Executive Committee

  • Angel E. Pomales Sánchez, AIA

    Chair

    A multifaceted young professional, singer, and licensed architect, he graduated from the Master's program at the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus. From an early age, he took art courses, particularly in music, drawing, and painting. He also cultivated his leadership skills by participating in the boards of clubs and associations at the school and university levels. After graduating, he worked as a professional consultant for various architects until 2017, the year he obtained his architectural license and co-founded ATELIER INGENIO LLC with architect-in-training and friend Tomás J. Santiago Rodríguez. In 2018, during the General Assembly of the Puerto Rico Architects and Landscape Architects Association (CAAPPR), he was elected Treasurer and joined the CAAPPR Board of Directors for the next two years (2018–2020).In 2022, he ventured out on his own, founding ARQ. ÁNGEL POMALES CSP. Concurrently, in the same year, he joined Roberto Roena’s Apollo Sound salsa orchestra as a singer and currently serves as a backup vocalist for the tropical music legend “La India.” After completing the professional training program “Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program” in 2024, Architect Pomales took on the responsibility of serving as the program’s Coordinator for the year 2025.

  • Jordi E. Rodríguez, Assoc. AIA, AIT

    Vice-Chair

    Born in San Juan and raised in Bayamón, my journey in architecture began when I enrolled in the School of Architecture at the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico. After graduating in 2017, I launched my career in project management, contributing to significant projects on the Island and beyond. Later, I worked on projects in California, where I gained valuable experience with other construction methods.

    Now back in Puerto Rico, I am a co-founder of a consulting firm alongside two partners, where we help clients rethink their spaces in innovative ways and guide them through the process. Additionally, I am part of a project management startup firm, bringing forward-thinking solutions to the field.

    My career reflects my dedication to architecture and to Puerto Rico. I continue to seek ways to enrich and strengthen my profession, nurturing my passion for architecture every day.

  • Natasha Yordán, AIA

    Past-Chair

    Natasha Yordán, AIA, currently works at the San Juan Headquarters of Álvarez-Díaz & Villalón. In her eight years of experience, she has been Project Manager to many of AD&V®’s most prominent projects and has worked on all development phases of multi-family affordable housing projects, single-family and multi-family high end residential projects, hospitality, and mixed-use master planning projects. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Architecture from the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico with a minor in urbanism. During her time as student, she collaborated with the MIT's CoLab.  In 2019 she was named associate partner at AD&V and in 2021, she was selected among Caribbean Business’ 40 Under 40, which recognized prominent young leaders in Puerto Rico. She currently leads the Studio Design Team and supports the firm’s leadership in firm wide management strategies.

  • Joana A. Otero Assoc. AIA, AIT

    Associates & Emerging Professionals Liaison

    Joana A. Otero Otero holds a Professional Bachelor’s degree in Architecture and a Master’s in Engineering Management from the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico, bringing over 15 years of experience to her role. She is an Associate AIA member and a USACE-certified Quality Control Management Contractor. Currently, Joana serves as a Project Manager at APMS, where she applies her extensive expertise as part of the construction management team developing institutional, multi-family, retail projects, among others.

  • Raphael Osuna- Segarra, AIA

    AIAPR Board Liason

    Raphael Osuna- Segarra, AIA, is the current AIAPR Director of Associates and Chair of the AIAPR Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program.  Raphael has served the AIAPR for the past 3 years as the former Secretary of the Board. He earned his undergraduate studies from the UPR School of Architecture and received his M.Arch., with a minor in Landscape Architecture, from the University of Pennsylvania School of Design. Raphael is currently the Director of Programs of an NGO leading their recovery efforts on the Island as part of a $50M private grant and worked for nine years as project manager and designer at the Design & Construction Office of a local municipality

Advisory Committee

  • Miraida Rodríguez, AIT, Assoc. AIA

    Communications

    Miraida Rodriguez Muniz is a dynamic architect specializing in process optimization and known for her various achievements in the field. With a Master's in Design & Innovation Technologies from the Instituto Europeo di Design in Milan, Italy, her academic journey has been marked by excellence. She also holds a Bachelor's in Architecture and Business Administration with a focus on Project Management, both from the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico. Her technical skills contributed to her team recognition when awarded first place in the Library of Congress Drawings Collection competition of historic buildings. For several years, she served as the Executive Director of the Colegio de Arquitectos y Arquitectos Paisajistas de Puerto Rico, where she demonstrated her prowess in project management, community engagement, and program development. Her commitment to pushing boundaries and driving progress makes her an influential force in shaping the built environment.

  • Benny O. Rodríguez, AIT

    Sub-Comisión

    Benny O. Rodríguez serves as a Junior Architect at the office of Architect Orval Sifontes, working on both the architect's own projects and proposals for office clients. As a designer, he has contributed to conceptual designs, 3D visualizations, and as-built documentation. In 2021, Benny founded As-Built Plans PR LLC, a company dedicated to streamlining as-built documentation processes for architects and engineers. His recent experience includes documenting private, institutional, and historic structures alongside his team. As a student, Benny participated in the architectural documentation of historic structures such as Casa Wiechers Villaronga in Ponce and Casa Roig in Humacao, earning first and second place awards, respectively, alongside his peers. Benny’s architectural philosophy emphasizes the importance of sustainability and historic preservation, addressing climate change challenges while narrating the stories embedded within historic structures.

  • Alejandra del Pilar, AIT, Assoc AIA

    Website Advisor & Graphics Co-Lead

    Alejandra del Pilar is a Senior Designer at Marvel, with over 8 years of professional experience. She holds a Master’s Degree in Brand Design from the University of Barcelona (2021) and a Bachelor of Architecture from the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico (2016). Alejandra’s passion for graphic design and its potential to enhance architectural experiences led her to pursue studies in brand design, integrating her expertise in architecture with a deeper understanding of visual communication. Her career highlights include projects seamlessly merging branding principles with architectural spaces, creating cohesive and memorable environments. Alejandra has excelled in roles ranging from Project Architect to Project Manager, with strong leadership skills by successfully managing all project phases. She brings a multidisciplinary approach and creative vision to her work at Marvel, contributing to innovative and impactful architectural projects.

  • Juan Carlos Ramos, AIT, Assoc. AIA

    Social Media Advisor & Graphics Co-Lead

    Juan Carlos Ramos is an architectural professional with five years of experience in architecture, urban design, and interior environments. Currently, he is an Architectural Designer and Visualization Specialist at Álvarez-Díaz & Villalón, where he contributes to the development of commercial, mixed-use, and hospitality projects, as well as urban master plans and affordable housing initiatives.

    Juan Carlos holds a Bachelor of Environmental Design and a Master of Architecture from the School of Architecture at the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus. Additionally, he earned an Associate Degree in Interior Design from the University of Puerto Rico, Carolina Campus.

    Recognized for his leadership potential, Juan Carlos was a scholar in the second class of the Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program (CKLDP) at AIA Puerto Rico. His session was honored by the CKLDP Class of 2023-2024 as the most inspiring of the year, reflecting his commitment to fostering professional growth and innovation within the architectural community.

    Throughout his career, Juan Carlos has been celebrated for his academic and professional achievements. He was awarded the prestigious Benjamin Vargas Scholarship by AIA Puerto Rico for his thesis, “El Nuevo Distrito: Regeneración, Reinvención e Integración de Centros Comerciales.”

  • Monique Lugo, AIA

    Program Mentor

    Monique Lugo López, AIA, is an NCARB-certified, licensed architect with over 28 years of experience in the architectural design and construction industry. She is registered to practice in both Puerto Rico and Florida. As the Architecture Department Head and Business Development Executive at Benítez Ramos & Associates, Monique leads one of the island’s premier full-service architecture and engineering design firms. Monique’s visionary leadership as President of the AIA Puerto Rico Chapter led to the establishment of the Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program in 2022. She is dedicated to responsible and sustainable design and holds LEED Green Associate certification. She earned both a Bachelor of Science in Architecture and a Master in Architecture from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.  Passionate about social transformation, Monique serves on the board of Caras con Causa, a non-profit organization devoted to eradicating poverty through education, ecology, and economic development in the communities of Cataño and Guaynabo.

  • María I. Brunet

    María I. Brunet

    Sponsorship Advisor