on a variety of project types and try to have a positive impact on every project I work on. I try to soak up as much knowledge from my mentors and colleagues to improve as a designer and make a greater impact through design.

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What excites you in the work you do?

My favorite phases of projects are programming and planning. I enjoy hearing firsthand what the client desires and requires from a design. Working with clients that trust your design process and ideas always make a project more exciting for me.

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Who or what inspires you professionally?

Working with talented, successful women inspires me. I am inspired by people who are advocating for equity and diversity in our profession. I am inspired by designers that are creating spaces and buildings with the future of our planet in mind.

 

What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?

Becoming a registered architect and interior designer are my proudest accomplishments. They have allowed me to take on bigger roles in projects and have made me a more confident designer.

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Featured Project Name: 

St. Julian of Norwich Parish Hall

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Featured Project Location: 

Texas

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Featured Project Completion Date: 

Not yet completed

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Role in Featured Project: 

Project Manager and Designer

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Featured Project Description:

The concept for the new campus for St. Julian of Norwich celebrates gathering together for communion and the duality that underlies the mission and character of congregation, a duality that participates in both a spiritual, contemplative world while being engaged in the temporal world through service and outreach. The Parish Hall will initially serve as a multipurpose building supporting worship for up to 150 and house administrative and education spaces.

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Photography Credit:

Renderings by McKinney York Architects