PRP Now! Jack Lozano // h+uo architects

PRP Now! aims to showcase the great experiences students encounter within the Professional Residency Program. PRP offers upper-level architecture students a unique opportunity to expand their education through work experience in the architectural profession. Over the past twenty years, our students have been linked with 260 firms in 29 countries.

We will feature a handful of students within each session, graduate and undergrad, domestic and international firms. PRP staff mostly recently had the pleasure to speak with Jack Lozano (B.Arch, '15) about his experience:

PRP: I understand that you are currently doing your PRP internship. Where are you working? 
I am working at h+uo architects here in Austin. I have been here since May. 

PRP: Currently, what is on your desk? What are you working on?
On my desk right now is my work laptop; a pile of papers including redlined (and blue-lined and green-lined and orange-lined) drawings, cut sheets, timesheets and sketches; a roll of trace paper; a stack of almond cans my boss got me (since he always snags a few when he passes my desk); some pens, highlighters and markers; business cards; a roof tile from a project awhile back; and my water bottle and a cup of coffee. I am currently working on a new apartment complex for Fort Worth, as well as a small office remodel. Recently, I have completed a materials board for another apartment complex currently under construction, as well as permit sets for a couple of houses and duplexes (I have gotten to know Austin's McMansion ordinance really well). Aside from those projects, I have assisted in over 20 projects since I've been here, in major and minor roles. 

PRP: What song best describes your work-style?
"Peace of Mind" by Boston.

PRP: What is the office atmosphere?
We are a small office here at h+uo. There are 13 of us, including myself, two of whom (besides me) have recently joined full time since I started, fairly fresh out of school. We all know each other and have all worked with each other in some way on various projects. The office itself is in a small historic building on East 11th street, formerly the Arnold Bakery built in 1890. The office space open, warm and comforting, filled with daylight from tall windows and skylights above; everyone, partners included, is in the same room, most with a cubicle. There were no more open cubicles when I joined, but they have accommodated the new arrivals with desks and computers where we could place them. There are a few barbecue fans here, so every once-in-a-while some of us will walk down to Mickelthwait's or La BBQ for a savory lunch. Though there's only 13 of us, there is a wide age range here: 20-, 30-, 40-, and 70-somethings! On a typical day, everyone is mostly buried in their computer monitors working on their projects, so the office is often filled with more noise from keyboards and mouse-clicking than from conversation. Even so, there is usually some kind of cross-cubicle coordination and/or discussions at the meeting table for project collaboration at any given point. The office is very productive and works in a systematic and efficient way in producing material for clients, contractors, engineers and review boards. 

PRP: That sounds good. Are there any unusual traditions? Funny stories?
Perhaps nothing I would consider unusual, but we've had good times here at the office. We always have a mini-celebration in the kitchen for someone's birthday, usually involving cake, cookies, and sometimes margaritas. Over the summer, we rented a party barge and rode up and down Lake Austin, to celebrate many months' worth of hard work. Recently we had Franklin's BBQ for lunch as an office (they are just steps down the street from us), which we had to order two months in advance, and pick up within a certain time slot. But it sure beats having to wait in line! 

PRP: What is the first thing you'll tell your classmates upon your return to UT?
If you are even slightly thinking about maybe doing residency, I have this to say: it's a no-brainer, DO IT! It is such a versatile program that can accommodate whatever you are wishing and able to do - you can stay right here in Austin, or work elsewhere in the state, country, or world. The best parts: you get paid, you have weekends off, in most cases are done working by 5 or 6 pm, and have no homework! I feel like I have gotten a head start in the professional world here at h+uo, and I feel more prepared than ever for graduation and entering the field. Everyone who has worked in a firm will tell you that it is completely different than school, and they are right. Nothing prepares you better for a job in architecture than, well, a job in architecture. As a fifth year student preparing to graduate next semester, I really think that residency has been the most beneficial and educational experience of my college career. 

PRP: So, as your finishing up the week, what are your plans for this weekend?
My work week will end early since I'll be heading home for Thanksgiving. As for the weekend? Probably hitting the gym, going out with friends, and definitely not worrying about heading to studio to prepare for a final review!