“An Interview w/ an Architect” – an outreach campaign to amplify the voices of AIA|LA members.

If you’d like to participate in this outreach campaign, please email will@aialosangeles.org and we’ll add your voice to the queue.

Featuring Martin Ramirez Jr, AIA, NOMA – Vice President, Gannett Fleming

1.  As it comes to your involvement in AIA|LA, AIA California and/or AIA National: what are some of the initiatives you’re working on and how can more LA-based architects get involved to help advance these initiatives?

One of the initiatives I am working on is the AIA|LA City Leader’s Breakfast.  AIA|LA has been instrumental in organizing these events and finding hosts for each of the breakfasts. This is a platform intended to be a roundtable discussion for architects and the LA community.  We have invited leaders such as Mayor Karen Bass, Deputy Mayor of Housing Jenna Hornstock, Lindsey Horvath Supervisor, County of Los Angeles District 3 and Timothy Watkins, President & CEO of Watts Labor Community Action Committee to name just a few. One of my goals for planning the 2024 City Leader’s Breakfast is to collaborate with our LA-based Architects to provide input on who they would like to see or speak to again. This will help to strengthen the relationship with our City Leaders and to influence urban design in a positive way.

2.  As it relates to the AIA|LA Strategic Plan (Value, Relevancy, Inspiration, Inclusivity, & Advocacy): What is an example of a program and/or initiative (existing or prospective) that you’d like to prioritize and support?

As a candidate for Director of AIA|LA, I will support all the AIA|LA missions in the Strategic Plan but I know I will be most influential in supporting our vision for Advocacy. Los Angeles is transforming at a rapid pace with housing, sustainability and resiliency will be in the forefront of discussions. As architects, we draw lines, but those lines touch many other boundaries that we do not necessarily control. We don’t need control, but I hope that through design and advocacy we can influence our city, our community, our places, and our people in a positive way.

3.  When it comes to the core values of the architecture profession, what personally drives you on a daily basis to help lead your fellow architects to action?

Mentorship. It’s part of the reason I became an adjunct professor.  It moves me to know that I can help a student of architecture or even a professional looking to grow in their career. When I was an architecture student, I didn’t realize the many industries that architecture is a part of.  I did not realize that an architect could work for a public housing authority or be an architect in the film industry or even be in urban development. Our future architects need to know they can follow their dream and influence by power of design.

4.  Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusive & Belonging:  From your perspective, how can architecture and design more directly empower equitable and ‘just’ outcomes?

Architecture should be less about being iconic and more about realizing that it can define one’s perception of society. Architecture can define social status but if someone is experiencing homelessness, what does that mean to architecture? Architecture needs to be responsive and be a platform that can transcend architects into deeper discussions about social equity. Architects should be in politics, policy, healthcare, be developers, educators, and CEOs to help create a stewardship for ‘just’ and equitable solutions. We need to be everywhere!

5.  Do you remember when you first wanted to become an architect? What was that moment like?  Who or what inspired you to pursue a career in architecture?  Any insight or guidance for future generations?

Yes! When I was 5 years old and living in Mexico with my grandparents in a house that didn’t have floors.  I was very curious as to why that wasn’t the case for some of my other relatives. I asked my grandfather one day, “Who designs and builds houses?” When he said, “Architects do” (in Spanish), I knew that from that day on, I would someday become an architect.  My advice to anyone thinking of becoming an architect, don’t loose sight and follow your dream.  No matter your background or where you come from, we all have the power to be architects and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.  We just forget sometimes, I almost did.

Martin Ramirez Jr, AIA, NOMA – Vice President, Gannett Fleming

Martin Ramirez Jr, AIA graduated with a Master’s of Architecture from Arizona State University and started his career in 1999. In 2022, Martin became the West Coast architecture practice leader at Gannett Fleming and is a Vice President. Martin is currently the Principal Architect for the Inglewood Transit Connector project.

Martin Ramirez is also an adjunct professor and taught architecture studio the last three semesters at Arizona State University. In 2023, his studio sponsored guest lecturers from Los Angeles such as Dr. Dana Cuff, Michael Maltzan and Michael Lehrer.

Martin is Gannett Fleming’s champion for becoming the 2023 Sponsor for the AIA-LA City Leader’s Breakfast. Martin is seeking a position as Director for the 2024 AIA|LA Board of Directors.