Hello my name is Eric Rivera. After receiving my bachelors in Urban Studies & Planning from San Francisco State University, I traveled across the country in my bright red mid-size sedan in hope of learning what it meant to be Architect. Receiving my opportunity to become a graduate student at the University of Memphis for Architecture. This would feed my desire to study and learn from the best in the field of architecture. Since I can remember I have forever been fascinated with the worlds cultural landmarks and edifices. I believe that every ancient civilization or group of influence prior has left behind an architectural marvel for future generations like myself to improve, appreciate and share with those who are unaware. As a young child at Wren elementary school, I remember my 5th grade teacher quoting, Christopher Wren the school’s patron and great English architect and astronomer with a quote, “Architecture aims at eternity”. These words have resounded with me ever since. What better way to achieve eternity than to help create buildings of future that preserve the ideas and motifs of the brilliant minds of the present and past.

As a child, I found pleasure in my encounters with diverse forms of art, whether it was a erecting a paper-made building, drawing a person’s portrait, or taking a photograph of a special moment. One vivid memory I have was when my father, a telecommunication contractor, brought me to work with him. To my surprises it was the construction site of the San Francisco Giants new ballpark. Though I was about 6 year old, I was particularly impressed by the Goliath size 1950s ball glove replica of Hall of Famer Willie Mays on display in the left field bleachers. There were the grand monuments on display of the old Giants legends surrounding the park at every corner and finally, the beautiful interior design of the cherry-wood locker of my favorite player, Barry Bonds. We toured of the ballpark as somewhat a sneak peak. To this day going to that ballpark gives me a nostalgic feeling of the time I felt special running around the park as a child. To me architecture embodies more than just a design or idea; it is a demonstration of expression, community, and pays homage to the past while introducing future innovations to the public, just like the ballpark in San Francisco did for me.

Throughout grade school my love for art, design and expression has evolved into more than just a pastime, but a passion and is the career path that I want someday. I love the grind and the myriad of critiques necessary to perfect my designs. It is a beautiful moment for me to see my ideas, develop from a few scrawls on a lunch napkin to a final draft print. Although I am youthful and inexperienced, I strive to become the best by learn from the best. Last spring I put in over 30 applications, in search for a chance to gain quality experience as an intern in the architectural industry. Ultimately, was given my first opportunity from a great Architect named Rafat Fadel, at Peter Koenig Designs. Over the next 5 months, I saw how the business worked and learned to conduct myself in a professional atmosphere. I became very disciplined in my approach. I studied hard and I wasn’t afraid to take initiative. This attitude earned me the opportunity to offer my feedback on actual designs for residential projects supervised by Mr. Fadel. As his personal intern, I was granted the opportunity to enhance my drafting skills using industry standard software, Autodesk AutoCAD. Within my work experience as an intern, I have learned that a successful project requires more than just a great design or idea. It demands a team of consultants, engineers, contractors and specialists to working in unison to accomplish a masterpiece.

Furthermore, as I continue my pursuit towards the discipline of Architecture, my passion and love for the study grows. I constantly find myself thinking of creative ways to make the lives of others better, practical and more beautiful. With every project, I’m polishing my skills to become that professional architect I have envisioned myself to be. Considering my life experiences and my determination to become the best at what I do.