Hola! - Hi, I'm Nico,
I am an architect, designer, maker, thinker, and fourth-year interior design student. I was born and raised in Bogotá, Colombia, but my passion for design led me to study in Toronto.
Throughout my career, I discovered a deep interest in space's human and personal aspects. So, despite my architecture degree and urban planning experience, I chose to return to study Interior Design. My journey also brought me into model-making and crafting, where I translate concepts into tangible forms, experiment with materials, and explore the intricacies of scale and detail.
This diverse background provides a unique perspective, allowing me to create functional, aesthetically pleasing, and culturally sensitive projects.
🏆 AWARDS - ACHIEVEMENTS
🎖️ Yabu Pushelberg Scholarship - Interior Design at the Creative School / Toronto Metropolitan University - 2024
🎖️Toronto Metropolitan PRIDE Scholarship Fund - Toronto Metropolitan University 2023
🎖️Michelle Monkhouse Memorial Award - Toronto Metropolitan University 2023
🎖️Astrid Kathryn Lorenson Bursary - Interior Design at the Creative School / Toronto Metropolitan University - 2023
🎖️Kelly Wright Memorial Award - Interior Design at the Creative School / Toronto Metropolitan University - 2022
🧠 SKILLSET
My expertise as a designer spans many skills, from concept ideation and visual conceptualization to strategic planning and user-centred design. I am proficient in CAD, 3D modelling (both virtual and physical), and model making, with a deep understanding of sustainable design principles. My approach integrates effective visual communication and versatile media skills, including photography composition and visual storytelling. I have experience in design research, academic research, and presentation design, which helps me solve complex problems creatively. Additionally, I am fluent in English and Spanish, offering seamless translation between both languages.
📇 BACKGROUND
- Experience as a teaching assistant for third-, fourth-, and fifth-year architecture students, focusing on conceptualization and representation (both graphic and model-based) for academic projects and competitions.
- Experience as the National Infrastructure Architect for the Colombian postal company, responsible for constructing and installing elements in branches nationwide
🧰 TOOLS
- Hands-on model-making wood, cardboard, plaster, metal, fabrics, fibres, and organic biomaterials. Conftobale at Workshops and 3D Printing prototyping environments.
- CAD / RHINO / REVIT
- Photoshop / Illustrator / InDesign / Lightroom
🙋🏻♂️ PERSONAL QUALITIES
- Dependable, attentive, and professional.
- We work together toward a shared objective.
- Collaborative team member and effective mediator.
- I'm honest and direct. I won't give you a sales pitch. I'll always recommend what's best for you, even if that means parting ways.
- I prioritize quality, attention to detail, and lasting results over rushed, subpar work that wastes time and resources.
4-72 / Servicios Postales Nacionales, Bogotá, CO, National Infrastructure Architect
As a newly appointed architect at the Colombian postal company, I embarked on a journey to oversee the design and construction of infrastructure across the country. My role involved managing the installation of critical elements in various branches, ensuring that each project met functional and aesthetic standards. This position allowed me to apply my architectural skills in a real-world context, contributing to enhancing national infrastructure while gaining valuable experience in large-scale project management.
Universidad de La Salle, Bogotá, CO, Teaching Research Assistant
As a teaching and research assistant, I supported students in developing their skills by guiding them through conceptualization, design representation, and project development. I assisted in academic research, contributing to exploring innovative design methodologies and enhancing the overall learning experience. My role involved fostering collaboration, providing critical feedback, and ensuring students understood both their work's theoretical and practical aspects.
Universidad Piloto de Colombia, Bogotá, CO, Specialist Degree on Urban Enviromental Management
Universidad de La Salle, Bogotá, CO, BArch, Architecture
Yabu Pushelberg Scholarship, Scholarship
George Yabu and Glenn Pushelberg are 1976 graduates of Toronto Metropolitan University’s School of Interior Design. For over 25 years Yabu Pushelberg has received numerous Canadian and International accolades and honours. On December 5, 2002, Yabu Pushelberg was inducted into the Interior Design Magazine’s Hall of Fame in New York City, N.Y. Established in 1985, the Hall of Fame recognizes “interior designers and architects whose talent, vision, and dedication contribute to high standards of excellence in residential and commercial design.” As innovative professional interior designers, George and Glenn have been awarded highly competitive design contracts such as the Princess of Wales Theatre and Holt Renfrew in Toronto, the Times Square W Hotel, Bergdorf Goodman and Tiffany & Co. in New York, and the Four Seasons Hotel in Tokyo, Japan. This scholarship fund for design excellence celebrates Yabu Pushelberg’s well-deserved success and their outstanding contribution to the world of Interior Design. Yabu Pushelberg Scholarships will encourage and enable 4th Year students to develop innovative solutions for major projects in this critical year of study.
Astrid Kathryn Lorenson Bursary, Scholarship
The Astrid Kathryn Lorenson Memorial Bursary was created in loving memory of Astrid, whose passion for interior design continues to inspire. Established by her family, this bursary honors her legacy by supporting one deserving Interior Design student each year. The award provides vital financial assistance to help students pursue their creative aspirations and achieve their academic goals.
The Michelle Monkhouse Memorial Award, Award
The Michelle Monkhouse Memorial Award was created in 2011 by friends and family to honour the legacy of Michelle Monkhouse. The award will provide a lasting tribute to Michelle - a talented young woman who had a passion for equestrian riding; who possessed an excellent academic ability in university studies, and who willingly and selflessly helped others achieve their goals. The applicant must provide evidence of an activity that they are passionate about over and above their pursuit of university level studies while maintaining academic excellence and demonstrating a positive impact on those around them.
Toronto Metropolitan PRIDE Scholarship Fund, Award
This scholarship supports first-generation students who identify as 2SLGBTQ+ and are excelling at their undergraduate studies.
Kelly Wright Memorial Award, Award
Kelly was a second-year student and just 22 years old when he passed away in 1980. His Interior Design second-year classmates, who fondly remember his warm and sincere laugh, wanted his memory to live on through recognition of a second-year student who is selected only by classmates. Kelly was hardworking yet personable, sincere, full of warmth and happiness, passionate about design, and determined to succeed. He inspired his classmates. The Kelly Memorial Award has been presented since 1982.
