# Meet Adriana Gonzalez: From Historical Preservation to Commercial Design
We're excited to welcome Adriana Gonzalez to the Tangram team as our newest Designer in Dallas. Fresh out of architecture school with hands-on experience in historical preservation, Adriana brings a unique perspective that bridges traditional craftsmanship with contemporary commercial design.
## From California Roots to Texas Design
Born in San Fernando Valley but raised in Fort Worth, Adriana describes herself as having the best of both worlds. "I still claim I'm from California," she laughs, but her deep knowledge of the Dallas-Fort Worth area shows her Texas roots run strong.
For visitors to the area, she recommends three distinct experiences that showcase the region's diversity: - **The Stockyards** for an authentic Wild West experience - **Historic Grapevine** during Christmas season ("It feels like you're in a Christmas movie!") - **Deep Ellum** for arts, music, and innovative dining
## Building Experience Through Diverse Projects
Adriana's background in historical preservation at an architecture firm has given her a strong foundation in design principles and attention to detail. "Working in historical preservation taught me to respect existing structures while finding creative solutions," she explains. This experience translating between old and new will prove valuable in commercial projects where designers often work within existing building constraints.
## Finding Balance Through Creative Pursuits
After years focused on academic work, Adriana is rediscovering her passion for photography—a skill that translates well to design work through enhanced visual composition and spatial awareness. Her recent trip to Puerto Vallarta, where she participated in sea turtle conservation, reflects her commitment to environmental stewardship, increasingly important in sustainable commercial design.
She carries wisdom from an unexpected source: Dr. Seuss's *The Lorax*. Her favorite quote—"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not"—speaks to the intentionality she brings to her design work.
## Ready for New Challenges
"I'm looking for a new challenge that can help me broaden my experience, and I believe Tangram will do just that," Adriana shares. Her goal is to build relationships while expanding her skill set across different project types and scales.
With her foundation in historical preservation and fresh perspective on contemporary design challenges, Adriana is positioned to bring thoughtful solutions to Tangram's diverse commercial projects. We're excited to see how her unique background will contribute to our team's continued growth and innovation.
Welcome to Tangram, Adriana!
