Archinect
Pedro Barillas

Pedro Barillas

New York, NY, US

 

About 

As a student of architecture I analyze every building I enter from a pragmatic point of view. As a student of life, I analyze every room I enter from an emotional point of view. When I was enrolled as an architectural student at Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico, I had the opportunity to be influenced by architects, sculptors, photographers, installation artists and stage designers. During this time, I learned the impact that a well designed space can have on the human psyche. I had a great time conceptualizing the harmony of form and function, always keeping in mind the integration of space-planning and circulation. For the last six years, I have lived in New York City where I expanded my knowledge of aesthetics and opened my eyes to the profession of interior of interior design. In my last role, I worked as a project architect for a high-end architectural office where I collaborated with professional interior designers. These individuals showed me the multiple layers and the complexities that are required to make a room more than just functional. I learned about the style and the elements that compose a space: accessories, lighting, color, custom furniture and acoustics. These experiences helped me realize that my true passion is interior design.
I interpret interior design like the creation of a capsule where the relationship of the elements and their location of the collected items personalize and bring identity to a room. I believe each space has a context that creates its own character. This character is constantly morphing as new elements and new discussions inevitably pass through a space. The modern era has only accelerated this morphing as new materials and technologies have become available to enrich any space. But a room is also a collage of the past and future of the individuals who inhabit it. As we go through life we all collect things: images, colors, tastes, random objects, memories, paintings, furniture and mementos that we can’t leave behind. These items have a code that can be transformed and reinterpreted in a new function depending on where and how they are placed within the capsule of a space. After being recoded, these elements can elevate their surroundings and create a whole new meaning in the space. As we add and subtract elements from a room, we are creating reflections of our identity – who we are and where we want to go. More importantly, we are shaping the emotional balance of that journey.
As an Interior Design student at Parsons, I build upon my architectural understanding of form, function and flow. From this foundation, I learned more how materials, acoustics, lighting, textiles, furnishings and personal items can add layers of meaning to a space.

Elsewhere:

Employment 

Anthony Perrotta Design, New York, NY, US, Junior Design | Project Manager

• Designed concepts, atmosphere, space planning, custom furniture, furniture and finishes selection for medium-sized commercial projects
• Directed all phases of projects from schematics, construction documents, submittals, development to conclusion
• Coordinated with contractors and engineers to ensure adherence to design integrity
• Trained and oversaw junior designers in complex design and development techniques, including organization of CAD systems
• Key accounts included Douglas Elliman’s commercial offices around New York State, as well as residential projects in the city

May 2013 - Apr 2014
 

Stephen Wang Architect & Associates PLLC, New York, NY, US, Assistant Project Architect and Project Coordinator

• Oversaw high-end residential projects in Manhattan
• Developed presentations, schematics, and design concepts for prospective clients
• Collaborated with interior designers on space planning and documentation
• Documented existing site conditions and construction progress
• Managed project timelines, dependencies, deliverables, and client communications
• Transformed schematic designs into detailed client requirements
• Created construction bidding sets and documentation
• Coordinated with contractors, subcontractors, vendors, and inspectors
• Organized and updated paper work, communications, and material samples
• Prepared construction documents for DOB, Landmarks, and Building Management
• Crafted creative solutions to unexpected project challenges

Dec 2007 - Nov 2010
 

Ask Kent & Co, New York, NY, US, Interior Design Assistant

• Crafted new client presentations
• Edited and processed photography for magazine advertisements
• Selected furniture, accessories, and color schemes

Apr 2006 - Nov 2007
 

Kinnaird Design & Interior, New York, NY, US, Interior Design Assistant

• Developed preliminary and final client presentations
• Selected furniture, accessories, and color schemes to match client specifications

Apr 2006 - Aug 2007
 

TRG Architects, San Juan, PR, US, Architectural Student Intern

• Drafted architectural schematics during all phases during the project lifecycle
• Measured existing buildings for redesign, including commercial and public spaces
• Coordinated with vendors, subcontractors and governmental regulatory agencies

Jun 2002 - Apr 2004
 

Education 

The New School, New York, NY, US, AAS, Interior Design

Jan 2012 - Jun 2014
 

Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico (PUPR), San Juan, PR, US, BArch, Architecture

Sep 1997 - Jan 2004
 

Awards 

Areas of Specialization 

Skills