We recently caught up with Martin A. Padilla, AIA, LEED Green Associate, a senior project architect and associate principal at Trivers in St. Louis, Missouri. From his childhood fascination with Chicago's architecture to becoming an NCARB licensing advisor, Martin shares his journey through the profession, the challenges he overcame on his path to licensure, and his excitement for mentoring the next generation of architects.
At what point in your life did you know you wanted to pursue a career in architecture?
From childhood, I have known that I wanted to become an architect. Growing up in Chicago, there was incredible architecture all around me, and looking up for inspiration was easy. While the buildings were there to inspire, I didn’t know anyone in the profession, much less someone who looked like me. My only example to look up to was a fictional character on TV: Mike Brady of the Brady Bunch. I didn’t let this hold me back though, and I continued to learn as much about the field as I could until I reached college and enrolled as an undergraduate architecture student at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign.
Were there any struggles you faced while on the path to licensure, and how did you overcome them?
There were struggles present at every turn. It was hard to balance being a new parent to two young children, being laid off during the 2009 downturn period, the upheaval of the global pandemic, and going through a serious, unexpected medical issue. All these issues occurred while I was on the rolling clock. The biggest struggle of all, however, was learning how to take the test. Growing up, I did not have access to help with test-taking strategies. While this was a disadvantage, I have a wonderful spouse who knew what I was missing, and she supported me in this area. Once I opened myself to others for help and support, that became a critical part of my success. There were numerous times I did not pass exams, but I saw each as a critical learning opportunity. While those failures stung, I always kept going because I wanted to be a good example to my kids.
Tell us about your experience as an architect licensing advisor. What inspires you to mentor the next generation of architects?
It has been a chance of a lifetime to share my knowledge and experience with the future generation of architects. Through my experience at the Washington University Career Center and as an architecture career advisor, I discovered my passion for mentoring and helping students and recent graduates with their journeys in the profession. Going to my first Licensing Advisors Summit, I was excited to be surrounded by others who were equally passionate about providing guidance and shaping the paths of those who are the future of our field.
Who or what has most shaped your design perspective?
There are so many incredible architects I have looked up to and taken inspiration from, including Jeanne Gang and Carol Ross Barney. In fact, I walked by one of Ms. Barney’s buildings in the Little Village area of Chicago every day, going to and from elementary school. I remember being inspired by it and in awe that someone could design something that could reach the public in this way. Additionally, my design perspective has been shaped by the many people I have worked for and with over the years, including incredible clients. They have taught me the importance of listening deeply to understand what’s important to individuals and the community at large. My goal is to provide a lasting environment or design that creates an enduring positive change and becomes a catalyst for inspiration. Just like that building I walked by all those years ago.
What advice do you have for emerging professionals in the field?
I would tell those who are just starting out that failure does not define who you are and not to be discouraged by an early experience of not passing an exam. When I made a conscious decision not to let that stop me, it changed my mindset. I saw failure as an opportunity to learn. I would also tell emerging professionals to open themselves to help from others who have come before them. Once I shifted from a perspective of thinking I had to figure out the journey through licensure on my own, everything changed. I would tell them to advocate for themselves and get the help or resources they need. Lastly, I would emphasize persistence in one’s efforts and not giving up despite setbacks or unexpected events.
Want more insights on the path to licensure in the U.S.? Check out the rest of NCARB's Architect Spotlight series.
