Alex Nunez-Thompson: building on New Mexico’s boom

Alex Nunez-Thompson ‘16 is riding a wave in New Mexico.

The Rice University civil and environmental engineering alumnus said, “Albuquerque is a very unique market right now because it is ringed by three other cities teaming with technology and commercial opportunities: Phoenix, Denver, and Austin. We are a hidden gem in the Southwest and have begun to catch the interest of investors.”

As the vice president responsible for design and project management at ACG Engineering and Construction Management, Nunez-Thompson is pulled into meetings across the state. One project has him weaving investors together with city officials and community residents for a historic building renovation in Santa Fe. New state-of-the-art features will make it both useful and efficient, but the rooftop garden, active and passive rain water utilization and space for solar energy conversion may not feel as critical to the neighbors as the perceived impact of a more densely populated structure on their traffic and quality of life.

“It is exciting to take an existing building and add to it,” said Nunez-Thompson. “There are structural and hydrologic challenges to be sure, but the end goal is creating a beacon for the city—one that all the stakeholders can embrace.

“From both an engineering and a civic perspective, we at ACG are the communications center for how all those forces interact. It is critical to communicate clearly with everyone involved. To be a part of such a development is truly phenomenal; it feels transformational for my company and for similar projects around the state.”

Another project in which Nunez-Thompson has worked closely with community residents is an adult continuing education center in northern New Mexico. Working with the Jicarilla Apache Nation, he has helped them plan the building from the ground up. Although the features run more to how much storage space the teachers need and how many outlets are required for student devices, Nunez-Thompson said working with the community is just as critical as it is in the Santa Fe project.

“Your mobility – for project success, advancement, career opportunities – it all hinges on your communication skills,” said Nunez-Thompson. “Rice University provides its students with many opportunities to develop those communication skills.

“Beginning with ENGI 120- the first semester course for freshmen that ends in a product presentation – the chance to present our team’s work was paramount in my communications activities at Rice. I highly recommend students take any opportunity they have to present and get out of their comfort zone. If you are not presenting in class, look for other activities where you are required to communicate.”

Read the rest of his story - including his promotion to VP while getting his oil changed - on the ACTIVATE Engineering Communication Program website.