Articles
Chris Tejeda
When did you first get involved with SMPS?
I joined SMPS in 2016, so I’ve been a member for about nine years now.
How did you get into AEC marketing?
I was born into a marketing and advertising family, so I’ve been in the industry since I was 20. In 2016, I transitioned into AEC-specific marketing.
What technological advancement has had the biggest impact on your career?
The transition from Aldus PageMaker to Adobe InDesign was a game-changer. InDesign offered so much more power and efficiency in the design process.
What has been your favorite industry change over the years?
The shift to digital everything—images, documents, music, movies—has transformed the way we work and communicate.
On the flip side, what industry change have you liked the least?
The ease of design software has led to a loss of some of the artistry that used to be an integral part of the creative process.
What was your firm working on in the mid-1980s? Any major projects?
Yes, quite a few! Some of the big projects included expansions at UC Davis Medical Center, Channel 10 Studios, UC Davis Las Cruess Hall, Effie Yeaw Interpretive Center, the US Post Office in Sacramento, CSU Humboldt Science Building, Aerojet Aircraft Hangars, the Jelly Belly Manufacturing Plant, Mather Air Force Base Armory, and the Roseville Community Center, among others.
When did your firm open its Sacramento office?
Back in 1947.
Do you have a favorite SMPS memory?
Absolutely! At my first SMPS Pacific Regional Conference in Anchorage, Alaska in 2017, a group of us ended up at a dive bar called Darwin’s Theory. It turned into a legendary night filled with historic memories!
What was your experience like as SMPS President?
I had an amazing Board of Directors who really kept things moving forward. We were able to grow sponsorship revenue, gain new members, and ensure that we handed off a stronger chapter to the next leadership group. And, most importantly, we didn’t lose money!
Were there any particular programs or educational events that stood out to you?
One of my favorite educational events was the Marketing Mechanics Workshop for Photoshop 101—it sold out! As for events, I hosted the Chapter Dinner at the Hale Koa Hotel during SMPS PRC in Hawaii. It was a fantastic time!
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned or your best piece of advice?
Choose your board members wisely, and make sure to consult others during the process. It’s important to have diverse perspectives, but you also want people who deeply respect the organization, its members, and the industry as a whole.
What do you love most about SMPS?
SMPS is a living, growing, and evolving organization that genuinely wants to see its members succeed. It creates exceptional moments and meaningful relationships that make a lasting impact.
Now let’s take a step back in time—what were you doing in 1984?
I was attending the University of Hawaii.
What was your favorite fashion trend from that era?
Jean shorts, no question!
Did you have a signature ‘80s hairstyle?
Yes! I rocked a classic beach shaggy look.
And what about your go-to dance move back then?
The Robot, for sure.
Who were your favorite bands from the ‘80s?
Queen, Bon Jovi, U2, AC/DC, and Guns N’ Roses.
What was the best concert you attended during that time?
Foreigner was an unforgettable experience.
Anything else you’d like to share about SMPS, the Sacramento region, or the AEC industry?
Although I’ve only been part of SMPS since 2016, it has shaped my career in so many positive ways. The Sacramento marketing community has made this organization thrive for 40 years—here’s to another 40!
