Garza Architects Founder Jesse Garza has pursued a life driven by curiosity. Over the course of a career spanning more than 30 years, Jesse’s inquisitive nature has led him to understand that learning uncovers purpose, and that purpose realizes the potential of architecture.

Jesse strives to intimately understand this purpose in every assignment. What is driving a client to pursue the project? Who will it serve? What are the client’s aspirations and vision? And how can the architecture act as a catalyst to bring together all of these elements together to ensure the project achieves its true potential?

Jesse believes that every project starts with a relationship. By nurturing these relationships and collaborating closely with clients, Jesse is able to use his curiosity and intuition to uncover the insights needed to create truly remarkable learning environments.

As Garza Architects’ leading creative force, Jesse draws design inspiration from the well-designed and thoughtfully crafted elements we experience daily. Whether they come from the worlds of architecture, art, industrial design, or technology, he uses these inspiration sources to create places perfectly suited to the people who live, work, or learn in them.

Xavier Colon has always believed in listening carefully and working to help others achieve their goals. While these are outstanding qualities for anyone to have, it turns out they are particularly good for a project manager. They help Xavier to guide his fellow team members’ progress throughout the design process while he also encourages them toward excellence on every project.

Xavier joined Garza Architects in 2011 and has played an important role in completing some of the firm’s most significant projects. His commitment to “creating a better world, one building at a time” can be seen in projects such as the Pease Middle School Fine Arts addition and additions and renovations at Boone Elementary School.

Xavier earned an undergraduate degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio College of Architecture, Construction, and Planning and a master’s degree from Ball State University in Indiana.

In a 30-year career committed to public service through architecture, Thom Sanchez has found the design of K-12 learning environments to be the most rewarding way to serve his community. Responding to this calling has given him an opportunity to be part of an important conversation about how to positively impact and enrich young lives.

In a city filled with aging school facilities, Thom believes that designing remarkable learning environments is now more important than ever. He views today’s architects as having a unique opportunity to help reestablish schools as the heart of the neighborhoods they serve. And he has seen firsthand how a campus revitalization or even a single new building can benefit students, staff, and the surrounding community.

While working on multi-phased construction, expansion, and renovation projects that have sometimes spanned decades, Thom has also learned that hard work, clear communication, transparency, and a focus on teamwork are the keys to a successful project and lasting relationships with clients.

Enrique Mendiola delivers the constantly evolving technological capabilities that Garza Architects needs to drive projects forward.

With a particular focus on using Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology to its fullest potential, Enrique works with the project team to create industry-leading design development and construction documentation.

Enrique’s expansive knowledge of construction systems and techniques allows him to clearly visualize what needs to be built, identify any potential issues, find opportunities to maximize project efficiency, and achieve the client’s overall goals.

Enrique also uses his creativity, 3D modeling capabilities, and broad technical skills to create documents that help team members and stakeholders understand the design at every phase of the project, from initial sketches through lifelike photorealistic renderings.