Bio:
The great architect, Oswaldo Ortega originally from New York City earned his bachelor’s from Syracuse University then his Master’s in Science of Urban Design and Architecture from Columbia University. Ortega became a LEED Accredited Professional in 2009 and a licensed architect in the state of Maryland in 2013. In 2014, Ortega joined the Gensler, where he leads architectural and interiors projects. Lastly, as the Past-President of the I-NOMA he is constantly developing programs to inspire the youth.

How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
Oswaldo’s parents emigrated from the Dominican Republic, his father, Ramon, was a Superintendent of a vintage apartment building in NYC. Working alongside his family in renovating these apartment units was Oswaldo’s first architectural education.

What do you do?
We make design’s real. We offer a unique experience for our clients and communities as a trusted advisor, bringing their values to the forth front while offering new possibilities. We treat every design challenge as a new opportunity to make an impact.

What excites you in the work you do?
The pursuit of design excellence. Which can create positive social changes in underserved communities and in our workplace; as design has the ability to create new efficiencies, resources and opportunities, not to mention a lot of joy.

Who or what inspires you professionally?
The City of Chicago inspires me. Chicago has a long history of design excellence where we continuously see the power of design. We believe we can improve the human experience, leverage our capabilities for good purposes to make a difference in our city

What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
Every Project has a unique challenge that stretches and grows you. It’s when we discover new innovated resolutions to those challenges that I am always proud of.
 
Featured Project Name: 
Johnson controls Asian Regional Headquarters

Featured Project Location: 
Shanghai, China
 
Featured Project Completion Date: 
2018

Role in Featured Project: 
Project Architect
 
Featured Project Description:
The Johnson Controls Headquarters Asia Pacific in Shanghai is a leading example of design innovation, sustainability and smart technology. A collaborative effort between Gensler’s Shanghai and Chicago offices and leading building technologies and solutions provider Johnson Controls, the result is a world-class headquarters and corporate campus which minimizes its impact on the natural environment, maximizes aesthetics and functionality and encourages the highest level of occupancy comfort.

Photography Credit:
JCIShanghai: © Gensler | Photo by CreatAR. Johnson Controls HQ