RossTarrant Architects is a firm filled with diverse and passionate professionals that bring so many talents to the table. Our employee spotlight series celebrates the exceptional individuals who contribute to RTA’s unique work environment. For this month, we’re excited to feature Jonathan Ruiz, one of our talented Project Managers. Jonathan’s passion for storytelling and world-building is evident in his approach to design, and he’s known for bringing patience, mentorship, and positive energy to every project and interaction with colleagues and clients.
MEET JONATHAN! 💡
Q. What inspired you to pursue a career in architecture?
A. Like many colleagues, I was drawn to making art, building with Legos, and obsessed with reorganizing my bedroom for pillow forts with my brothers and cousins. Now, I realize it was the world-building and storytelling that was the most enjoyable part of those activities. Architecture school allowed me to explore and develop world-building and storytelling skills as part of my process which made architecture worthwhile for me.
Q. What kind of impact do you believe you have made in your time at RTA?
A. I hope I have extended the same support and encouragement my mentors shared with me while I was learning about the practice, while also bringing a little sparkle and joy to all my interactions with colleagues and clients.
Q. What advice would you give to someone just starting out in your field?
A. Two pieces of advice I would give to someone starting out in architecture:
1. Confirm if your architecture program is accredited. I lucked out that my 5-year degree was accredited, which meant I did not need to get a master’s degree to pursue my license. Not many students realize this distinction until they are near the end of their bachelor’s degree, which may require you to continue another two to three years for an accredited master’s degree.
2. Give yourself grace when you start practicing architecture. No one expects graduates to know how to practice architecture, so it is ok to ask questions, stay curious, and absorb all the information coming your way. I did not realize that architecture school and working in a firm are separate experiences. For me, architecture school taught the fundamentals of design thinking, but it took working a year or two to understand the practice of architecture.
Q. Which phase of a project do you enjoy the most, and why?
A. I enjoy Design Development the most because it is the phase that allows me to transform the verbal / written ideas and goals from Schematic Design into a 3D vision that the client gets to see while also staying loose enough to evolve and adapt to the feedback.
Q. Beyond your professional life, what do you like to spend your time doing?
A. During the pandemic, I learned that I had a green thumb. I started lockdown with a couple of monsteras; five years later, I now have a village of indoor and outdoor plants I like to care for. I find it very calming to unplug and tend to them especially when I see a new growth.
Q. What is a skill or talent you have always wanted to learn but have not had the chance to yet?
A. I wish I could play an instrument like the saxophone and just riff.
Q. What is your go-to karaoke song?
A. Honestly, throw any Beyonce song at me, and I’ll do it justice. If I had to pick one, I’d pick “Survivor” by Destiny’s Child. It’s an empowering anthem about evolving under pressure, staying resilient, and overcoming obstacles.
Q. Do you have a favorite quote or mantra you try to live by?
A. “I dream it, I work hard, I grind ’til I own it.’” – Beyonce
CO-WORKERS DESCRIBE JONATHAN AS….
Inspiring • Outgoing • Driven • Passionate
I absolutely love working with Jonathan. His passion for finding the best solution for a school district shines through in everything he does. His drive is inspiring, and he’s a kind, patient mentor to those around him. Jonathan consistently ensures clients have the information they need to make informed decisions, and he never stops pushing himself to grow—earning his ALEP certification is just one example of that dedication. Jonathan is not only a talented designer, but also driven by purpose and care in all he does. – Silke Becker
I like working with Jonathan because he’s not only a great mentor who teaches with patience and clarity but has a contagious energy that motivates me to strive for excellence. He’s a natural teacher who takes pride in mentoring others, and his willingness to give people opportunities to grow and develop is truly inspiring. His positive energy, kindness, and willingness to listen to people make working with him a fun and enriching experience. –Julia Lutete
