Archinect
Valeria Paez Cala

Valeria Paez Cala

New York, NY, US

 
View Portfolio

About 

As a multi-faceted designer, I approach my work with curiosity and an open mind. Currently, I am based in New York City and working as a designer at Bernard Tschumi Architects. I also have previous experience running a design-build practice in Colombia, where I primarily focused on residential spaces.

Beyond my day job, I am passionate about exploring the limits of architecture and challenging conventional thinking. I seek out alternative ways to repurpose design, collaborating on projects and entering competitions to push the boundaries of what is possible in design.

In addition to my design practice, I am committed to teaching and engaging in critical discourse about architecture. I have taught at Columbia University and Universidad de Los Andes and have been invited to serve as a critic and lecturer at multiple institutions.

Employment 

Bernard Tschumi Architects, New York, NY, US, Project Designer

Designed a Center for Sciences and Entrepreneurship in Rolle, Switzerland, from SD to DD. Ensured compliance with Swiss codes and regulations for building permit documents. Coordinated with Structural and MEP Engineers to integrate engineering elements into the design. Collaborated with consultants and specialists in lighting, acoustics, and programming to incorporate their expertise. Prepared presentations for clients.

Participated in 5+ competitions. Conducted research on competition briefs and sites, developed design concepts and solutions to meet criteria and objectives, and collaborated with other team members to create a comprehensive proposal. Created presentation materials such as drawings, renderings, and diagrams.

Jul 2019 - current
 

Paezcala, Bogotá, CO, Lead Architect

In charge of the CD to realization of a 62-unit residential project and in charge of two houses from SD to realization. Obtained necessary building permits. Lead the coordination with the engineers and other consultants. Presented project overview and bid documents at pre-bid meetings, evaluated and selected bids from subcontractors based on price and experience.

Conducted site visits to ensure adherence to design drawings, specifications, and quality standards. Assisted with troubleshooting construction issues and updated construction drawings to document progress. Participated in project closeout and handover to clients, and finalized documentation for future reference.

Jan 2015 - May 2018
 

Miguel Soto Casas, Bogotá, CO, Junior Architect

Contributed to the design of a hotel from SD to DD phase. Created schematic design drawings and models to visualize the design concept. Collaborated with senior architects, engineers, and consultants to incorporate technical and functional aspects into the design. Produced detailed design development documents, including plans, sections, and elevations.

Jan 2014 - Jan 2015
 

Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Bogotá, CO, Junior Architect

Conducted research and analysis to understand the site context, including its physical, social, economic, and environmental factors. Assisted with the creation of site analysis drawings and diagrams, including topography, circulation, zoning, and land use. Participated in developing concepts and design ideas for the master plan and prepared presentations for clients.

Jul 2013 - Dec 2013
 

Education 

Columbia University, New York, NY, US, Masters, Masters in Science in Advanced Architectural Design

Award in Excellence for Total Design

May 2018 - May 2019
 

Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, CO, BArch, Architecture

Magna Cum Laude

Aug 2008 - Oct 2013
 

Awards 

2021
 
2021
 

Areas of Specialization 

Skills