Honoree Profile

Beto Garcia

Whitney Architects

Title: Project Designer
Tenure at Firm: 3.5 Year
Nominating Principal: Melissa Bogusch, President
School: Iowa State University
Major: Architecture

Inspired By:

Curiosity is one of the biggest things that drives my work. I’m always interested in understanding the “why” behind spaces. Why were they designed a certain way? How have they evolved over time? And how do people interact with them today?

Architecture and design have always resonated with me because they connect people to history and place. When you begin to understand the context behind a space, its history, the culture around it, and the people who use it, you start to see how the built environment shapes how we move and experience the world around us.

I’m also inspired by the idea of continuous improvement. Every project is an opportunity to learn something new and refine how I approach the next one. For me, the process is about reflecting on what I learned and asking how I can apply that knowledge the next time.

Keys to a Successful Project:

At its core, a successful project comes down to collaboration, communication, and a shared understanding of the project’s goals. Good design rarely happens in isolation. It’s the result of strong teams working together and being open to different perspectives. One thing I’ve learned early in my career is the value of asking questions. I’m not afraid to ask something if it helps clarify a problem or move the project forward. Sometimes that means being comfortable not having all the answers

Which experiences have most influenced how you approach design?

My education introduced me to the foundations of design thinking, but professional experience has really shaped how I approach projects. Working alongside different teams and disciplines has shown me how design develops through collaboration, iteration, and problem solving.

Through that process, I’ve learned that strong design is not just about the initial idea. It’s about understanding context, balancing constraints, and refining solutions over time. As I continue to grow in my career, I also try to share what I’ve learned along the way. Early on, I realized that asking questions and being open about what you don’t know is one of the fastest ways to improve. If I can help someone avoid a mistake I’ve already made or make their process a little smoother, that’s something I see as part of growing as a designer.

“Beto’s growth as a Designer while at Whitney is putting him on a path to great things in our profession. We are so proud of Beto’s contributions to multiple projects – from conceptual design through construction administration. We are excited to see what is to come from Beto in the future as he works towards becoming a licensed architect.”

Melissa Bogusch
President

Favorite Haworth Collection Piece & Why:

Maggiolina Lounge Chair. I’m drawn to the contrast between the thin tubular frame and the chunky leather cushions. It feels sturdy but still light, almost floating. That balance gives the chair a timeless midcentury quality that still feels fresh today.

Your current favorite color (RGB, CMYK, or HEX#):

klein blue / #002fa7