Her Story
About Alicia
I founded AM Design Studio 10 years ago, right after graduating from the Southern California Institute of Architecture in 2015. I took the risk of starting my own practice because I already had a client when I graduated from school, and I networked with city departments and other professionals to launch my career. My practice focuses on creating spaces that are not only functional but meaningful for the connection with people, because I believe that architecture shapes how people feel. I have a special passion for sacred architecture and the details that come with it. In addition to running my practice, I've been teaching in the architecture department at East Los Angeles Community College for 3 years, where I work with both community college students and dual-enrollment high school students. I'm an alumna of ELAC myself, so it's meaningful to give back. I enjoy bringing interns from the college into my practice to give them real-world experience. I also serve on the City of Montebello planning commissioners. One of my notable achievements was defending a sacred architecture project through a public hearing where there was community opposition, but we were able to push through with good conversations and the project was accepted. My faith has always been rooted at the center of my practice, giving me perspective to create with intention and lead with integrity, remembering that beauty has the power to uplift the human spirit.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Alicia
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to allowing myself to not be afraid and learning from my mistakes. It's definitely the trial and error of a project, but being able to push through with faith and confidence. I've learned to take risks and not let fear hold me back from pursuing what I want to achieve in my practice.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received was to not be afraid to network. I learned this when I was a student, and it's something I now advise to my own students. Even if you just go to an event and don't talk to anyone, but you are there already listening to whatever others are saying, that's valuable. The key is to engage and network, and to always ask questions and put yourself out there.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering architecture is to not be afraid. Go for your goals and what you deeply desire. Know your purpose in architecture and don't be afraid to network, to ask questions, and to take risks. It's about taking that leap and pursuing what you're passionate about, even when it feels uncertain.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges I faced as a woman in architecture was when a person behind the counter told me, 'You should have a professional do this work,' not knowing that I was the professional who did it. He was rude, so I called his advisor to address it. These are the challenges we face as women in architecture, but we have to stand up and speak up, while maintaining rationalism in how we communicate. No matter what challenges come, we can push through with confidence and resilience. This happened at the beginning of my practice, and I decided it shouldn't stop me from maintaining my practice. It actually made me more passionate about what I do.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are the idea that architecture shapes how people feel. I have a deep love for designing spaces that are not only functional but meaningful for the connection with people. I believe in creating environments that people can truly live in and experience. Beauty is also central to my values, because beauty has the power to uplift the human spirit. My faith gives me perspective to create with intention and lead with integrity, and service to others is at the heart of what I do.
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