Coffee Talk with Natali Garcia
March 2021
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American Institute of Architects Florida Southwest
March 2021 – Natali Garcia How long have you been with your current firm and what is your position? I have been working as a Project Manager at RG Architects for five and a half years. I do a little bit of everything from design to construction administration. On-site interaction is what I enjoy the most, it keeps me current with new technology while making sure that despite the complexities of the process the design intent is not compromised, What is your must have item and why? My phone, more specifically the Whatsup App so I can keep in touch with my family in Peru. What made you want to become an architect? I am one of 4 kids, 2nd child. My big brother is part of the reason I became an architect. He was always playing with Legos making cool shapes – showing off with curved walls and intricate pulleys. It started as a sibling rivalry to prove that I could keep up with his skills, but quickly evolved into an appreciation of building, making and creating. |
What is architecture like in Peru?
Peru has a rich historic background. All Peruvians are very proud of this heritage, with influences from our native cultures and 1600’s Spanish Colonial. The Inca culture is probably the most recognizable worldwide, Machu Picchu is a famous example. They arose from the Peruvian highlands sometime in the early 13th century, mastering building techniques with stone. The Inca honored and respected mother nature, the whole environment was considered in their architecture. The rain, sun, water, weather patterns, stars, conscious and actively responding to everything given by mother earth with respect.
Favorite building in Peru?
I don’t really have a favorite building, instead, I think of spaces and experiences. The Bridge of Sighs or Puente de los Suspiros in Barranco for example, a wooden bridge located about 200 ft over sea level. You can smell the cold Pacific Ocean as you descend to the sea shoreline thru a pedestrian stone walkway on a picturesque street with colorful buildings, called Bajada de los Banos.
Also, I love the spaces created by the town squares in downtown Lima. You can think of them akin to the squares in Savanah. Plaza Mayor square displays a beautiful Celosia balcony, carved out of wood that line the square. As been told by tradition, the women that lived there would go onto the balcony and spy on the city without been seen.
A few minutes’ walk will lead you to another of my favorite spaces, the Alameda Chabuca Granda. It is a big rectangular square on a river which is usually dry, except during rainy season. It was named after a famous Peruvian singer of the 20th century - she actually wrote a song about The Bridge of Sighs. It is a space full of community coming together to enjoy delicious food, street art and music.
Favorite song?
Imagine by John Lennon & Caetano Veloso’s version of Cucurrucucu Paloma.
Favorite quote?
Don’t leave for tomorrow what can be done today.
What do you like most about the work you do?
Collaboration. Everyone brings something to the table, all parties. I value the importance of observing and absorbing information while been sure to make space for all voices in the process. I think this is important for successful collaboration and ultimately leads to a better project.
Were there any influences early in your career?
When I moved to America, I did not have the confidence of been able to validate my career and work in architecture. I had a great mentor that not only gave me a chance, but he believed in me before I think I fully believed in myself. That same competitive drive that made me try to one up my brother in Legos, made me accept the challenge. I will be always grateful for that.
What is your favorite historical work of architecture?
Chartres Cathedral. I studied it in college and had the opportunity of expend many hours there. Growing in a colonial town, I had never seen gothic style before. The way the building plays with the eye juxtaposing dark spaces with strategic illumination through the glass-stained windows is profound and magnificent. I found religious architecture expression as the best way to understand history and its people, is where you find me when I go to a new place.
What have proved to be watershed moments for your practice?
Once I became LEED certified and began utilizing the concepts, I started approaching to projects in new ways.
What trends do you feel are important in Architecture/ Design today?
0 emissions. The 2030 challenge tasks architect to act on this front and make sure that we appropriately educate our clients and industry partners to be part of the effort. It’s an exciting endeavor with a big impact on generations to come.
What do you see as the biggest challenge for our professions over the next 10 years?
Exposure of the career to the new generations. We just don’t see as many people choosing the profession, there is also lack of diversity which can leads to a lack of diversity of thought. The combination of these factors means an environment of inaccurate representation. Architecture must be for everyone one and the only way to achieve that goal is to make sure there is participation from a diverse group of people.
As part of this effort, I love going into our local schools and introducing the kids to the profession, let them know it is an option. We need the next generation creativity and passion.
What is your design process? Can you describe.
Yes.
1. List
2. Questions ex: what would make this project successful?
3. Diagrams
4. Code Review
Also, the client should be involved from the beginning, to create a lot of space for their voice in early stages. This is important in establishing client-architect relationship and trust.
What do you consider the role of an architect to be in society at large?
We are the problem solvers, the organizers, we are the ones that can make drawings on paper occupiable.
If you could design anything in any location what would it be?
A personal home in an urban center.
What advice would you give to young designers starting out today?
Don’t be too hard on yourself everyone has a process; we have all started knowing little and grown from experience. Keep your mind open and absorb what people do. Take the best of what you observe from others and let it help you grow. Keep learning. Keep your eyes open. You are doing great.
Peru has a rich historic background. All Peruvians are very proud of this heritage, with influences from our native cultures and 1600’s Spanish Colonial. The Inca culture is probably the most recognizable worldwide, Machu Picchu is a famous example. They arose from the Peruvian highlands sometime in the early 13th century, mastering building techniques with stone. The Inca honored and respected mother nature, the whole environment was considered in their architecture. The rain, sun, water, weather patterns, stars, conscious and actively responding to everything given by mother earth with respect.
Favorite building in Peru?
I don’t really have a favorite building, instead, I think of spaces and experiences. The Bridge of Sighs or Puente de los Suspiros in Barranco for example, a wooden bridge located about 200 ft over sea level. You can smell the cold Pacific Ocean as you descend to the sea shoreline thru a pedestrian stone walkway on a picturesque street with colorful buildings, called Bajada de los Banos.
Also, I love the spaces created by the town squares in downtown Lima. You can think of them akin to the squares in Savanah. Plaza Mayor square displays a beautiful Celosia balcony, carved out of wood that line the square. As been told by tradition, the women that lived there would go onto the balcony and spy on the city without been seen.
A few minutes’ walk will lead you to another of my favorite spaces, the Alameda Chabuca Granda. It is a big rectangular square on a river which is usually dry, except during rainy season. It was named after a famous Peruvian singer of the 20th century - she actually wrote a song about The Bridge of Sighs. It is a space full of community coming together to enjoy delicious food, street art and music.
Favorite song?
Imagine by John Lennon & Caetano Veloso’s version of Cucurrucucu Paloma.
Favorite quote?
Don’t leave for tomorrow what can be done today.
What do you like most about the work you do?
Collaboration. Everyone brings something to the table, all parties. I value the importance of observing and absorbing information while been sure to make space for all voices in the process. I think this is important for successful collaboration and ultimately leads to a better project.
Were there any influences early in your career?
When I moved to America, I did not have the confidence of been able to validate my career and work in architecture. I had a great mentor that not only gave me a chance, but he believed in me before I think I fully believed in myself. That same competitive drive that made me try to one up my brother in Legos, made me accept the challenge. I will be always grateful for that.
What is your favorite historical work of architecture?
Chartres Cathedral. I studied it in college and had the opportunity of expend many hours there. Growing in a colonial town, I had never seen gothic style before. The way the building plays with the eye juxtaposing dark spaces with strategic illumination through the glass-stained windows is profound and magnificent. I found religious architecture expression as the best way to understand history and its people, is where you find me when I go to a new place.
What have proved to be watershed moments for your practice?
Once I became LEED certified and began utilizing the concepts, I started approaching to projects in new ways.
What trends do you feel are important in Architecture/ Design today?
0 emissions. The 2030 challenge tasks architect to act on this front and make sure that we appropriately educate our clients and industry partners to be part of the effort. It’s an exciting endeavor with a big impact on generations to come.
What do you see as the biggest challenge for our professions over the next 10 years?
Exposure of the career to the new generations. We just don’t see as many people choosing the profession, there is also lack of diversity which can leads to a lack of diversity of thought. The combination of these factors means an environment of inaccurate representation. Architecture must be for everyone one and the only way to achieve that goal is to make sure there is participation from a diverse group of people.
As part of this effort, I love going into our local schools and introducing the kids to the profession, let them know it is an option. We need the next generation creativity and passion.
What is your design process? Can you describe.
Yes.
1. List
2. Questions ex: what would make this project successful?
3. Diagrams
4. Code Review
Also, the client should be involved from the beginning, to create a lot of space for their voice in early stages. This is important in establishing client-architect relationship and trust.
What do you consider the role of an architect to be in society at large?
We are the problem solvers, the organizers, we are the ones that can make drawings on paper occupiable.
If you could design anything in any location what would it be?
A personal home in an urban center.
What advice would you give to young designers starting out today?
Don’t be too hard on yourself everyone has a process; we have all started knowing little and grown from experience. Keep your mind open and absorb what people do. Take the best of what you observe from others and let it help you grow. Keep learning. Keep your eyes open. You are doing great.
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