Ruth Zuniga // Tatiana Bilbao ESTUDIO
Tell us about your PRP firm. Where are you working?
I am working at Tatiana Bilbao ESTUDIO in Mexico City, Mexico. The office is located along Paseo de la Reforma. The studio focuses heavily on context-driven design at a wide range of scales. Collaboration is always a priority, whether it be a project with another architect, a client meeting, an exhibition or a publication. Most recently, in collaboration with Juan Miró, the Mexican American Cultural Center in our very own Austin, Texas is currently under construction.
Do you enjoy the city you’re working in? What are your favorite aspects?
Yes! I can not imagine being anywhere else for PRP. Mexico City is HUGE and it has so much to offer. There is a great appreciation for art and architecture and the culture is so rich. The public transportation system is very affordable and has allowed me to easily explore so much of the city. The city is also very walkable. As cliché as it sounds, my favorite aspect of the city has to be the food.
What is currently on your desk? What are you working on?
My desk stays pretty messy. I’m currently collaborating with two different teams in the office: the Research and Exhibition team and the BIM team. To my right is a pile of older drawings from projects I’ve worked on with the Research and Exhibition team including red-lined drawings of a table for an upcoming exhibition in Boston. To my left is a physical study model of a residential project in Costa Rica. The project is transitioning to the design development phase and I’m working on placing lighting fixtures in the BIM model and producing some sections for an upcoming deliverable. Under the model are more drawings for another exhibition in New York. We are proposing an open-air, self-composting bathroom pavilion, and the drawings are different design iterations we have come up with so far.
Describe the firm culture. What is the office atmosphere?
The firm's atmosphere is very similar to the studio culture we are used to seeing in an academic setting. There are models, collages, and drawings all over walls, desks and windows, making it a very inspiring and creative environment. Working with our hands and exploring different forms of representation is a priority. There have been only a few late nights, but a healthy work-life balance is encouraged and most days I’m out of the office by 5:30 pm. I’m learning from and working with some of the kindest people who are truly passionate about what they do. Everyone is open to sharing their knowledge and collaboration is always encouraged no matter one’s title. Everyone in the office also always eats lunch together out on the terrace. Although simple, I think the act of doing so really strengthens relationships on a professional and personal level. In addition to that, every few months or so, newbies have to organize a cookout as a fun initiation. I had the privilege of organizing a cookout with several other interns over the summer.
What is the first thing you'll tell your classmates upon your return to UT?
Being in a new city, starting a new job and meeting new people can be very intimidating but it’s important to remind yourself that you know more than you think (especially when that imposter syndrome starts kicking in) while humbly accepting that you have so much to learn. Also take advantage of every free weekend, especially if you are in a new city!
As you’re finishing up the week, what are your plans for this weekend?
It’s a long weekend! I get to take Friday off because I helped the model-making team finish up a model last weekend and Monday is a national holiday. My plan is to visit an artisan event in the Complejo Cultural de los Pinos and the Frida Kahlo Museum in Coyoacán with a friend and fellow intern. By far the most exciting thing on the itinerary is a trip to the Teotihuacan Pyramids as well as a hot air balloon ride over the ancient city!