Bio:

 The great designer, Ricardo de Jesús Maga Rojas, Associate AIA, NOMA, is a Senior Project Coordinator at GFF in Austin. With 4 years of experience in residential & commercial office projects, Ricardo is an emerging leader passionate about advocacy and service. He is a 2019 Finalist for Austin Under 40 in Architecture. Ricardo is the 2019 AIA Austin Associate of the Year Award Recipient. Ricardo holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Tuskegee University and a Master of Urban Planning from Texas A&M University.

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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 was introduced to architecture when I enrolled in drafting at the Magnet for Engineering, Com- mercial Arts, and Architecture (MECAA) in high school. Growing up Afro-Cuban, I became fas- cinated about the conflux between architecture and culture.

 

What do you do?

As a Senior Project Coordinator, I am responsible for the execution and coordination of projects through technical and creative work and assist with the day-to-day management of in-house consultant teams.

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What excites you in the work you do?

I enjoy the collaborative nature of the work that we do. Amidst a global pandemic, I think technol- ogy has evolved to allow all of us to collaborate and imagine together.

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Who or what inspires you professionally?

The continued fight for racial justice and want- ing to create a more just, equitable, diverse, and inclusive society continues to inspire me. I remain encouraged to use my voice as a black designer in a profession that is not representative of me.

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What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?

I led construction administration on a 250,000 sf commercial office building and I was reponsible for organizing and coordinating RFIs and submit- tals. I was fortunate enough to collaborate with contractors, developers, and in-house consul- tants.

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Featured Project Name: 

SHI International Austin HQ Office @ Garza Ranch

 

Featured Project Location: 

Austin, TX

 

Featured Project Completion Date: 

2020

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Role in Featured Project: 

Coordinated documents from schematic design to construction documentation. Led permitting

 

Featured Project Description:

Completed during his tenure at GSC Architects, the four-story, 250,000 SF office building serves as headquarters for SHI International in South Austin. This USGBC LEEDv4 BD+C certified building features a first-floor patio and an outdoor terrace on the 4th floor with views of the Barton Creek Greenbelt. The building establishes a modern and inviting presence involving curtain wall glass, precast panels, and aluminum composite panels while providing a unique way-finding experience for visitors.

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Photography Credit:

Bogza and GSC Architects