Community Membership Spotlight : Angelique Hernandez
Why did you choose architecture as a profession
As a young student I loved math and art. In Mr. Yunis’s 11th grade math class I was reading a magazine article about careers and noticed architecture. That was the moment I decided to major in architecture. From the first studio collage assignment at USL, I knew it was the right career choice for me.
Do you have a special routine/habit you may do to get creative juices flowing?
I bop around all kinds of media and inspiration… 3d modeling, hand sketching, water color, collecting case studies, and reading periodicals.
What type of projects do you like to take on?
It is greatly satisfying to work with small entrepreneurs and to be instrumental in the success of local businesses. I especially love to work on community assembly projects where many people will benefit from the experience of the architectural space.
Best project, most unique/favorite project?
Spoonbill Restaurant and Watering Hole was a favorite because we loved working with the clients and got a James Beard restaurant design nomination during covid. It was an exhilarating moment at a melancholy time.
What is the strangest thing that ever happened on a job?
No punchlist. There is one contractor I do work with that never has a punchlist. I can’t tell you who it is. He’s already too busy to take on more work. J
What is your most satisfying professional accomplishment?
Getting licensed and becoming a firm owner are two big ones. I also love to work with interns and encouraging them to pursue licensure.
What is the greatest personal or professional obstacle you've overcome?
There are always unfathomable obstacles. I try to welcome them, look past them, see the finish line and receive the end result which is valued experience.
Are you currently or were recently involved in any community outreach projects?
Our office recently hosted a Designing Women of Acadiana meeting for the Lafayette Tool Library to present their offerings. It was a serendipitous meeting where the founder of the Lafayette Tool Library met the founder of the Masters Guild of Acadiana. They immediately started to develop plans to work together bringing experience to young tradespeople.
What do you do after a hard day at work to unwind?
I start the day unwinding at Crossfit Lafayette. After work I’ll be enjoying cooking with my husband Shane, walking the weenies or watching Sci Fi. An extra-long day might end in a stroll to a cozy downtown Lafayette restaurant.
If you could have any other job, what would it be?
I love to work on commercial projects and imagine myself doing many of the jobs of our fascinating clients. For me a truly dream job would be an artist or artisan. Artists are my true heroes and have the geniuses of observing and documenting the world in a way that I greatly value and admire.
If you could have dinner with anyone dead or alive, who would it be and why?
I would want to have dinner with my Cajun great great grandparents, hear the language, watch them cook, taste their creations.
What is a great piece of advice you have personally received? Did you have occasion to put it to use?
When it comes to work life balance, don’t get upset about the messes. This advice was given to me when my twin boys were 6 months old by the architect Don Breaux’s lovely wife, Donna. This was helpful advice from a sage role model. Chasing perfectionism isn’t the same as having a successful project or a plentiful life.
Do you have a business/creative role model? If so, who is it and why?
Almost the entire membership of my local AIA and CSI chapters. I have gained invaluable experience from nearly every meeting or event I’ve attended. I could list 50 people here, but I’ll say one for now. Shawn Viator is one of my most creative colleagues. We were friends in college, then roommates, then coworkers, running buddies, and godparents to each other’s children. She is Chitimacha native American and I love the way she sees the environment. Her drawing style has always inspired me.
What other leadership roles do you hold in the community and/or what volunteer efforts do you support?
I’m currently serving as AIA Louisiana Secretary Treasurer, CSI Acadiana Past President, CSI Gulf States Region Treasurer, CSI National Awards Committee. I have recently volunteered to work with Miles Perret Cancer Services, Second Harvest, and Habitat for Humanity.
What is your favorite way to spend your time?
Getting lost in the flow of design… working, traveling, movies, music and cuisine.