Heritage homes to high-rises

JI: There are indeed many interesting developments in architecture, particularly in Mexico. I believe that our culture plays a significant role in shaping architectural trends here. Across the country, there's a diverse range of architectural practices, yet there's often a common thread running through them. I've noticed a prevalence of bold, striking volumes, vibrant colours, and rich textures in many architectural projects. These elements seem to draw from our rich cultural heritage, which is deeply ingrained throughout Mexico. It's fascinating to see how this heritage influences and informs the architecture being produced across the country. It's like a bridge connecting the past to the present, and it's inspiring to witness how architects are incorporating these cultural elements into their designs, creating spaces that are both contemporary and deeply rooted in tradition.

When it comes to architecture in Mérida, there's a rich history and cultural influence at play. Outsiders often draw inspiration from the Mayan culture when designing in Mérida, but they tend to approach it with a modern twist rather than replicating it directly. They understand the distinctive architectural features of the region and blend them with contemporary styles. The locals in Mérida have a knack for integrating elements of Mayan architecture into their designs while keeping them relevant to the modern context of the city. This fusion of tradition and modernity is what makes the architecture in Mérida unique and vibrant.

Mérida is experiencing significant growth, largely due to its reputation as one of the safest cities in Mexico. Many people are choosing to retire here or raise their families, drawn by the city's security and amenities, including its schools. As a result, the population is steadily increasing. In terms of architecture, there's been a noticeable shift in recent years. Previously, much of the architecture in Mérida focused on large houses with spacious courtyards. However, now a broader range of architectural projects are taking place, reflecting the city's evolving needs and preferences. Both land prices and construction expenses have increased, prompting a change in architectural trends towards more efficient designs, particularly in apartment buildings. This shift is noticeable in the move away from large, sprawling houses with multiple bedrooms and spacious living areas. Instead, architects are focusing on creating more compact and functional spaces, similar to the trends observed in European cities. This evolution reflects the changing needs and priorities of residents in Mérida, as discussed earlier. This transformation mirrors what happens in larger cities, where architecture shifts towards more apartments and buildings. In Mérida, this change is driven by an influx of people moving in for various reasons, leading to increased speculation and investment in the city. Consequently, there's a transition from large houses to smaller buildings and apartments. Another notable change is the city's expansion into surrounding areas. As Mérida grows, it extends into nearby regions, creating new neighbourhoods and altering the urban landscape. This expansion is an interesting development, given Mérida's rich history with its colonial-era houses in the city centre.

Even though I work with several real estate companies that focus on designing apartment buildings and similar structures, my main focus is on design. The most prominent projects I handle are related to real estate, particularly apartments. Additionally, I work on designing offices and houses, but the real estate sector, especially apartments, is currently the most significant aspect of my work. 

Sketching success stories

JI: Family has played a part, but my journey into architecture began as I embarked on my studies. Right from the start of my architectural education, I was eager to gain practical experience. I discussed this ambition with my brother, who encouraged me to start working while studying. Consequently, from the very first semester of my degree, I began working with an architectural firm. Over the years, I transitioned between several firms in Mérida, gaining valuable experience. Eventually, the idea of starting my own architecture firm took root. It all started with a single project: someone approached me, having noticed my experience with various firms, and commissioned me to design a small house. From there, one project led to another, and my journey as an architect began to take shape.

We then began collaborating with numerous real estate companies, which is quite common in Mexico, where young people often start their own ventures early on. When we first established our firm, we designed around ten houses, which we showcased on Instagram. This caught the attention of others, leading to a project designing apartments for another client. A significant milestone occurred when one of our house designs was featured in ArchDaily. With that, the firm began to expand further. Also, the pandemic marked a significant moment because it opened up new opportunities. Before the pandemic, most of our projects were within Yucatan. However, during COVID, there was a shift in mindset. People became more open to hiring professionals from different locations and conducting meetings over Zoom or online platforms. Consequently, we started receiving more projects from clients outside Yucatan. These include clients from Guadalajara, Baja California, and even as far as the Dominican Republic. This accelerated the pace of our work, leading us to where we are today.

Digital designs to real deals

JI: Social media is a crucial tool for architects. Platforms like Instagram have helped us gain recognition in different cities and countries. We've found that Instagram, in particular, has been instrumental in attracting clients. By showcasing our projects and sharing insights about them on Instagram, we've been able to reach a wider audience and attract more clients. Initially, we didn't have a specific strategy in place; we simply started posting our projects and talking about them. Over time, we've seen the benefits of being active on social media. Despite the growing workload, I've personally managed our social media presence because I enjoy it and believe it's an effective way to connect with clients in various cities and countries while working from our home or office.

We've experienced a surge in inquiries from India for large-scale projects. However, I always approach such opportunities with caution, questioning whether they're genuine. This was the case with a client who initially contacted us through Instagram, expressing interest in our services. We followed up with them, but then they suddenly disappeared, leaving us unsure about the legitimacy of the opportunity. A few months later, he reached out to us again. He introduced himself, mentioning that he found our company on Instagram and was keen on us designing some projects for him. Initially, I was unsure if the opportunity was genuine. However, I decided to explore further and reached out to him again, providing the information he requested. It turned out to be a genuine opportunity, leading to several projects in República Dominicana. This experience has made me more optimistic about using social media to explore opportunities, even though discerning between real and fake ones can be challenging.

Expanding horizons

JI: We initially started with projects in Mérida. After that, we expanded to Progreso, which is along the coast near here. Subsequently, an opportunity arose to work on a project in Cancún, which was both exciting and a bit distant, marking our first venture there as young architects. Additionally, we had the chance to design projects in Isla Mujeres, totalling around three projects. We also collaborated with a company from Guadalajara on a project called Halvo here in Mérida. In Guadalajara, we were hired to design four apartment buildings last year. Furthermore, we undertook projects in Todos Santos, in Baja California Sur. Specifically, we designed four projects there: one in Centenario, a small town nearby, and three in Todos Santos itself. Thanks to these projects, the practice has been growing fast, and we now have around 19 people in the firm. Adda plays a crucial role as my office manager ; she's like my right hand and helps with all aspects of the projects. When a new project comes in, I conceptualise the ideas, and then I collaborate with Adda to develop these ideas further. She assists in transforming initial sketches into detailed project blueprints, and she also manages the team within the firm, organising tasks and coordinating efforts.

After completing the initial models and conceptualisation, we move on to the next phase, which involves creating renders, often produced by Ricardo. However, I primarily handle the architectural design of the building. In our firm, each team member is assigned to a specific project. Once the pre-project blueprint and facade renders are completed, the project is assigned to a team member who then assists in developing detailed executive blueprints, including those for masonry, electrical, and lighting aspects. It's interesting because we have various stages in each project, and each team member contributes to different phases of the project's development. Currently, we have around 30 to 35 projects in the firm, each at different stages. As a project progresses from one stage to another, it gets assigned to a different team member who works on developing detailed executive plans. Additionally, Elena, our company administrator, handles all the accounting and administrative tasks, which are crucial for the smooth operation of the firm.

Mastering management, defining design

JI: My plan is to expand the company further. I want to be more selective with the projects we take on, aiming for ones that offer unique challenges and push our limits as a firm. While all projects are interesting in their own way, I'm keen to tackle ones that require innovative solutions and allow us to grow professionally. Growing the company and taking on projects that stretch our capabilities are my main goals. When the company first started, I struggled with managing multiple projects simultaneously. I was concerned that our projects lacked the unique touch that defines our work. As we took on more projects, it became challenging to ensure each one reflected our style and vision. I'm now focusing on improving our project management skills within the team because I want to ensure that each project carries our distinct flair and reflects our creative touch despite handling multiple projects at once. So far, the biggest challenge has been managing growth, as there's no manual on running a company. We're taught design skills, architectural techniques, and project management but not how to run a business. Learning to manage a team, handle finances, and navigate the operational side of architecture firms has been the most daunting part of growth for me.

Harmony in hues and forms

JI: I think that in this career phase, I will have the chance to explore and define a personal style step by step. That's something I'd like to delve into a bit more, as it's a significant aspect of my journey as an architect. It can be quite daunting when you enter the field and begin to see numerous other firms and architects working alongside you. I found myself challenged by this during a transitional period in my career. Seeing all the different styles and innovative designs led me to question whether my approach to architecture was the right one. It's a common feeling among architects as we constantly strive to find our unique voice and style amidst a sea of creative talent. At that moment, I started feeling a bit unsure about my approach. However, as the years went by, I realised that my design style was unique to me and to ápiron. It's what sets us apart and gives us our distinctive taste. Currently, I'm focused on enhancing this aspect. I'm not trying to change our design approach; instead, I'm aiming to emphasise the elements that I personally enjoy incorporating into our buildings. What are these elements? Well, for instance, I like to incorporate smaller features beneath larger architectural structures. I enjoy playing with the overall shape and volume of the building. It's not just about the structure itself. I'm also exploring how various design elements complement each other.

We designed a project in Isla Mujeres, a small island in front of Cancún. It embodies our design ethos. It's a boutique hotel named Florita, and it's characterised by vibrant colours and rich textures. I particularly love experimenting with colours, which is evident in Florita's design. It's a project that truly reflects the essence of our architectural style. We've also designed a house located in the city centre. It features vibrant, colourful elements that add to its character. I'm currently exploring a design approach that combines rigid forms with curves and circles, creating an interesting contrast. The original house was quite plain, just a simple square box with no distinct features. We transformed it by adding a curved pathway leading to the entrance, playing with textures and introducing vibrant colours. This project embodies this approach and serves as a prime example of our design style, with its distinct use of three central elements: texture, colour, and unique volumes. I enjoy experimenting with different textures, particularly using a single colour in various textures. For example, we might use a particular type of pasta on the upper section of a building, then explore different applications of the same material on the lower section, incorporating lines or other elements to create contrast and visual interest. This approach allows us to maintain consistency while adding depth and complexity to the design. It’s about finding the right balance between the different elements, and I think we are getting there. Exploring various applications of a single material in different ways adds a certain tranquillity or harmony to the building, creating a sense of balance and atmosphere. It's difficult to put into words, but there's something about it that contributes to the overall aesthetic and feel of the space.

Another important element that characterises our architecture is the overall background. Considering elements beyond just form, colour, and texture, such as the surrounding views and natural environment, is crucial for our projects. We believe in integrating these aspects seamlessly into our designs, understanding that a project isn't just a standalone building but is deeply intertwined with its surroundings. By incorporating the natural landscape and embracing the context of the project, we aim to create spaces that feel connected to their environment and evoke a sense of harmony and unity with the world around them. This holistic approach to design allows us to craft buildings that not only stand out aesthetically but also feel like an integral part of their surroundings, enhancing the overall experience for those who inhabit or interact with them.