As an architect and designer, born and raised in Brooklyn, NY with Uruguayan roots, the inspiration from living in such a diverse city that is New York lends itself to a way of thinking and processing that always puts me in the perspective of others - whether that perspective is from the client, contractor, consultant or developer.
The power that architecture has to influence experiences and provide real world solutions is something that always draws me to improve the built world as a means of truly improving people's lives. Sensitivity to local building processes, client needs and contractor efficiency, are all approaches to the built environment that I am constantly looking to improve whether through technology or direct communication.
From historical landscape preservation projects to high-end new construction, projects in South America and the U.S., whether in design or bid phase, the experience I've gathered from my years in the industry as both an architect and consultant has taught me the importance of brainstorming with teams, working together to find a clear vision, and finding the right questions to assist in problem solving. These are skills that I continue to adapt and improve with each completed project to grow as an architect.
Billy Cotton, Hernandez-Eli DPC, De-Spec Architect, New York, NY, US, Architectural Consultant
As a consultant for a number of different architects, projects include:
1. Townhouse Conversion. Brought to life a dream for a client who was unable to imagine space without the direct impact of the drawing sets and rendered walkthroughs created while maintaining aesthetic and budget conscious decisions for their needs. Submitted a townhouse to restaurant package in both 2D and 3D visualization, as well as custom millwork and shops for a full five storey townhouse gut renovation.
2. Single Family. Liaised in Spanish between contractors on Mexico‘s Pacific Coast (which will see a three tiered concrete home under construction with infinity pools) and English speaking designers in NYC - made possible through drawing sets, coordination and translating.
3. Tiny Homes. Elevated the drawing standards of an existing company into the high-end market using my experience as a high-end residential designer, while maintaining the simplicity of pre-fabricated tiny home benefits that draw many to this market.
studio armin, Brooklyn, NY, US, Architectural Designer
Alongside founder Tristan Armin Ewald Mudarra - we successfully re-designed and re-opened an existing on-beach commercial development, improvements include:
1. Boutique Hotel. Expanded the number of rentable rooms by 33% (both suites and ocean view units) as a direct impact for improved return on investment for stakeholder.
2. Upgrading Technology. Upgraded to modern hurricane-proof roof and wall materials for an increased lifespan with less maintenance required for existing structure, which brought an increased ROI for stakeholders.
3. Retail Spaces. Successfully re-opened local businesses that have been out of business due to hurricane damage, their thoughtfully designed space directly improving their revenue as direct access from the beach for shoppers is now possible.
Ingrao Architects, New York, NY, US, Junior Architect
Assistant to PM, was the junior designer for some of the firms most esteemed projects:
1. Townhouse Gut Renovation. Restored a landmarks facade and approved occupancy change. Coordination and production of a clean set approved by Landmarks for a custom window wall, stair bulkhead and a garden green wall - all of this which speaks humbly to the W. Village history and improves the ROI for client’s who now have access to the roof and beautifully sunlit space in a previously dark environment as well as a rentable ground fl. unit.
2. ONE57 & 432 Park. Completed and submitted CD sets in two of the most prestigious buildings in NYC. A two story, 14,000 s.f. 75th fl. penthouse with a “Winter Garden” (a 2,500 square foot curved glass opening atrium equipped with a pool), as well as building permit drawings, construction documents, shop and millwork submittals, pricing and square footage calculations that spanned coordination with disciplines from electrical and structural engineers, lighting architects, MEP and general contractors.
Smiling House Remodeling, Brooklyn, NY, US, Builder
Full scale interior and exterior renovations ranging from demolition, foundation, framing roofing and finished details for residences in apartments and townhouses.
