I am Erick Romero.

I was born in the vibrant city of New York and raised in the culturally rich atmosphere of Philadelphia. Growing up in a strict household, I was driven by a curiosity about the world and a desire to become an explorer, even though the true meaning of that aspiration eluded me. It was during my trips to the Dominican Republic, where my mother comes from, that I first became captivated by the stark differences in architecture compared to my hometown. IS THIS ARCHITECTURE?

A significant moment in my journey occurred during a visit to my father's workplace. In front of me, a whiteboard stood, a blank canvas awaiting inspiration. Immersed in a world of possibilities, I sketched a site plan for a park called “Maze Park”—a creation that filled me with immense excitement. IS THIS URBAN DESIGN?

My father captured the moment through a photograph, and as we revisited that image over the years, it sparked an interest in the art of picture-taking. IS THIS PHOTOGRAPHY?

Although my ventures in architecture, Urban Design, and photography remained latent for a time, they were never lost interests. Graduating as valedictorian, the uncertainty of my future loomed large. However, my passions of the trinity persisted, permeating my thoughts every single day.

Enrolling at Thomas Jefferson University with a major in architecture was a revelation. The concepts and designs I encountered were truly awe-inspiring, taking me to extraordinary realms. During my initial years, lacking a camera but armed with a phone, I captured photographs of my physical models. These images became a testament to the artistry inherent in both architecture and photography, treating them as cherished works of art in their own right.

Before commencing my fourth year, I acquired a camera and eagerly immersed myself in the world of photography. In the pursuit of mastering this craft, I pursued a minor in photography. Once again, I found myself in a realm that exceeded my expectations, delving into the boundless possibilities of capturing moments in time.

During my 5th year at Thomas Jefferson University I enrolled in the Masters of Urban Design program. This is what I was meant to do! It was all about the human experience alongside the natural world and the manmade.

It was during this transformative period that I realized the interconnectedness of my passions in architecture, Urban Design, and photography. While distinct disciplines, they converge in their ability to evoke an experience with the arts, preserve cherished memories, provide comfort, and serve as a testament to human history within the context of space and time.

Conceptualization begins at observations of the world around me.