Arizona has been instrumental in advancing DCI’s sustainability initiatives, including helping launch the firm’s in-house sustainability committee and developing its first embodied carbon baseline. He joined DCI in 2016 after earning a bachelor’s degree in architectural engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. Since then, Arizona has completed more than 50 life-cycle assessments (and counting), with a primary focus on embodied carbon reduction to support net-zero goals aligned with DCI’s SE2050 signatory commitment. Through active involvement in industry organizations, contributions to emerging green rating systems, and the development of LCA case studies, Arizona seeks to drive change at scale and support education across all levels of the industry. He has played a key role in numerous projects achieving green building certifications, including LEED and the Living Building Challenge. In addition to his sustainability leadership, Arizona has managed structural design for projects such as the Linden and Parker Lane Apartments and has worked extensively across virtually every construction material and building type. One of his favorite stories to share is the custom steel roof structure he designed to seamlessly integrate with a more than 200-year-old historic building on Sixth Street in Austin.

What is your favorite thing about the DCI work environment?
I value DCI’s open and collaborative work environment, which allows me to regularly collaborate with colleagues across offices nationwide. This exposure has given me the opportunity to work with and learn from some truly impressive people. The sustainability committee, in particular, is an exceptionally passionate and knowledgeable group, and I feel fortunate to work alongside them as we help position DCI as a leader in reducing embodied carbon within the construction industry.

What is your favorite place, building, or built environment at your current city of residence?
I really love the ACL Live concert venue in Austin. It’s my favorite place to see a show and it has a great outdoor plaza where you can enjoy a view of downtown before and after concerts.