Tulane Alum Supports Architecture Community in New Mexico

Efren Lopez has been a member of the board of the New Mexico chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) for three years, serving as the Young Architects Forum director. This year, the New Mexico AIA honored the Tulane University alum with the Young Architect Award in recognition of his leadership in the community, his service to the profession, and his professional achievement in design.

Efren’s architecture career spans a wide range of experiences, from designing simple projects for elementary schools early in his career to leading a team through more regulation-heavy projects backed by government contracts.

“Architecture is variable, and the challenge always changes based on the project,” says Efren. “I love that architecture is not about me; it’s about helping other people get what they want. My job is to help mold their ideas into a viable design.”

I hope to make architecture not just a place where people of all identities belong, but where all people are equipped to thrive.

Efren’s work as the Young Architects Forum director underscores his commitment to increasing support and resources for architects who have been licensed for less than 10 years . During his tenure, he has organized networking events, fundraisers and special education opportunities. Through these and other efforts, Efren hopes to help remove barriers to entry for new, aspiring architects.

“My uncles were construction workers, and I was lucky to have the opportunities I did,” he says. “Through my advocacy, I hope to make architecture not just a place where people of all identities belong, but where all people are equipped to thrive.”

Outside his work with the New Mexico AIA, Efren is part of an effort to launch a New Mexico chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects. Founded in 1971, the national organization seeks to “foster justice and equity in communities of color through outreach, community advocacy, professional development and design excellence.”

Efren credits Posse for encouraging him to seek out leadership opportunities as a young adult.

“Because of Posse’s training, I knew that I was a leader when I entered the workforce,” he says. “I didn’t have to wait for other people to lead. I was able to create the atmosphere that I needed, both for myself and for others who might not have had a voice in architecture.”