Alfonso R. Barragan was born in Sonora, Mexico, but grew up in the neighboring city of Tijuana, Baja California, where he currently lives. After graduating from High School, Alfonso decided to study Architecture in San Diego, beginning at Southwestern College in Chula Vista, and then transferring to NewSchool of Architecture + Design, where he graduated Cum Laude in 2014 . Shortly after graduation he joined Safdie Rabines Architects, where he has practiced for 8 years and is now a Principal of the firm. There, he has had the opportunity to work on a wide variety of projects, from furniture design, to residential projects and master plans. However, he is mostly focused (and passioned) on developing single-family residential projects, where attention to detail is key.
How did your interest into architecture develop, and how did that lead you to where you are now?
Both of my parents studied architecture, therefore, it could be said I was born into an architecture-focused family. As a child, I remember visiting construction sites with my dad and helping my mom with her 3D models as something normal. Without knowing, this nurtured my passion for architecture, not to mention being always interested in construction sets and anything that could be designed and fabricated. As I grew up, I became more aware on how the built environment impacts us, and most importantly, how we have the ability to enhance it, making my career selection very clear.
Can you share with our audience a favorite project you’ve worked on? How was this project impactful to you or the community it serves?
Residential projects are one of my favorite typologies to work on, as I think they have a big impact on each one of us. Regardless of its scale, a well designed home improves our well-being, creates a better atmosphere to live, work and enjoy our daily lives. One of the projects I really enjoyed being part of was a 1950’s house renovation, where carefully placed gestures transformed a house into a home that embraced its context and provided its habitants with the opportunity to have indoor-outdoor experiences throughout. Most importantly, sustainable strategies can be achieved on all types of projects, not only on new construction.
Have you had a particular experience in your career that you feel could be seen as opportunities at moving the needle on Hispanic and Latinx leadership and licensure?
I believe one of the biggest challenges in the profession is getting licensed. In fact, I am going through the process myself! Nonetheless, I do feel it is something that needs to be encouraged into emerging graduates and assist them in any way possible.
Any advice for emerging professionals wanting to pursue architecture?
“The more I move forward in this career, the more I realize architecture is both art and science, requiring a balance between passion, care, technical knowledge, patience, and good communication.”
It is also very important to be open-minded and to always explore new ideas, new cultures and new places that will influence your creative process. After all, it’s this process where architecture is transformed from an concept to a building.
