Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachelle Domingo-Rogers.
Rachelle, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I was 12 years old when I began working in my dad’s Civil Engineering firm and learned one of the first releases of AutoCAD. Inspired by my dad’s work ethic, I quickly acquired the technical skills needed in his field. He wanted me to take over his business one day; however, I wasn’t too enthralled by Engineering. I went to SDSU to major in fine arts and psychology, which eventually became the perfect segue into architecture. My dad’s best friend (an architect) encouraged me to pursue architecture school, which motivated me to start my five-year bachelor’s degree at Newschool of Architecture in 1998.
While in school, I interned at a few local firms and worked at our local architectural non-profit organizations like AIASD and SD Architectural Foundation. This helped me to expand my experience and get connected with people in the profession. Driven to maintain my skills and expand my professional network, I sometimes took on residential addition/remodeling side jobs. Additionally, I had the opportunity to work for Icology Group/Treecycling by designing kit shelters for trauma-stricken countries and the homeless in our own city. Through Icology/Treecycling, I became a VP of Design Operations and initiated efforts for starting a San Diego/Tijuana chapter under Open Architecture Collaborative (formerly Architecture for Humanity).
Seven firms later, I decided to open up my own design studio in 2015. I had no idea what I was getting myself into. It continues to be a great adventure to master some skills while always learning new ones – because we all should keep doing so!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There’s no such thing as a “smooth road”, especially in this profession. First and foremost, I’m a female in a male-dominated industry… then, tack on the little Asian girl stereotype… plus, I’m a mother of a child with special needs.
When I was still in college, I had a General Contractor approach me and ask to pull together a set of drawings for him within a week. I looked through the drawings and emailed him a fee proposal. When he finally responded, he scoffed and said: “I thought you would do it for a couple hundred bucks to buy yourself a pretty, little spring dress…”I replied (in a much more candid way), “Please come back and pick up your drawings, and find someone else to do the job.”
That was the first time I acknowledged the reality of this profession. It was going to be a steep, uphill road ahead, and I needed to step up my game. My dad had always told me to be strong and persevere, no matter the circumstance. Once I got into this profession, he encouraged me to work harder, to be a little bolder, and a little tougher, if necessary.
Time and time again, I have encountered similar situations that wreaked of sexism and condescending personalities. But, on the flip side of all that, I’ve been so incredibly fortunate to have grown such a valuable and huge network of very supportive colleagues and professionals, both men and women alike, that it definitely outweighs the negatives!
So, here I am. My dad’s message still resonates. Persevering in a creative field that is my passion.
Please tell us about Arch5 Design Studio.
My company specializes in both Residential and Commercial projects, from small residential remodels & additions, commercial tenant improvements, to ground-up development projects, both architecture, and interiors.
We recently received a nomination for an Orchid, for the design of Cloak + Petal Restaurant in Little Italy, San Diego, through the annual Orchids and Onions design awards of the San Diego Architectural Foundation.
I’m most proud of the hard work and passion that we put into each of our projects. When I say “we”, I mean my entire team of consultants, my whole office team, my GCs, and the clients that trust and allow us to do our job effectively and completely. My studio works as a humble operation and we don’t try to be anything we aren’t, we simply just love design.
Design can be a very competitive industry. The difference in our approach is that we crave unique design projects and we strive for long-lasting client relationships. We aim to see each project through to completion and have fun in the process. Our foundation is the client and whole-team satisfaction. As each client is unique, our process is tailored. So, we will always continue to learn as we go, and so far, we’ve been blessed with a number of amazing clients and fun projects!
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
I was an introverted little tomboy who despised wearing dresses and was most comfortable in denim overalls. I fought with boys, and loved playing with Legos, so much so, I even joined Lego competitions at Horton Plaza. I would ride my bike around the neighborhood by myself, and anytime the neighborhood kids would come knocking on our door to play, I’d pretend I wasn’t home. Instead, I indulged in oil painting with my mom (a self-taught artist in her earlier years before she was a nurse) and Bob Ross (of course), and drawing in my sketchbooks with charcoal. I always recall my parents working so hard, as they were 1st generation immigrants from the Philippines. I’d like to believe it reflects in my work ethic now. I’m hoping that my son will latch on to the same ideals – I mean, he really loves art and building things too!
Contact Info:
- Address: 2827 Presidio Drive
San Diego, CA 92110 - Website: www.arch5.design
- Phone: 858-336-4556
- Email: rachelle@arch5.design
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arch5_design/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Arch5ds/
Image Credit:
@shikabee_photo
Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
