Member Spotlight: Claudia Rodriguez, AIA

Claudia Rodriguez, AIA, is an associate and interior architect at STG Design in Austin. Claudia is an active member with AIA Austin and began her involvement with AIA as a student at Texas A&M University. Learn more about Claudia in the Q&A below!

What has been your involvement with AIA and TxA?

My time with AIA began during my undergraduate years as a member of the Texas A&M student chapter in 2010. I was an AIAS member for a few years and served as social chair my senior year.  After graduate school I was introduced to the Austin chapter and had a short stint in the inception of the Women in Architecture committee and its inaugural pop-up exhibit “Shaping the Conversation.” After completing my license, I rejoined the Austin chapter and became involved in the Design Awards committee, where I now serve as chair. It’s great to be part of such an active chapter that is continuously pushing the standards of design and celebrating design excellence. 

What is a professional accomplishment you are proud of?

I’m proud of completing my licensure journey. Knowing that Latina women make up such a small percentage of the field of architecture was the fire that kept me going. It took time and dedication, but I always knew that I was doing it for something bigger than myself. 

My husband was my biggest champion through it all. I was surrounded by great role models along the way and had a great support system on my journey.

How did you become interested in the architecture profession?

I was raised by incredibly supportive parents. They always encouraged me to participate in artistic endeavors and that’s how my love for the arts flourished. My dad dabbled in sketching, and I grew up surrounded by his cartoon-like vignettes, always fascinated by his imagination. 

I moved around a few times during my childhood, and I realized that my surroundings directly influenced my sense of belonging.  Recognizing the impact that architecture is able to have on people struck a chord with me and ignited my interest in it. 

What is a challenge you’ve had to overcome and what did it teach you?

There was a transition period after graduate school where I struggled to merge my education experiences with my professional-realm experiences. It was a feeling of being stagnant and in a grey area. I came to realize that the missing piece was mentorship and that propelled me to seek a community of guidance. Through this I learned that being surrounded by the right people makes all the difference. 

What aspect of the profession excites you the most?

The experiential and immersive aspect of design is what inspires me the most about the world of architecture. I think spaces have the power to influence people’s feelings and state of being. It’s special knowing that any space I have a hand in will be part of someone’s day-to-day. What a responsibility!

Architecture takes you to places imaginary and otherwise. It’s great to see concept turn to form and see the rhythms of life enveloping a space.

“I’m proud of completing my licensure journey. Knowing that Latina women make up such a small percentage of the field of architecture was the fire that kept me going. It took time and dedication, but I always knew that I was doing it for something bigger than myself.”

Claudia Rodriguez, AIA

What advice would you give to your younger self?

I would remind myself to dive in and get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Sometimes the best opportunities come when we get out of our bubble.

Who is someone that inspires you?

Family. I always think about my parents and their immigrant journey. This keeps me grounded and inspires me to do better and be better. My family and culture have always been my North Star.

This post is a part of our “Member Spotlight” series, which highlights TxA members who are making amazing contributions to the architectural community. If you know a TxA member who exemplifies our mission of supporting the creation of safe, beautiful, sustainable environments, you can nominate them to be featured here.