DENVER — ej architecture, a metro-Denver architecture and planning firm, recently expanded its leadership team with the promotion of Raul Gardea-Flores, AIA associate, to project manager. Employee retention at a small, boutique firm like ej architecture is paramount to support the firm’s ethos to provide consistency, diversity, and accessibility for the duration of all of their projects.
“In a small firm, the team needs to be diverse in all areas of design and construction. Raul has committed himself over the last few years to learning as much as he could, often donating his own time, to ensure that his skill set was expanding and growing in a way that would allow for his own growth in the industry as well,” commented Elizabeth Johnson, AIA, principal and owner of ej architecture.
According to the American Institute of Architects’ Foresight Report, developed with the Colorado-based Greenway Group, “The needs of an increasingly diverse workforce are challenging traditional management and human resource models and bringing new voices to the table.” This speaks to a major industry challenge of attracting and retaining talent during an era of labor shortages in the design and construction realm. ej architecture is responding to this industry challenge by focusing inward to retain top talent by offering opportunities for training, leadership and ultimately, growth within the firm.
Raul is a licensed architect in Mexico City and holds a Master of Architecture from the University of Colorado. Working in a firm that specializes in multi-family affordable housing has allowed Raul to continue helping people achieve their dream of owning their own home. Raul has worked on several significant affordable housing projects in Colorado including the new construction of Hidden Lake Homes, a 72-unit affordable senior housing complex for the Jefferson County Housing Authority as well as the renovation of Aztec Villa, a 164-unit affordable housing project for Adams County Housing Authority.
“The most valuable part of being an architect is using your creativity and design skills to help others. My background allows me to contribute a cultural perspective and different view point that benefits our team and our clients,” said Raul Gardea-Flores, AIA Associate.
Photo courtesy of ej architecture, pllc
