I was born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico until the age of 12. After that I was fortunate to experience living in Argentina for 1 year and Brazil for 4 years. I was able to learn how to speak Portuguese and more importantly understand and experience different cultures at a young age. Nevertheless, I finished High School in Kent School, Connecticut and later began pursuing architectural studies at the School of Environmental Design at the University of Colorado at Boulder. The years spent in architecture school in Boulder really influenced my understanding of the importance of sustainability and environmentally conscious design. During my Bachelor’s Degree, I also continued exploring architecture abroad by enrolling in study abroad programs in Prague for a summer and Florence for a semester. I learned new languages, cultures and how people behave and react to the built landscape.
I then completed my Masters in Architecture at Parsons School of Design in New York and gained professional experience by working in various small and large design firms. After 8 years in New York I returned to Puerto Rico for a joint venture design project and have continued working and living there since.
I started a design studio which became a full service architecture firm specializing in building design and construction. Besides numerous custom residential projects our experience as designers includes mixed-use buildings for private and institutional clients, office buildings in urban contexts, restoration work and retail space interiors. My partner and I are involved in both academic and practical endeavors and emphasize a design process based on collaborative, integrated planning that includes the participation and input of thinkers, builders, and a varied range of consultants in every stage of the project´s development.
For the past 6 years, in addition to design work, I have been involved in various Project Management and Construction Supervision projects. I have been lead Construction Manager and Inspector for a $15M Hospital Wing Addition and lead Project Manager for various projects at the University of Puerto Rico´s Rio Piedras campus. Also, the studio has been involved in urban design projects participating in public policy boards, specialized publications and the development of design guidelines for housing in town center lots and strategic improvements for three rural communities.
Education
Master’s Degree in Architecture Parsons School of Design, New York (May 1999)
Bachelor of Environmental Design Univ. of Colorado at Boulder (May 1995)
Study Abroad Programs Prague, Czech Republic (w/ Univ. of Colorado) and Florence, Italy (w/ Syracuse Univ.)
Professional Experience 15 years experience as architect PR license No. 19982 / NY license No. O32359 CAAPPR Member, Colegio de Arquitectos y Arquitectos Paisajistas de Puerto Rico AIA Member, American Institute of Architects, Puerto Rico Chapter NCARB No. 100049, Nat. Council of Architectural Registration Boards