Meet Brenda Cruz Quintanilla | Dancer & Designer (Architecture)

We had the good fortune of connecting with Brenda Cruz Quintanilla and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brenda, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I was born and raised in El Salvador. I moved to Houston to study Architecture. I graduated this past December. I’ve always been disciplined and determined to achieve my goals. Living in El Salvador , helped me understand to never take anything for granted, to be grateful for opportunities. In short, words to be aware of where I come from, helps me move forward to where I want to be.

The immigration process is extremely hard, but at the same time, I saw it as a chance to start knowing myself more, understanding that sometimes sacrifices are necessary, and if you enjoy what you do, then everything is worth the fight, don’t you think?

Also, I wouldn’t be me without dancing or painting. Personally, I believe that dancing heals and I am proof of that. I started dancing since I was 3, I plan not to stop until I reach 100 years old!. Painting just says what I can not explain with words.

Please do not leave your creative side down, sure! nowadays everything is about formal jobs and going to college, and making money but I recently learned that LIFE IS MUCH MORE THAN THAT!. We are all running out of time, is not fair to live under the expectation of others, do the things with love, but because you love them! say what you want to say to others, live without regrets, don’t hold yourself because of other people’s expectations.

In the end, your life is that ONLY YOURS!

What should our readers know about your business?
I am a designer at an Architecture Firm in Houston. The firm is an energetic and engaged architecture practice that has a distinctly modern focus. Our work is progressive, experience-centered, dynamic, and bold. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for people at home, at work, at play, and everywhere in between through thoughtful, meaningful, and vibrant architecture.

Our foundation in design is steeped in modernism. Our exploration of form purity, spatial complexity, texture, shadow, and meaning drives us to continually bring new ideas and individuality to every project. Design is our passion and we strive to make every project unique.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
For breakfast I would take my friend to Snooze, or brunch some cafe at downtown, then we could go to Hermann Park Houston, visit the museums, and the zoo. For afternoon coffee we would go to Fellini cafe at City Center, they have the best pastries, coffe,e and gelato in town.

Since I am a pizza fan, we would eat at Grimaldi’s, then another day at Morfi Argentino, which has the best Argentinian Food in town ( I am a strong supporter of local and family own businesses). Since I am a fan of Colombian Cusine, Mi pueblito has amazing Colombian dishes ( plus Latin live music on Fridays). For a more elaborate dinner, Xochi is the best place in town, a delicious Oaxacan restaurant in town, and the deserts are beyond this world.

For a fun and casual night out, Fabians Latin flavors is the place to go, with amazing music food, and drinks!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
As I hear somewhere, it takes a village!

Shoutout to my parents for always indicates to me that education is the only way one can grow!. Liz Nelson, thank you for being my motor, my ride or die, and show me what life is about THANK YOU!. Tito thanks for always being there, and fight together, I’m so proud of you!

Shoutout to me ! (haha but not in a selfish way) .Simply because we are the only sure thing we have. Brenda did not know the meaning of sacrifice before moving to Houston. I owed it to the 8-year-old who drew windows after school or the 18-year-old girl who love to draw trees in the corners of her notebook.

However, the best lesson I learned is that everyone goes at their own pace, your time is not the time of others. I could not care less about what others think of me as long as I have peace of mind!

Instagram: @eldiariodelapita

Linkedin: Brenda Cruz-Quintanilla

Image Credits
Anchor Studios /Raul Cruz