Member Spotlight: Javier Fuentes, R.A.,NCARB, AIA , Principal, Javier Fuentes Architecture
Javier was born on October 19, 1988 in Hoboken NJ. He grew up in North Bergen NJ with his sister Claudia. His parents saw he had a strength in art and put him in classes as soon as he was five years old. He grew up with art all around him, his father an artist, and his mother helped him with his project models for school. In middle school, his father put him and his sister with a private art teacher to help build his experience with watercolor, charcoal and paint. When he entered high school, and he took a drafting course elective for fun and discovered Architecture. This changed the trajectory in his life, as he finally knew what career path he wanted to take.
Javier entered in Essex County College, made friends, studied hard and earned his associates degree in Architectural Technology. Soon after he graduated, he entered New Jersey Institute of Technology to finish his degree in Architecture. He graduated with his Bachelor's in Architecture from NJIT. In his final year in the University he traveled to China to compete in a design competition. His involvement in the project was to design & build a solar energy efficient home in the Solar Decathlon China 2013. Javier started his career, met his wife and soon after his 2 kids were born. He worked in 3 different firms, learning and building his experience as an Architect. During that time he was taking his ARE’s after 22 attempts and never giving up in five years he earned his license as an Architect.
He is a Latino American Architect with a vision to bring your story to life. Bringing a lot of positive energy, compassion and love for every project. He has +10 years of experience working on Multifamily, Single Family, Commercial Retail, Tenant fitouts, Business Offices, Hospitality and now has taken his experiences into his own firm. His speciality is in High-end Residential and Small Commercial projects. At the end of it all, he hopes to share his love for Architecture with those around him.
For business inquiries visit: https://jfuentesarch.com// | Email Javier: [email protected]
Q&A
What was your favorite recent project?
My favorite project would have to be my Montclair NJ project of 109 Union. This beautiful Tudor home was bought by my client who wanted to flip the property. After showing it to his family, they ended up falling in love with the home and asked me to design it with their needs. What makes this project so unique is the addition that we were doing on this property required both zoning approval and historic preservation commission approval. Upon bringing it to the boards, we felt very confident that our design fit the Tudor home and got an overwhelming approval from both boards. Both the zoning board and the historic preservation commission, thank us for not taking down the property as it was once proposed by the previous owner.
How long did it take before you felt comfortable in your role as an architect?
Honestly, a long time, I want to say it took me about 10 years till I felt like I finally knew what I was doing. Every professional goes through imposter syndrome, and that was something that had impacted me in the past. I still go through it today, but now I have a different relationship with that feeling, because I remind myself with words of affirmation that I am the professional in my expertise.
What would be your dream job or a project you'd like to work on?
I am already working my dream job, but if I wasn’t doing this, I would have loved to pick up the trade of carpentry. I love the beautiful skill work of cutting into a solid block of wood, the creativity of shaping it and the fresh smell of wood shavings.
What do you like to do when you are not working?
I enjoy spending time with my family, building Legos with my kids, watching tv shows with my wife and playing video games.
What are 3 facts about you that make you unique?
I’m first generation born American and also dual citizen of Colombia I speak English, Spanish, and picked up Mandarin when I traveled to China I am ambidextrous
Who or what are your inspirations for architecture?
Over time I’ve grown to love so many different Architects, their styles and their creations. Now 11 years into my career I’ve grown to appreciate the American traditional homes. All of the styles that were brought to the US whether it is a Tudor or Colonial home, these works of art derive from other influences from around the world.
Who or what are your inspirations for life?
My parents seeing what they did for my sister and I, they made me believe they could do anything. They came from Colombia in 1986 and they worked so hard to make sure we lived a good life, and supported us in our dreams.
What’s exciting about what you are doing now in the office?
I have been working on different kinds of projects that has been more fulfilling. I think that has to do with both the clients we are choosing to work with and the impact that it has had in their lives.
What advice would you give to recent graduates entering the professional world?
Stay humble, Learn from your peers and boss. Expand your knowledge with what your read, what you see on the field and the tools available to you to create. Don’t let anybody stunt your growth, take risks when you feel the need to explore other firms to grow. You have to remember that in your career, you have to think about what is best for you.
Projects
109 Union Street Montclair NJ. Addition of a Historic Tudor home. Completed 2024
934 US22 North Plainfield NJ. Seng Couture. Full Interior Alteration & Renovation + Exterior Alteration & redesign. Completed 2023
97 Walnut Street Montclair NJ. Alteration & Renovation to Salbuen Restaurant. Completed 2022
