PRP Now! Bernardo Jimenez // Studio Modh

October 23, 2015
PRP Now! is a series of interviews that highlight a current UTSOA Professional Residency Program student every few weeks.
PRP NOW

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 Bernardo Jimenez [B.Arch. '16] about his experience.

PRP: Tell us about your PRP firm. Where are you working?
I am working at Studio Modh Architecture based in Brooklyn, New York.  Studio Modh is a fairly young firm. The founder and principal Philip Ryan [B.Arch ‘99] formed the firm about two years ago after leaving Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects as a Senior Associate in 2012.

PRP: Do you enjoy the city you’re working in? Favorite aspects?
New York City is surreal. Having the ability to live amongst individuals, who are filled with energy and excitement within the hustle and bustle of New York, is invigorating. The proximity of Brooklyn to Manhattan provides a valuable flexibility. I can enjoy the new and upcoming environment of Brooklyn without interacting with the noise and traffic of Manhattan, and vise versa. I can move between the different boroughs in a matter of minutes.

PRP: What is currently on your desk? What are you working on?
Currently, a few things on my desk include redlined plans, elevations and details, countless material samples, architecture models, and a water bottle. Recently, I have been working on some Construction Bulletins for a project under construction. They need to be promptly issued to the site after further discussions with lighting designers, contractors, and the client.

PRP: Describe the firm culture? The office atmosphere?
Today, Studio Modh is certainly small, but it is big in heart. Phil’s expertise and knowledge on architectural process and design is noticeable and can be seen on the firm’s success. I am currently the only employee, yet the atmosphere is always filled with determination, understanding, and humor. Having the opportunity to learn from a fellow Longhorn, who has vast proficiency and skill grounded under Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects, is greatly appreciated. 

PRP: What is the first thing you'll tell your classmates upon your return to UT? 
Definitely do residency! Do not be afraid to go places you are hesitant about. You have to view it as a great way to test not only yourself, but also the city you might want to work in the near future. Furthermore, it is a time of discovery and self-exploration to understand your stance on Architecture.

PRP: As you’re finishing up the week, what are your plans for this weekend?
As I finish up the week, I will be enjoying the wonderful fall weather NY has to offer. Apart from essential morning runs and casual strolls through the city’s landscape, I will most probably be playing with portfolio layouts, planning my last semester class schedule, and working on other design related material. Nonetheless, having the ability to do so in the city is worthwhile.

PRP: Is there anything else that you would like to add?
Lastly, be yourself. There is nothing more important than making professional relationships than through authenticity.