Meet Naomi Contreras | Director of Operations, Rogue Architects

We had the good fortune of connecting with Naomi Contreras and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Naomi, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
This question resonates with me because it has been something that I have grappled with my entire life. At any given moment (whether it is personal, professional, athletic, or spiritual) there is always something of which I am in relentless pursuit.
When I set my sites on a goal, there is little that can deter me from chasing it. That kind of tenacity will sometimes yield the most rewarding results, while other times will leave you broken-hearted.
The best analogy I can share is my experience with surfing. Having taught myself how to water ski and snow ski, I decided that for my 28th birthday I’d teach myself how to surf. I rented a board and a wet suit from Frog House Surf Shop in Newport Beach, CA, and walked across Pacific Coast Hwy with my board in tow (which was twice my size). I sat on the beach observing the surfers for about 20 minutes and decided I was ready to paddle out. What I didn’t know at the time was that it was a “red flag” day, which indicated big waves and strong rip currents. I got tossed around violently for about 45 minutes before I had enough. I was pummeled by my board, held underwater longer than I was comfortable with, and inhaled more water than I care to admit. I dragged myself onto shore and lay there too exhausted to move. I set out that day to concur the ocean but ended up feeling defeated and a little embarrassed- but it ignited something in me. My pride wouldn’t allow me to walk away with that being my only experience with surfing. I was determined to try again. As soon as I could, I booked another surf trip. That time I was at least able to paddle out. During the next handful of surf trips, I was able to stand up on a few waves which solidified my love for surfing. Living in Texas, it isn’t convenient for me to surf often, but over the past 10 years, I have surfed every chance I could get. I often think back to my first less than stellar performance and know that if that first day had been calm and easy, I wouldn’t have been as passionate about continuing. Because it was such a challenge, it became a battle I had to win, and to date I am still working towards catching my first barrel wave.
That is how I tackle most things in my life. When I am faced with the choice of whether to give up or keep going, I always keep going. The thought that the next time could be the time I achieve a goal drives me and keeps me from giving up.
For anyone reading who finds themselves at this juncture, I would tell you that both options are probably going to hurt on some level, but you have to ask yourself which of the two options will keep you up at night? When you look back at the whole of your life, which option best fits the legacy you want to leave behind?

What should our readers know about your business?
Rogue Architects is a nationally licensed commercial architecture firm founded on the vision of moving architecture away from the monotony and into the future. In 2010 Rogue was founded with the promise of providing boutique-level service to commercial clients, and over a decade later, Rogue serves the largest restaurant and retail clients in the nation with their specific needs in mind. If there is one thing that Rogue hates, it’s the dull, monotonous process of ordinary firms. They go after clients’ projects with passion and work tirelessly to achieve excellence. At Rogue Architects, we tackle deadlines aggressively, use a proactive approach to crush obstacles, and take the initiative to see things through to the end. We are known for being solution-driven and understand that even if we can’t solve a problem ourselves, we will find a way to make it happen. Most importantly, Rogues understand that we are all one team striving toward the same goal. Our employees, clients, and consultants all embody the roguish spirit that makes us unique. We treat each other with care and humanity.
My journey to Rogue was a long and arduous one. When I started undergraduate school at the University of Texas at Arlington, the male to female ration looked very different than it does today. Throughout undergrad it was not uncommon for me to be one of, if not the only female in class. Typically, when a woman ventures into a sport, profession, or any territory that is predominantly male, they are reminded daily of that fact. There are always men out there who make it their mission to make us feel unwelcome, and in some cases, go to great lengths to make things more difficult for us just to make it clear that they feel we don’t belong. It was no different for me, but I knew from very early on that in my life, education, and career, I’d be tasked with bridging that chasm. That said, architecture school was not easy for anyone. There was an immense workload with short timeframes and often harsh critiques. Having thick skin was not optional. I was fortunate to connect with a core group of classmates who were supportive, encouraging, and treated me as an equal. I gave them every reason to. I was there for the all-nighters and showed up to class with my work done. I never asked for help in the wood shop or when mixing concrete for models. I was never afraid of working hard or getting my hands dirty. I knew I had to do everything my male counterparts were doing threefold to get even the slightest recognition, so that’s what I did. I carried that mentality through to graduate school, where thankfully, the male to female ratio was quickly approaching a more even split. The first few years of my professional career I spent soaking up every but of training and information I could from my superiors. I was always eager to learn and wasn’t afraid of not knowing things because I had a knack for figuring things out on my own. I always volunteered to take on more work and more responsibility and over time, I earned a seat at tables where decisions were made.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Sundance square has really grown on me. There are bars and restaurants on every corner, far too many to name. If someone was visiting the area I would probably start at Toro Toro and then take them to the Riata rooftop, Brand & Bird rooftop and The Sinclair rooftop for drinks and great views of downtown. For dinner I would take them to Del Frisco’s Double Eagle, and for interesting places to visit, probably the Fort Worth water Gardens and Botanical Gardens.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The most impactful thing that anyone has ever said to me was when my grandfather told, “Make sure our family name is tied to great things.” He wasn’t a feminist or avant-garde, so I was surprised that he chose to say that to me even though my brother was standing right next to me when he said it. While that statement may seem insignificant to some, I felt like I had been charged with something critical, and my need to honor his request has been a driving force in every aspect of my life.
However, the two people that deserve the most recognition are my mom and dad. I always tell them that anything I ever achieve in my life is their achievement too. They have supported me in every way imaginable, and I would not be the person I am today without them.
In addition to my grandfather and parents, there are also a multitude of people who have contributed to my success in a myriad of ways; far too many to name.

Website: https://www.roguearchitects.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/naomi-contreras-7754811a2