Hispanic Heritage Month

Every year from September 15th to October 15th, National Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic Americans. This year, we're taking the time to honor that legacy by featuring a selection of our projects in and beyond the city of Los Angeles—a place deeply rooted in Hispanic culture and identity. Through these projects, we aim to honor this year’s theme, “Unidos, Somos Mas” (Together, We are More) and hope to reflect on the communities we design for and the traditions that continue to shape the built environment around us.

Designing for Belonging: Expanding STEM Opportunities Across the CSU

In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, AC Martin is highlighting two higher education projects connected by a shared purpose: expanding access to STEM education and creating spaces where students feel welcome, supported, and prepared to succeed. The Autodesk Technology Engagement Center at California State University, Northridge (CSUN) and the Engineering & Technology Building at Cal Poly Humboldt reflect our commitment to programming and designing learning environments informed by student feedback. Their connection also extends beyond architecture through initiatives that support Hispanic and Latino students and other communities historically underrepresented in STEM.

Connecting Education to Opportunity

CSUN’s Global Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) Equity Innovation Hub, housed within the Autodesk Technology Engagement Center, works with university, community, and industry partners to expand educational and career opportunities. Cal Poly Humboldt is part of the Hub’s network of collaborators. Grant support from the Hub is helping Cal Poly Humboldt advance opportunities for students through "Raíces y Rutas: Roots and Routes to Careers". The fellowship combines paid internships with regional employers, mentorship, and career preparation. Its approach recognizes students’ cultural backgrounds, identities, and community connections as strengths they bring to STEM professions. For AC Martin, this connection brings together two campuses where we have designed spaces to support hands-on learning, collaboration, and student success. More about R2 here

Design That Begins with Listening

At CSUN, AC Martin led workshops with university leadership, faculty, staff, and a student focus group to establish priorities for the Autodesk Technology Engagement Center. Their input helped shape a welcoming, adaptable environment that makes STEM exploration approachable and reflects the diversity of the students it serves. Engineering and prototyping labs, makerspaces, study areas, and a student success center bring opportunities to learn, create, and connect into one facility. At Cal Poly Humboldt, student feedback informed our programming and design approach for the Engineering & Technology Building. Teaching and research laboratories, an interdisciplinary makerspace, fabrication areas, and gathering spaces support the university’s emphasis on learning by doing. Flexible spaces encourage students across disciplines to exchange ideas and apply their knowledge to practical challenges.

Supporting the Next Generation

Hispanic Heritage Month offers an opportunity to celebrate Hispanic and Latino contributions while supporting the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators. Through a design process that includes student voices, AC Martin helps universities create environments that support their students’ ambitions. Together, these projects reflect our belief that thoughtful design can help expand opportunity—giving students places to explore their interests, build confidence, and see themselves in the future of STEM.