Maggie Borrego is a designer within our CAD Services department who brings resilience, creativity, and a passion for meaningful spaces here at FOCUS Engineering & Surveying. Her story is one of persistence and a commitment to constant growth.

Passion for Design

Upon moving to the United States, Maggie had a strong desire to finish what she started in Venezuela. “I knew I wanted to pursue a design career, which is what I was studying in college before moving to the U.S.,” she shares. That path led her to working with FOCUS while she continues her studies. Maggie reflects on one of the earlier experiences working in the AEC industry, “I was able to design a home from start to finish with not too many restrictions,” she says. “It was so fulfilling to see the project come to life, it reaffirmed my passion for design.”

Outside of work, Maggie finds balance and energy on the golf course. “I started a few years ago and now look forward to it every weekend. It’s fun and not too harsh, and I love that it gets me outside,” she says. From golf to design, Maggie gravitates toward activities that recharge her and keep her creative spark alive.

Building Confidence in a New Culture

Adjusting to a life in a new country is no easy feat, “My biggest challenge was coming to a new country, going to school in a different language, and learning how things are done here,” Maggie states. One experience she exemplified was navigating college math courses where the methodology differed greatly from what she had learned previously. “I had to communicate and explain my process to the professor. In the end, we came to an understanding,” she explains. That persistence became an important part of her professional toolkit as she overcame breakdowns in communication to create a mutual understanding.

Today, Maggie is an active member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), a nonprofit dedicated to promoting the positive impact of design. “It’s a great way to connect with others in the industry, share experiences, and feel included,” she says.

Next Steps at FOCUS

To her younger self, she would offer the following advice: Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Even rejection is a learning experience and that is the main goal—to learn. She believes in the power of patience and practice. “It is so easy to fall into the pressure of being perfect, but we have to remind ourselves that nobody is born a professional and it takes time to be great,” she says.

At FOCUS, Maggie values the way each project has impact and intention. “We get to actually move the needle. Our work has a bigger purpose, and our main goal is always making clients happy,” she says. We’re proud to have Maggie on our team and can’t wait to see where her journey leads next.