Sometimes all it takes is someone seeing something in you. For Alex Vazquez, that someone was a family friend—an architect who recognized his artistic talent early on and suggested he explore architecture as a career path. That encouragement led him to discover a field where creativity meets purpose—and where his love for drawing could translate into something lasting.
Designing at Scale, with People in Mind
Alex has found his niche in multi-family residential design. “I love designing homes at a large scale that can meet the needs of so many people,” he says. It’s a space that blends practicality and creativity, and the complexity of serving diverse needs within a single development energizes his work. His approach always begins with understanding the constraints: “budget, scope, zoning, and code regulations.” From there, he looks for creative ways to navigate those boundaries—delivering solutions that are cohesive, functional, and beautiful.
Learning, Mentorship, and Growth
One of the things Alex values most at Think Architecture is the culture of mentorship. “The mentorship and dedication to doing good work” set the tone for how he continues to grow in his role. He points to his thesis professor, Gary Seibein, as a lasting influence—someone who modeled the importance of finding your niche and thriving within it. For Alex, that means continuing to refine his skills in housing design, while staying open to creative problem-solving along the way.
Partnering with Clients, Not Just Designing for Them
Alex believes strong partnerships are built when both client and architect stay actively engaged. “It really makes a difference when clients invest time and effort into each project,” he explains. At the same time, “being flexible in addressing the specific needs of each client ensures that a project meets expectations.”
Designing for a Growing Utah
Utah’s continued growth and evolving housing needs provide Alex with a steady stream of design opportunities. He’s inspired by the local landscape and the architectural voices that have shaped it—most recently, discovering a glass-walled house in Neffs Canyon designed by John Sugden, a student of Mies van der Rohe. “It stood out right away,” he says. “It was beautiful in its simplicity.”
Looking Ahead
Alex is optimistic about the future of architecture and the role hands-on experience plays in shaping it. His advice for those just starting out? “Work on getting as much experience as possible outside of school. Work in construction to see how things get built—and learn how to read drawings from the receiving end.”
Beyond the Studio
When he’s not designing, Alex is outdoors—skiing in the winter, climbing and hiking in the summer. Indoors, you’ll find him reading or sketching—still connecting creativity with curiosity, whether on the trail or the page. And if architecture hadn’t taken hold? “I would’ve pursued a related field like civil engineering or real estate development,” he says—anything that lets him keep building something meaningful.
