Behind the scenes vigilance: Harlem native and Navy veteran caps two decades of going the extra mile to drive Legat Architects’ IT advancements
Over the last 20 years, the technology equipment used in Legat Architects’ studios has evolved from bulky CRT monitors and flatbed scanners to high-performance workstations and storage servers. What hasn’t changed in those two decades is the individual responsible for installing, maintaining, and in many cases, lugging that equipment into and out of each studio: IT Director Jorge Rodriguez.
On July 1, the U.S. Navy veteran cherished by coworkers for his hustle and calmness celebrates 20 years of keeping the technology running smoothly at Legat. If a new program or security measure arises, he knows about it. When employees run into an issue, they can rest assured that Jorge or one of his team members will respond promptly during the workday, or at 6 a.m., or at 10 p.m., or on weekends. He’s been known to pull over while driving to help someone out of a jam. If someone’s computer conked out during the COVID-19 pandemic, a replacement computer would be delivered to their doorstep … often on the same day.
“Jorge is always willing to go the extra mile to do what’s right for you,” said project architect Derek Dunn. “He never says he doesn’t have time.”
From Garbage Bag Sledding to Jet Engine Mechanics
Rodriguez spent his early childhood in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic before returning to his birthplace of Harlem, New York, where he became the bilingual valedictorian at his elementary school.
While growing up in an under-resourced neighborhood, Rodriguez and his friends found creative ways to have fun. Entertainment ranged from sledding on garbage bags in Central Park to playing paddleball and racquetball at the court across from his house or having “DJ battles” at local parks.
Rodriguez first delved into personal computers during high school at the Manhattan Center for Science and Mathematics, known for its high academic standards.
Following high school, Rodriguez enlisted in the Navy and headed to northeastern Illinois for basic training at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center located off the shore of Lake Michigan. Rodriguez’s strong performance in A school enabled him to skip “sea duty” and go straight to C school for advanced technical training. Eventually, he became a gas turbine systems engineer focusing on jet engine mechanics.
Teeing Up for an IT Career
After the Navy, Rodriguez worked at the IT helpdesk at Grayslake, Illinois-based College of Lake County (CLC) while taking courses in programming and computer information systems. He served the technology needs for administrators and staff at three campuses and remote locations at regional high schools. He then gained even more experience as a helpdesk technician for a computer sales company.
Throughout this time, Rodriguez supplemented his income by working as a professional caddy at exclusive golf clubs such as Onwentsia Club in Lake Forest and Merit Club in Libertyville. This role had its perks: in addition to getting outdoor exercise, he was able to golf for free.
A Dependable Professional at the Helm
Thanks to a recommendation from a CLC administrator, Rodriguez launched his Legat career on July 1, 2004. He worked in a renovated home next to Legat’s Waukegan, Illinois studio, which has since moved to the neighboring village of Gurnee. Because the existing IT director left, Rodriguez had to learn the ropes alone … and learn the ropes he did. It would be 10 years of running the show solo before he brought on an intern.
“I appreciate Jorge for his strong work ethic to our IT department,” said Legat Chief Operating Officer Jeff Sandberg. “His timely responses and dedication do not go unnoticed, and we are grateful to have him on our team.”
Rodriguez has been at the helm for all Legat’s technology upgrades from network operating system changes and email platform swaps to growing the firm’s server network. In 2008, he worked with consultants to transition Legat from AutoCAD to Revit software, making the firm an early adopter of building information modeling. He has also set up the technology foundation for three new studios, two studio moves, and three studio consolidations.
Today, Rodriguez leads a department of three and continues to split his time between managerial tasks and running the helpdesk.
The Power of Dedication
In summer of 2011, a power outage took down Legat’s entire network. Jorge Rodriguez stepped into action. He moved the firm’s servers. He worked late into the night and arrived early in the morning to make sure employees had access. Generators rumbled. Cords ran down corridor floors. The result: employee work was largely uninterrupted during the nearly two-day outage.
This story exemplifies Rodriguez’s commitment to keeping Legat’s technology infrastructure flowing so project teams stay connected and clients get timely, accurate projects.
“Jorge always makes himself available and jumps in quickly whenever he’s needed, even if it’s early in the morning,” said Legat Chief Marketing Director Jody Boyce.
“He wants to make sure we get what we need and there’s never any barrier,” added Anna McDonough, Columbus-area regional director of business development. “There have been many times that without Jorge and his team’s rapid response, I’d be stuck.”
And how has Rodriguez managed to stay at Legat for 20 years when the average tech industry job only lasts two to three years?
“Legat has been respectful of the role that IT plays in the company, and the leadership supports our needs,” he said. “Beyond that, there’s the family atmosphere and the team culture — there’s a reason why so many of my coworkers have been here so long.”
Contact us to share your experiences with Jorge Rodriguez or discuss your facilities challenges.
