AIA, NCARB, LEED GA

Álvarez-Díaz & Villalón

Estefanía Alejandro-Silva, AIA, LEED® Green Associate™ with 10+ years of experience in the industry. Estefanía completed her professional degree in Architecture from the Polytechnic University in 2012 and started her professional career at Lastra Power Architect, PCS. Simultaneously, she worked as the Editor’s Assistant at ENTORNO, a local Architecture Magazine of the Colegio de Arquitectos y Arquitectos Paisajistas de Puerto Rico (CAAPPR), assisting with photography and graphic design for the articles of the magazine. Later on, she joined Álvarez-Díaz & Villalón as part of the design team working on institutional, wellness, multi-family, retail projects and High End residential. During her years in AD&V®, Estefanía she found an interest and passion for retail design which gave her the opportunity of collaborating in projects locally and globally, with retail stores in Venezuela and Dubai. After her success in retail design, Estefanía was given the opportunity and challenge of being the Manager of the Interior Design Department at AD&V®. There, she learned the managing aspect of the profession, and got the opportunity of expanding her knowledge of interior design. After five years at AD&V and her acquired experience in Architecture and Interior Design as a design professional, Estefanía decided to focused on achieving her licensure and parted ways with AD&V®. During that period of time, she worked with the interior design firm Stewart Rodríguez expanding her knowledge in interior design and high-end residential. After achieving her licensure, Estefanía re-joined the Álvarez-Díaz & Villalón team as a Design Architect and Firm Associate.

Assoc. AIA

V Architecture

Kish started working in design and architectural studies since he was a student in college in 2012. Having graduated from the University of Puerto Rico with a Master’s Degree in Architecture, Kish has managed to create, enhance and improve ideas to solve everyday problems through design. Actively working in Design Studios & Architectural firms has helped him acquire and develop the tools and skills necessary to work on a range of projects from concept design to construction work. He also has extensive experience in graphic and photo manipulation, model development, and construction document production through Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software.

AIA

MARVEL

Verónica is a Registered Architect with over 12 years of experience in the design and construction of urban, contextually responsive projects. She’s currently Senior Architect at Marvel Designs, where she’s leading the Casa Vida Hotel project, an adaptive reuse, 50-key boutique hotel located in Old San Juan, PR. She also works with the NY team on 1700-1678 Park, two new ground-up mixed-income market rate apartment buildings in Harlem, NYC. Prior to joining Marvel, Verónica was Project Architect for multiple diverse project types in Los Angeles, CA. Most recently she worked on the design and construction of The Shay, a 148-key boutique hotel at the new Ivy Station development in Culver City, CA, which opened Fall of 2021. She also managed The RinRose, a new 100-unit market-rate housing project in Pasadena, CA, slated to open Fall 2022. She also completed the first LEED Platinum Fixed Base Operator facility for Signature Flight Support in San Diego International Airport. In addition to her professional experience, Verónica was an active member of the ULI LA Young Leaders Group and has volunteered with the AIA LA Women in Architecture Committee and Habitat for Humanity organizations. In her free time, Verónica enjoys spending time in Icacos with her family on the boat, paddle-boarding in the Laguna del Condado, and cooking up new recipes to try.

AIA

V Architecture

Edwin is an architect born and raised in Puerto Rico with over seven years of experience. Team player, and goal-driven, he has acquired experience in architecture and related fields like wayfinding, community design, and biology research through Building Information Modeling. Edwin worked at the School of Architecture at the University of Puerto Rico giving the Introduction to Building Information Modeling / Revit course for graduate and undergraduate students. Also giving professional level seminars for architecture and engineering design firms seeking to start using BIM. With experience in architecture, graphic design, and Building Information Modeling, he is skillful in understanding, coordinating, managing, and illustrating the projects’ design intent. Edwin has worked on a variety of projects including residential, multi-family, hospitality, commercial, office, and institutional. He had the opportunity to be the field architect in the Amazon jungle with the Yanomami village for the Microbiome of Uncontacted Amerindians microbiology study collaborating with scientists from across the globe. Edwin has a master’s degree in Architecture from the University of Puerto Rico; and a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Design from the same Institution, during which he participated in a summer abroad at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México.

AIT, LEED GA

MARVEL

Juan C. Feliciano is an Intermediate Architectural Designer in Marvel's San Juan office. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies with a broad major in Art History focused on Periods and Styles of Architecture and a NAAB accredited master's degree in Architecture with a certificate in Ecological Design from the School of Architecture and Urban Planning at the University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. Juan’s entire practice illustrates a broad spectrum of experiences related to art curatorship, exhibit design, land use planning on environmentally impacted communities, and architectural design. Through his career development since college, Juan delineated what some have expressed to be a non-linear career path because he did not start working in an architectural firm immediately after obtaining his college degree. All these different experiences motivated him because his career path was driven by a personal and professional purpose mindset that amplified his perspective on the higher picture of the profession. As a passionate designer, Juan is interested in designing projects with cultural relevance and a strong environmental ethos to create better communities. He aims to develop solutions that foster social and cultural connections through the power of architecture. Outside the office, Juan enjoys reading about art history, listening to music, running, swimming, and creating new adventures with his wife, daughter, and Sato Portoricensis dog, Tiffy.

AIA

CSA Group-San Juan

Ms. Ibarra-Garland is an architect from San Juan, who holds a BS in Civil Engineering and a MA in Architecture from the University of Puerto Rico, with 8 years of experience in buildings and infrastructure projects. Her capabilities spanning both engineering and architecture allow her to contribute to a broad variety of projects and roles where communication and integration are paramount to success. She has worked in the industry in Puerto Rico, New York, and Miami, since graduating from architecture school at several companies under the supervision of architects and engineers and just recently, as of February of this year, got her professional license as an architect. She has been able to partake in different roles throughout her years of experience, ranging from designing high-end kitchens to engineering and architectural project field inspections, project management, and the design and review of drawings and documents throughout all stages of a project. Her interests on sustainability, community outreach, responsible urban design, and nature are always present when participating on a project design.

RA

Universidad de Puerto Rico

Saritza Martinez Rodriguez is a Licensed Architect, emerging artist, and design professor at the University of Puerto Rico. She holds a Master of Architecture & Urban Design from Columbia University, a Master of Architecture from Syracuse University, and a Bachelor in Environmental Design from the University of Puerto Rico. She is passionate about sharing knowledge and exploring new ways to facilitate education. Throughout her career, she has understood the value of user-oriented design practice. Topics that interest her mainly include ecology, sustainable living, social spaces, and advertising, as they play out at multiple scales. Her main goal is to embrace new opportunities to learn or develop skills in research and communication.

NCARB, LEED AP BD+C, CCCA

Integra Design Group

José David has five years of professional experience, designing residential, commercial, healthcare, and mixed-use projects in California and Puerto Rico. He was a professor and Director of the Architecture Academic Programs at Ana G. Mendez University. He is currently a Project Architect at Integra Design Group in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and a Doctor of Design candidate at Florida International University.

Assoc. AIA

V Architecture

Joan has a master’s degree in Architecture from the University of Puerto Rico with bachelor’s degrees in both Environmental Design and Biology. Over the past 6 years, she had gained many skills from hands-on experience as project manager and in regulatory approvals acquired at an engineering, design and project management firm. Her experience has provided the tools to manage different project related services within the construction industry, from project management, engineering coordination to site inspections for small to large scale projects. In addition, Joan has been responsible for developing environmental plans and conducting site inspections for environmental compliance. She has extensive experience in local code requirements and permit approval. Naturally enthusiastic, team player and a hardworking professional, she is also organized, responsible, self-motivated, multitasker and has excellent communication skills. Joan has a broad understanding of architectural, construction and project management principles and practices.

AIT

V Architecture

Raised in Puerto Rico, Adriana returns to the island after studying in New York and working in Florida for several years with her portfolio focusing on projects in the Middle East and the Caribbean. Her experience includes hospitality and luxury residential design, as well as architectural branding. Prior to her time in Miami, Adriana worked in a development firm in Puerto Rico with a focus on property and project management for multi-family housing across the island. Adriana holds a professional architectural degree from Syracuse University with a focus in Psychology. Throughout her education, she studied abroad in countries including Brazil, Chile, and Italy; experiencing first-hand the interconnection of history, people, and culture with the built environment. Her ability to absorb a destination’s richness is what drew her to the hospitality industry. For Adriana, design is all about the user experience; being able to tell a story and create a unique sense of place that captures the wonders of the destination, exhilarating community, and exquisite culture. Her interests lay heavily on creating unforgettable experiences for the avid traveler and local alike. By returning to Puerto Rico, Adriana hopes to contribute to the community and actively participate in the growth of the island. She believes the tangible architectural legacy defined by our profession is key to the prosperity of any nation.

AIT

DDC Group, LLC

Geraldine was born and raised in Puerto Rico. In 2014 she obtained a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico. After graduation, she participated as an active member of the Board of Directors of AIA-PR. She began her professional practice in 2014 as an associate architect for DDD Group. During this time, she has worked with various project types, such as commercial, industrial, residential, and federal projects, with a diverse client base and the most stringent practice standards. Her experience of almost six years specializes in working not only on traditional delivery projects but also on design-build projects. Her expertise in these different projects includes drawing and detailing, writing technical specifications, proposal writing, permit procurement, and aiding in the construction management phase. In addition, her design approach and knowledge include working with innovative technology tools such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), MEP Modeling, and, more recently, Solibri. Currently, she is pursuing her architect license and LEED Green Associate Certification.

AIT, LEED GA

SFC Arquitectos

Christian Fernando Reyes Sarmiento was born in Santander, Colombia and moved to Puerto Rico in 2004. Upon his arrival, he completed his high school education and later attended the School of Architecture at the Pontificia Universidad Católica in Ponce, PR. During his time there, he crossed paths with many influential colleagues in architecture that would later help him confirm his passion. After completing a Bachelor of Architecture in 2016, he went on to work at TEG Architects in Indiana and later had the opportunity to work at Goettsch Partners, which was started by the well-known architect Mies Van Der Rohe in Chicago. At Goettsch Partners, Christian worked on projects in China, including specific projects in cities like Macau and Shenzhen. While working in Chicago, Christian received a call from Arq. Segundo Cardona who was offering him an opportunity to work at SCF Arquitectos in Puerto Rico. Having completed a summer internship at SCF during his college years, he decided to make the move to the island he used to call home. It has been 4 years since that life changing phone call. Christian is now an Architect in Training working on multiple projects that cover everything from schematic design to construction administration tasks, providing code research, and managing required permits for construction.

Aside from his work projects, Christian's focus is completing his last two ARE exams, becoming a licensed architect and completing the CKLDP program successfully.

AIT, CDT®

Fase 3 Arquitectura, PSC

Tomás J. Santiago Rodríguez, AIT, MArch, Assoc. AIA, CDT® is a San Juan, Puerto Rico-based Project Designer and Multimedia Artist with 10 years of experience in architecture, design & construction fields. After studying Fine Arts for a couple of years, Tomás joined the University of Puerto Rico School of Architecture, where he obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Design (2011), a Pos-Graduate Certificate in Urban Studies (2012), and a Master’s Degree in Architecture (2013). Some the most significant awards he received during his academic process, includes being appointed as the Luis Sierra Honor Scholarship recipient (2011), and an Honorable Mention in the Urbanism category of the CAAPPR Proyectos de fin de carrera (2013) for his Thesis Project: “An Architectural Strategy of Recycling City Spaces for Art”. His professional career in Architecture has been progressing mostly around small firm environments. He spent his first years working hand in hand with Office Principals in a variety of small to midsize projects. In 2017, he became a founding member of Atelier Ingenio LLC, a company created to serve residential, commercial and community scale clients in response to the efforts of recuperation from Hurricane María. Over the last few years, he has also been actively pursuing licensing requirements, collaborating as a team leader for residential projects at William Rosa Arquitecto, and as a Construction Contract Administration & Inspection staff member for Fase 3 Arquitectura PSC. This year, he became CDT certified and received the Young Architect Conference Award 2022. Most recently, he is looking forward to growing more into sustainability and wellness fields.

RA

Efrén R. Badía & Assoc.

Born and raised in Puerto Rico, I grew up as an avid learner and a curious child. No matter what the subject was about, wherever there was information and knowledge, I always had an urge for questions, research, and analysis. As a Young adult, I discovered in arts and math, the perfect challenge, and the perfect match, at the same time, to make strategic decisions along with careful considerations on beauty, aesthetics, and critical thinking. All these interests, as well as social and sustainability concerns, made a confluent path into a career in architecture. I discovered that architecture could be a catalyst and a crucial tool in dealing with complex issues on urbanism, quality of life, wellness, and sustainability. I have had a diverse and rich experience in firms that also have an urge for giving and serving the greater good. As a recently licensed architect, I have all the energy and curiosity that I had as a child, focused on how my professional practice can lead to roles on the industry that can be of great service to my country and my colleagues. I believe the world changed and evolved, and I am part of the emerging professionals that can contribute through my work, my ethics, and my conviction. I am currently inside the system, working and learning, and developing my own way of understanding and dealing with the issues of today.

Assoc. AIA

V Architecture

Edgardo is a skilled Associate Architect (AIT) with over 6 years of experience in projects from multiple sectors including Residential, Restaurants (F&B), Academic and Medical Institutions, Fast Casuals, and Commercial properties in varied locations such as Washington D.C., New York, Boston, Virginia, Maryland, Massachusetts, Texas, and Puerto Rico. He enjoys working with varied types and scales of projects and engaging with clients to create personal and unique spaces. Edgardo has worked with some of the top brands in the restaurant/hospitality industry and popular venues such as CAVA Mezze Grill (+25 stores), Qdoba Mexican-Eats, The Bronx Brewery, Lekka Burger, Pupatella, Bear Branch Tavern, BARCA Pier & Wine Bar, Ada’s on the River. In 2021, Edgardo joined V Architecture and as a Design Manager, he applies his strong background in Interior Architecture to oversee several projects from planning, design, development, and construction phases up to completion. He approaches all tasks with a detail-oriented eye for design to ensure every design solution is executed correctly and well thought out. Edgardo holds a bachelor’s degree in Architecture from the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico.

AIA, NCARB, LEED GA

Álvarez-Díaz & Villalón

Natasha Yordán is a licensed architect at the San Juan Headquarters of Álvarez-Díaz & Villalón® | Architecture & Interior Design Firm. 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 participated in urban design initiatives such as the Waterfront Revitalization Projects in collaboration with the Government of Puerto Rico in 2013 and the Agrotouristic Route 123, conceived as part of HUD's Rural Innovation Fund in 2011. She also collaborated with the Massachusetts of Institute of Technology Community Innovator's Lab (MIT's CoLab) in. 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.