736-T3 - Optimizing Black Retail Corridors

Oswaldo Ortega was born and raised in New York City and got his first taste of architecture in a class at Brooklyn Technical High School. This propelled him to Syracuse University’s School of Architecture, where he not only earned his bachelor’s degree, but took on leadership roles that included founding the Society of Multicultural Architects and Designers and joining Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. After graduating from SU, Ortega attended Columbia University, where he earned a Master’s in Science of Urban Design and Architecture. During that time, he worked for the Urban Technical Assistance Project, where, through a grassroots process that included interviewing community leaders, residents, and store owners, he assisted in designing the Adam Clayton Powell Jr. State Office Building Plaza in Harlem.

In 2007, Ortega joined the Washington, D.C. office of HOK, one of the world’s largest design practices, where he operated as the project architect for four office buildings, one biotech laboratory facility, one office building renovation and several conceptual design packages for international clients. He also continued to develop his leadership skills through the Leadership Development Program at Johns Hopkins University and by leading the Architecture, Construction, and Engineering Mentoring program at Wheaton High School in Silver Spring, Maryland. 

Ortega became a LEED Accredited Professional in 2009 and a licensed architect in the state of Maryland in 2013. He then decided to refocus on architectural and urban design and joined Gensler. At Gensler, Ortega led mastering planning studies, architectural and interiors projects. Most recently Ortega was the project architect for the Johnson Controls Asian Regional Headquarters in Shanghai, where he frequently traveled to represent his team at Gensler. Beyond Gensler, Ortega is very passionate about giving back. Asco-lead mentor of the Chicago team 6 ACE mentoring program he is constantly developing programs to inspire the youth. Ortega also involves himself in numerous community engagement activities from community hearings to hosting architectural summer camps.

Justin is an architect with projects ranging from faith based campus master planning to retail and office shell buildings. His eclectic
interests and love for learning keep him engaged in a continual mode of discovery and skill building. Portrait photography is a current
interest of his, which allows him to work with people and serves as a creative outlet all at once. Spending 4 years as a public high school teacher, Justin brought his passion for mentoring the next generation to the architecture and design industry by way the National Organization of Minority Architects in which he currently serves as the '21-'22 President of the Houston Chapter. Justin also invests in the next generation of architects with his service on the University of Houston College of
Architecture Alumni Association board in which he serves as Vice Chair of the Governance Committee.

Beyond project work Justin enjoys co-leading the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts within the Houston office which is producing cultural shifts and creating greater opportunities for minority architects. Justin's strong sense of responsibility has established his reputation as dependable and personable making him highly sought after for project teams.