Texas Border Business
By Joey Gomez
McALLEN, Texas – South Texas College Architecture student Thor Legorreta says a passion for design and creativity began with Legos.
Today, as a second-year student in STC’s new Associate of Applied Science in Architecture, he says he is helping to shape the future of a growing field in the Rio Grande Valley.
Born and raised in Mission, Legorreta was part of the first-ever architecture cohort, which launched in fall 2024 with just 13 students. One year later, the program has surged to more than 70 students as interest continues to grow across the region.
“All my teachers and counselors in high school recommended the Architecture program at STC,” Legorreta said. “Since I was little, I enjoyed creating and building with Legos as well as designing. High school was really when I started to notice that architecture, is in fact, everywhere and I really began to take interest in the trade.”
STC’s Architecture program – the first and only one of its kind in the region – offers students a pathway toward becoming licensed architects. Designed to work alongside STC’s established Architecture Engineering Design Technology (AEDT) program, it emphasizes design, project management and critical thinking skills that prepare students to transfer to four-year universities.
Legorreta said the program has given him a strong foundation in both technical and creative design, as classes cover everything from blueprints to floor plans and 3D concepts. He has also found inspiration through student involvement that have included professional site visits and field experiences.
“I feel like architecture is not just about building—it’s the way you shape people’s lives and the connection of culture,” said Legorreta, who sees a clear connection in the Valley’s unique architectural identity, where Mexican and American influences meet.
He added, it’s the combination of color, texture and material that gives the region its own emerging style, he said.
“Here in the Valley, we’re combining two cultures in our architecture,” he said. “In Mexico, it’s vibrant colors like red, green and even pink houses. Here it’s modern tones like white, gray and brown, but I think combining both has the potential to create something stylish and unique.”
Set to graduate in December, Legorreta said he hopes to focus on interior design after completing his associate degree in Architecture this semester. He then plans to transfer to the University of Houston to pursue his bachelor’s degree.
As one of the first students to enter STC’s new Architecture program, Legorreta said he hopes others will follow the lead of those like him, who were among the first ever to set the tone for the program’s future success.
“I want people to be able to look at a building and say, ‘That’s Thor’s architecture,’” he said. “I think students should try to approach the program this way too. Don’t let your imagination stop—let it grow. Architecture is everywhere and it’s always changing. Just keep trying to achieve your creative goals.”
For more information on STC’s new Architecture program, visit southtexascollege.edu/academics/architecture/.
