How Being Asian-American Shaped My Story

• Ronnie Gor

As we celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month this May, I’d like to say “Kem chho, maru naam Ronak chhe” or “Hello, my name is Ronnie” in my native Gujarati language, the official language of the state of Gujarat on the western coast of India. Ronak is my Indian name, which means ‘Radiance’. 

This month, I’ve been reflecting on my very varied life experiences and how they have shaped who I am today. My personality, worldview, work and approach to life have all been uniquely influenced by my experience as an Asian-American.

My hometown in India, famous for its beautiful textiles, is considered the Silk City of India. Growing up there, I was raised in a tight social fabric. The presence of family and community involvement in every aspect of my life provided reassuring security and dependability from city to neighborhood to home. That carried me through to my future as I moved to the U.S.

Living my life in America for many years has enriched me with independence, impartial thinking, self-awareness and an appreciation for the opportunity to collaborate on roles that bring society together with stability and security, from self to home to neighborhood to city. That, combined with my heritage, has given me a unique perspective and input in my work.

While celebrating the Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, I’ve also recalled the inspiration I received from monumental figures in architecture from Asian backgrounds. Creators like Tadao Ando, Balkrishna Doshi and I.M. Pei — all Pritzker Prize Laureates — are artists who have contributed to architectural arts in profound ways. I look up to them and learn from them.

Mugal Sarai – currently a Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) office. It is one of the ancient monuments of Surat and was built originally as a travelers inn during the period of Mugal Emperor Shah Jahan in the year 1644 A.D.

I am always observing and learning from my environment, as an architect with almost 28 years of experience. I believe the confluence of these different life experiences helps me be true to myself while being respectful to others for the good of society.  

Perhaps you can see this in my work as an architect. Both the experience of growing up in my hometown in India, and living in my now hometown in Los Angeles are influences in my designs.

I don’t restrict myself to any particular form or idea, but rather I am open to clients’ needs, projects and limitations. Clients get unique designs tailored to their needs and requirements which are different from any of my other projects. I believe that this is a direct result of my story and background.

How has your environment shaped you?

Tamaro Khub Khub Aabhar! (Thank You Very Much),
Ronak Gor