IR Architects has recently announced its support of Woodbury School of Architecture and its first year studios through a $30,000 sponsorship. IR Architects was founded by Woodbury Architecture alumnus Ignacio Rodriguez, AIA.

The purpose of the sponsorship is to contribute to student education in their initial studio year through increased access to construction techniques and skill building, as well as formal and spatial explorations. The sponsorship expands the school’s capacity to provide high-quality education to the widest range of students. It recognizes the importance of strong foundation skills in securing a successful career post-graduation. The sponsorship gives students early exposure to user experience, similar to techniques used in virtual and augmented reality. Students will learn how to visualize architecture from a user’s perspective as means of expanding their technical abilities and conceptual design skills.

IR Architects Studios follows Gensler’s Formwork Studio, taught by assistant professor Yasushi Ishida. When asked about the IR sponsorship, Ignacio touched on the value of education at Woodbury:

“We sponsored the studio mainly to support the school, as it is the alma mater of both my wife and I,” notes CEO of IR Architects Ignacio Rodriguez. “In the process, we hope to observe and identify the natural talent of students just beginning their journey into architecture and get their fresh perspective on form and design. This is why we sponsored a first year studio rather than a third or fourth year.”

IR Architects Studios follow the success of the first year 1B studio coordinated by professor Heather Flood, which recently won the 2017 Architect Magazine Studio Prize. The prize recognizes thoughtful, innovative, and ethical studio courses at accredited architecture schools. The 1B studio will be featured in the September issue of Architect Magazine.

“We’re coordinating the first year studios to explore how the early stages of architectural education can transform the intellectual and technical abilities of students” said Flood. “The studios reveal an optimism and willingness to experiment, fail and try new things. We are incredibly thankful to Ignacio and IR Architects for recognizing the impact that foundational learning has on the long- term success of students.”

Ignacio Rodriguez, AIA, principal and CEO at IR Architects, graduated from Woodbury University’s Bachelor of Architecture program in 2007. He received a full scholarship to study architecture, and while at Woodbury, he received the prestigious Degree Project of the Year Award. Upon graduating, he developed a distinct style and founded IR Architects in 2012. Since that time, the firm has quickly become a formidable force in the competitive world of Los Angeles architecture, designing over 250,000 square feet of luxury real estate throughout Southern California.

Ingalill Wahlroos-Ritter, Dean of the School of Architecture, touched on Ignacio’s widely acclaimed practice and what the sponsorship means to Woodbury:

“The students and faculty of the Woodbury School of Architecture are deeply grateful for the generous support from Ignacio Rodriguez Architects.  Ignacio was an exceptional student whose personal journey is now inspiring the next generation of students. Upon visiting the first year studio final exhibition, Ignacio recognized the remarkable teaching of Heather Flood, Nate Imai and Yi-Hsiu Yeh and the exceptional student work in the undergraduate program. Sponsorships like Ignacio’s reaffirm the value of our diverse and welcoming community in transforming our students into successful professionals. With the sponsorship gift, we’re able to expand our learning opportunities to students at the start of their education.”

The IR Architects Sponsorship will support the fall 2017 and spring 2018 first year architecture studios at Woodbury School of Architecture. You can find out more about Ignacio and his award-winning practice online. Discover how to support student success through a scholarship or sponsorship through our School of Architecture Giving Page.

IR Architects (Ignacio Rodriguez Architects) is an elite Los Angeles-based firm specializing in contemporary architectural design for high-end multi-million dollar residences and estates within Los Angeles’ burgeoning luxury real estate market. The firm fuses sleek functionality with creative aesthetics to elevate each project to its fullest potential. With a client-focused approach and advanced design expertise, incorporating the most innovative techniques, the firm has built an impressive repertoire in Southern California. IR Architects prides itself in providing sophisticated projects that deliver real value, inspiring all who enter to marvel at the end result.