Growing up, I always had a pencil in hand. In my free time, I sketched out floor plans of my friends and I’s dream homes. I would imagine myself living in the spaces I created; and spent hours playing “The Sims” on my computer, designing perfect virtual houses. My inclination and passion for the construction and design industries further grew, peaking by the time I was 9. That’s when my family moved to a neighborhood full of residential construction projects. I saw houses being built from scratch, and I wanted to be the one designing them. This love for design led me to enroll in an architecture summer camp in high school. Years later, I’d end up attaining a bachelor’s degree in architecture from the “ArqPoli” School of Architecture at the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico.
In college, I developed a design philosophy focused on creating functional, accessible, adaptable spaces with a timeless aesthetic. I’ve always been drawn to architectural styles like Art Deco, Mid-Century, brutalism, and futurism, among others. Architects like Le Corbusier, Louis Kahn, Oscar Niemeyer, and Flores & Prats inspired my work, particularly as I transitioned into the professional realm.
My work experience in the field has been invaluable and enlightening. I’ve learned that there’s more to completing a project than just design elements, or meeting deadlines. The process entails and requires various skills — from tackling challenges with consultants and clients, to managing and staying within budgets, and keeping tabs on all aspects of the construction field. Despite any challenges though, it’s been rewarding to see my work materialize.
As an architect, I am committed to designing spaces that fulfill functional needs and enhance people’s lives. I believe my passion for the craft, coupled with my unique skillet and experience, can bring a fresh perspective. It is one I hope to be able to bring to your firm.
Designers & Contractors, Guaynabo, PR, US, BIM Specialist & AIT
-Executed all design phases for commercial and institutional projects, ranging from 5,000 to 15,000 sf.
-Ensured regulation compliance for federal projects, and procured all necessary permits and licenses for construction.
-Completed lead project management duties, including coordinating meetings with clients and consultants to ensure clear, seamless understanding of project requirements for relevant stakeholders involved.
-Reviewed and implemented rigorous cost-saving strategies to ensure adherence within allotted budgets.
-Developed accurate and detailed construction drawings and 3ds through software's as Revit, AutoCAD and Enscape.
Jota arkitekts, Guaynabo, PR, US, AIT/Program Manager of CDBG-DR
-Developed and maintained a cross-team collaboration framework as Lead Program Manager of the federally funded program: (CDBG-DR) Disaster Recovery.
-Led assessment, repair, and reconstruction of houses damaged by Hurricane Maria as part of said CDBG-DR program.
-Served as in-house permits expert for over 500 cases, ensuring compliance with various permits such as DEC, PCL, PCOC, SRI, SRS, PUS, and CCO.
-Liaised between clients, contractors, and the OGPe agency, to expedite the permit approval process for the rebuilding efforts.
-Generated progress reports for the project; identified bottlenecks to reduce potential delays and ensure timely project completion according to agreements.
RCMdO Arquitectos, San Juan, PR, US, Architect in Training
-Collaborated in the renovation of Merck Puerto Rico's Headquarters, strategically
reconfiguring interior spaces to establish an entrance area, additional offices, conference rooms, and huddle rooms.
-Oversaw the selection and implementation of floor and wall finishes, incorporating new identity branding to align with the renovation efforts.
-Designed the project with a focus on achieving LEED certification, addressing significant design-phase challenges to enhance operational efficiencies while complying with LEED standards
Miguel Calzada Arquitectos, San Juan, PR, US, Architect in Training
-Responsible for finishes selection and overseeing quality control for designated materials, ensuring strict compliance with LEED certification and federal standards during the construction of Ponce VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic.
Mendez Brunner Badillo & Associates, San Juan, PR, US, Architect in Training
Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico (PUPR), San Juan, PR, US, BArch, Architecture
Polytechnic University of Madrid, Superior Technical School of Architecture of Madrid (ETSAM), Madrid, ES, Study Exchange
Study Abroad Italy & France, Architecture
Summer in Italy & France for a course in Selected Topics of Modern Architecture. An apperceptions of the movement's impact around the world.
Hogar Colegio La Milagrosa, Arecibo, PR, US, High School, High School
Charles E. Peterson Prize 2017, 3rd Place
A student competition of measured drawings, the Charles E. Peterson Prize is presented jointly by the Heritage Documentation Programs (Historic American Buildings Survey / Historic American Engineering Record / Historic American Landscapes Survey) of the National Park Service, the Athenaeum of Philadelphia, the American Institute of Architects, and the Association for Preservation Technology. The annual competition is intended to heighten awareness about historic buildings in the United States and augment the HABS/HAER/HALS Collection of measured drawings at the Library of Congress. Drawings must be of a site that has not been recorded by HABS, HAER, or HALS through measured drawings, or be an addendum to an existing set of HABS, HAER, or HALS drawings that makes a substantial contribution to the understanding of the significance of the building, structure, or cultural landscape.
