Remembering JuanRaymon Rubio (1992–2024)

The sudden and untimely passing of JuanRaymon Rubio, Assoc. AIA, this past December left a profound void in the hearts of those who knew him—and, in many cases, even those who only crossed his path briefly. As colleagues, collaborators, and friends reflect on his life, a common thread emerges: JuanRaymon had a rare ability to make a deep and lasting impact in the simplest of ways.

Though trained as a historic preservation architect, JuanRaymon was much more than his profession. He approached everything he touched with boundless curiosity. As a writer for Texas Architect, he covered a wide range of topics—from thoughtful examinations of urban development in Texas’s smaller cities to explorations of how architecture can better accommodate non-human species. He was always eager to contribute, to share ideas, and to listen—always with enthusiasm, always with joy.

It’s often in someone’s absence that we truly feel the weight of their presence. My own encounters with JuanRaymon, though few, were unforgettable. He was bubbly, bright, and remarkably generous with his time and insights. In both his writing and personal interactions, he had a gift for opening doors to meaningful conversations—leaving a lasting impression on everyone around him.

To his colleagues at Preservation Austin, JuanRaymon represented the organization’s future. “JuanRaymon was a beloved collaborator. He had everything—technical expertise as a preservation architect, a righteous commitment to advocacy, and a boundless capacity for giving back,” says Lindsey Derrington, executive director of Preservation Austin. “He fiercely believed in giving historic places a voice, especially in communities of color, and his good nature and humor infused our work with so much happiness. JuanRaymon left an impact on Preservation Austin, both personally and professionally, that is hard to capture in words. We miss him desperately.”

AIA Austin executive director Ingrid Spencer shares a similar sentiment: “AIA Austin is heartbroken by the loss of JuanRaymon, an AIA Austin associate member and a rising force in our community. He wasn’t just an emerging professional—he was a bright light, someone who brought warmth, passion, and joy into every room he entered. Quick to laugh and endlessly kind, he made everyone feel heard and valued.

“His dedication to Austin’s built environment was evident in everything he did—from his work at the City of Austin to his deep involvement with Preservation Austin. He cared deeply about honoring the past while helping shape a thoughtful future, and his time in AIA Austin’s Leadership Collective showed his commitment to becoming a leader who would make a lasting impact. His insight, curiosity, and unwavering belief in the power of preservation made him someone we all looked up to—an inspiring friend. 

“JuanRaymon’s passing is an immeasurable loss, but his kindness, his laughter, and his love for this city will live on in the people and places he touched. All of us who knew him at AIA Austin will miss him terribly.”

Though only 32 years old, JuanRaymon’s legacy lives on in the ideas he championed, the people he uplifted, and the joy he carried with him. He was a rising force—one whose legacy is hard to fully express in words, but that is deeply etched in the hearts of many.