I’m a Salvadorian designer, artist, and educator with the ambition, willingness, and demeanor required to develop creative ideas in an architectural studio. As a designer from a minority background, I seek to contribute to the growing talent base of foreign-born architects in the profession. I am a resourceful, energetic, and collaborative individual with an interdisciplinary vision when dealing with complex design issues. Through my prior work experiences, I’ve managed to gain valuable experience with high-end residential design, project permitting, schematic design development, large cultural competition entries, and interior renovations. In addition, I supplement my design work and academic projects by adding personalized creative touches through my interests in lino cutting, cyanotypes, model making, sewing, and most recently painting.
Alongside my practice as a designer and architect, I’m profoundly compelled to teach as I believe it is a fundamental contributor to the development of future architects and the profession. Critical writing and teaching are two aspects of my professional career that have allowed me to expand my ideas on a wider global scale. I have held teaching positions at Yale University and NJIT.
Mapos Architects, DPC, New York, NY, US, Junior Designer
Project Type: Single-family high-end residential & Hospitality/Recreational
- Developed residential projects from schematic design to construction documentation with the utmost detail. Created door/window, finish, and other schedules along with generating 3D visuals to capture design intent with the clients.
- Presented directly to clients and coordinated with contractors to ensure drawing set development.
DLR Group, New York, NY, US, Design Assistant
Project Type: Projects: Museum Competition, Exhibition Gallery Renovation
- Supported and developed design schemes for a 130,000 sq ft cultural center as part of an international competition.
- Designed, fabricated, and presented mock massing models, 3D Prints, and site models for the initial
schematic design to present to the project sponsors, city entities, and affiliates.
- Curated detailed diagrams and graphics to illustrate the design teams’ proposal along with project programmatic needs and ecological features.
- Assisted in developing project design through renderings and 3D modeling.
KPF, New York, NY, US, Design Assistant
Project Type: Urban development competition in Shanghai, China
- Developed diagrammatic representations, renderings, and project materials for schematic design for the 17-city block urban project.
- Executed various facade design iterations for the housing sector of the project and coordinated different housing configurations.
- Collaborated with a design team of 11 to finalize the competition entry package within the 14 week time frame.
MBH Architects, Alameda, CA, US, Junior Designer
Project Types: Clinic Renovation, Warriors Stadium Fanatics Retail Store& Interior Renovations
- Implemented revisions per redlines, and client comments, and responded to architectural RFI’s into the drawings sets to ensure accuracy.
- Conducted site planning, programming, design development, and analysis that involved detailing design options through interacting with consultants and clients.
- Solved various intricate space planning challenges and adjacency requirements, such as permit restrictions for storefronts and public spaces.
Center for Architecture, Scholarship
The scholarship provides financial aid for students seeking their first architectural degree from an NAAB-accredited school with a high level of academic performance and financial need. Student portfolios, each containing three projects, should were judged in terms of the following additional criteria:
Concept: Demonstrates a clear and focused line of inquiry
Artistry: Demonstrates a sensitive aesthetic ability
Skill: Demonstrates a high level of aptitude
