I'm a Graphic Designer turned Architect in Training (Assoc. AIA). Before deciding to become an architect I worked for 10+ years as an Art Director & Graphic Designer for Advertising Agencies such as Young & Rubicam Puerto Rico and TBWA San Juan. During this time I understood that in architecture, as in advertising, understanding our target audience and knowing their particular needs and wants is essential to developing sensible architecture that takes into account the context in which it sits and the public that it aims to serve.
That experience has allowed me to:
1. Develop a keen understanding of how image and aesthetics influences our perception of the world on a daily basis.
2. See how a concept can provide a clear guide on how to execute a given task.
3. Learn the necessary graphic representational skills to present ideas in a clear and innovative way.
4. Value the process and time needed for a concept to reach the level of design desired.
This experience in graphic design assisted me while I was a student and is a valuable set of tools I use in my current projects. Architecture has allowed me to further explore my capabilities as a designer and to feed my ever growing hunger to understand the technical and theoretical aspects inherent to every design.
As a young architect and as a seasoned graphic designer, I’m in the search for opportunities to explore the interlocking of both disciplines in function of an idea or concept driven by context and user experience.
Rossi+Lugo Architects, San Juan, PR, US, Architect Designer, Assoc. AIA
Concept Development
3D Modeling & Rendering
Drafting
Presentation
TBWA San Juan, San Juan, PR, US, Art Director
Conceptualizing and development of advertising for a diverse range of clients.
Supervising of design production from beginning to end.
Graphic design for printed media, web design and mobile apps.
Corporate identity design.
Young & Rubicam, Puerto Rico, Guaynabo, PR, US, Art Director
Conceptualizing and development of advertising for clients such as Heineken,
T-Mobile, Mazda, Bacardi, Citibank, MMM Healthcare and Campbell’s among others.
Supervising of design production from beginning to end.
Graphic design for printed media, web design and mobile apps.
Corporate identity design.
Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico (PUPR), San Juan, PR, US, BArch, Professional Bachelor in Architetcure
Recipient of The AIA School Medal and The Certificate of Merit
from the Henry Adams Fund for
Excellence in the Study of Architecture
at Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico.
Date: June 26, 2014
Graduated with a 3.77 GPA, Magna Cum Laude
at Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico
Architecture Professional Bachelor Degree
Atlantic University College, Guaynabo, PR, US, Bachelors, Bachelor in Graphic Design
Bachelor in Digital Graphic Design
GPA:
3.85, Magna Cum Laude
Selected to the AIA 2015 Annual Emerging Professionals Exhibition, Other
The American Institute of Architects, Center for Emerging Professionals sponsors an annual exhibition of architectural work, art, and designs of emerging architectural professionals across North America. This annual exhibition promotes the compelling work of the rising generation of architects and designers and inspires professionals to continue to mentor and engage the many talented and motivated emerging professionals across the country.
The annual exhibition is presented at AIA national’s headquarters in Washington, DC. The exhibition is on display beginning with the annual AIA Grassroots Leadership and Legislative Conference.
Best Thesis Design Project in the Urbanism Category, 1st Place
Given by: The Institute of Architects and Landscape Architects of Puerto Rico (CAAPPR)
Jury: Arch. Fernando Pagán Pantoja, CAAPPR; Arch. Ilia Sánchez Arana, CAAPPR
Date: December 4, 2014
Project: UrbanLab
First Prize in Poetry at the 19th Poetry, Story and Essay Contest of the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico, 1st Place
Given by: Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico Date: March 8, 2013
Best Thesis Design Project of the Year, Award
Given by: The Institute of Architects and Landscape Architects of Puerto Rico (CAAPPR)
Jury: Arch. Fernando Pagán Pantoja, CAAPPR; Arch. Ilia Sánchez Arana, CAAPPR
Date: December 4, 2014
Project: UrbanLab
AIA School Medal and The Certificate of Merit from the Henry Adams Fund for Excellence in the Study of Architecture, Other
Recipient of The AIA School Medal and The Certificate of Merit
from the Henry Adams Fund for
Excellence in the Study of Architecture
at Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico.
Date: June 26, 2014
AIA Puerto Rico Honor Award Student Category, Award
Given by: The American Institute of Architects, Puerto Rico Chapter
Jury: Marlon Blackwell, FAIA; Arch. Mauricio Rojas; Arch. Antonio S. Imbert
Date: November 7, 2014
Project: UrbanLab