Ricardo Soto on Working at Page

Ricardo Soto is a Graduate Mechanical Engineer at Page. He is a recent graduate of The University of Texas at Austin where he received a dual degree in architecture and engineering. We asked him about what he enjoys most about his role at the firm and what it is like to work here.

Why did you choose to work at Page?

I liked the variety in Page’s portfolio. The firm works on everything from data centers to high-rise residential towers. It is also important to me to have the architects in-house. I studied architecture and engineering, so the architect is always in the back of my head and I wanted to work for an integrated firm.

What is it like to work on the Page MEP team?

Working at Page is a lot of fun. You might not expect that of an engineering firm, but the people are great here. It is a welcoming environment; people talk to each other; and I am not afraid to ask questions.

What do you recommend recent graduates look for when considering a firm?

Look for a firm that matches your personality. I am an extrovert and I like being a part of a large collaborative team, so Page is great for me. It is important to feel comfortable and be yourself in your job.

What do you most enjoy about working in the engineering profession/industry?

I enjoy watching the process, from drawing to construction. It is satisfying to be a part of it. I like understanding all of the behind-the-scenes elements that go into a building. Engineers make buildings work so that they are comfortable and functional for their users. It isn’t all about how a building looks; it is about how it works, how it comes together.

Briefly describe a recent favorite project.

A renovation of a 10,000-square-foot clinic in a strip mall, it was great for me because I was able to lead the project from conception to completion. Page works on numerous very large-scale projects. This was a smaller one that I got to run with. I appreciate that our team trusts me enough to do this type of work.