We had the good fortune of connecting with Felix Canez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Felix, have you ever found yourself in a spot where you had to decide whether to give up or keep going? How did you make the choice?
Every new challenge presents another opportunity to prove oneself and improve. In moments of potential defeat, I strive to reinvent myself and recall the fortune of being able to work in a field for which I am most passionate.

Since childhood, I have witnessed my grandfather, mother, father, and grandmother working in the construction industry. Growing up, I spent my time playing between pails of gravel and sand at construction sites.

The construction profession is noble, populated by unsung heroes who work demanding hours to ensure we can enjoy living in beautiful, safe, and comfortable spaces.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
One of my treasured memories is when I was about to embark on my career in architecture. I visited a job site with my father and grandfather. As I walked around the area, I was struck by their pride in their work. Watching a project come to life, from initial drawings to the final product, was an incredible feeling, and I was thrilled to be a part of the process.

One of the most challenging projects I worked on was designing and building an aquarium. I am incredibly grateful to my clients for placing their trust in me, despite my lack of experience in designing and managing such a project. Leading the job as a project manager for the first time was a daunting task. However, I am grateful for the opportunity as it taught me that we often underestimate our capabilities until we challenge ourselves with the unthinkable.

During the project, we faced a lot of complications and were racing against time to open the aquarium because we had made a commitment to the governor to do so. I learned that teamwork is crucial in this business. If you do not have a cohesive team, it isn’t easy to navigate through the challenges that arise. That’s why learning how to lead and show your team that you are working with them as a unified force is essential.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My brother Jordi, also known as Peatonito, once said in his conferences on walkable cities, “The city is a book that is read while walking.” I believe this statement to be true. The transformation of San Diego into a pedestrian-friendly city has been a significant quality of life improvement. It is now possible to forget about your car and enjoy the delights of Little Italy, take a stroll through Balboa Park to visit a museum, watch the sunset at Waterfront Park, and attend a concert at the House of Blues, all within a walkable area. San Diego’s walkability has made it a delightful city to explore on foot.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My parents, Felix and Christina, taught me that hard work and passion for one’s craft could help make dreams come true. My siblings, Jordi and Rosi, were my constant companions through difficult and joyous times. My beloved wife, Luna, has been my life partner and confidante, constantly pushing me to improve and supporting me with unwavering love.

Furthermore, it is vital to acknowledge the essential role played by the bricklayers, plumbers, electricians, painters, and construction workers who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make such projects possible. Often working anonymously, their hard work and dedication are integral to the success of any construction project.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fexgab/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/felixcanez/

Image Credits
These images were taken on various construction sites that I had the fortune to work on. While I often use these images to create progress reports, they also capture certain poetry that arises from the unseen beauty of the construction process. The play of light and shadow in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the construction site creates a sense of quiet awe and inspiration.

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.