Creativity meets opportunity

JL: From a personal perspective, Mexico’s transformation can be attributed to a combination of economic, geographic, and cultural factors. A stable economy has spurred investments in infrastructure and real estate, while a growing tourism industry has energized urban centers. In these cities, dynamic architectural landscapes have emerged, reflecting development driven by more than just politics. Urban migration and population growth have further increased demand for innovative solutions, offering emerging architects opportunities to experiment within flexible regulatory environments. This creative freedom has led to diverse architectural responses, with regions across the country embracing a variety of new proposals. Mexico’s rich geography and cultures have attracted both local and international investors. Regions like Baja California, Oaxaca, and Yucatán have seen a rise in real estate developments, including unique homes, boutique hotels, and retreats. Urban areas, particularly neighborhoods like Condesa, Juárez, and Roma in Mexico City, highlight the intersection of architecture, cuisine, art, and entertainment, all energized by tourism. However, despite these advancements, a clear contrast exists between private and public projects. Public initiatives often lack cohesive, long-term planning, as governments tend to focus on short-term goals that create immediate legacies rather than build on established frameworks. While, in some cases, developers are enhancing parts of the cities, these efforts remain inconsistent. To foster responsible urban planning, clear guidelines are needed to encourage and reinvest in the communities that are being affected —enriching public spaces and improving accessibility for all.

Architectural roots and global branches

JL: My journey in architecture began with a passion for design, which I pursued during my bachelor's degree. About a decade ago, I had the opportunity to participate in an academic exchange program at Chiba University in Japan. This experience broadened my perspective and encouraged me to push the boundaries of my work. After returning to Xalapa, Veracruz, I continued my studies and gained practical experience. However, I soon felt the need to immerse myself in a more dynamic environment to further expand my architectural horizons. This led me to Mexico City, where I spent several years practising this profession and learning from varying scale projects. Seeking further growth and knowledge, I enrolled in a master's degree in Valencia, Spain and attended a summer academy in Oporto, Portugal. For my final project, I developed a business plan with the objective of establishing my own practice. It was during this time that I realised my desire to return to Mexico and embark on this journey. Throughout my academic and professional experiences, one central theme has constantly guided me: the belief that architecture profoundly influences people's perceptions, behaviours, and lives. I am firmly committed to representing this philosophy through my work, striving to create spaces that positively impact individuals and communities alike. I've always believed in the transformative potential of architecture to shape better cities, homes, and overall experiences for the people. My passion lies in creating spaces where individuals can live happier, healthier lives and enjoy enriching day-to-day interactions. Upon returning to Mexico, I collaborated with different architectural firms, gaining valuable insights. This set of experiences laid the foundation where I began to consider the practical realities of establishing my own practice. It was clear that creating a sustainable architectural business would require not just creative passion, but a clear vision and a solid understanding of both the craft and the economics behind it. Shortly thereafter, I received my first private commission, a single family house project in Xalapa.

Foundations for success

JL: Since I decided to start working independently in the professional field, my initial focus was on building better small-scale projects before pursuing larger-scale endeavours like public facilities and office buildings. To prepare myself for this venture, I researched potential competitors, studying their practices and understanding their successes, opportunities and mistakes. This study allowed me to learn significant lessons that would guide my own path forward. I also dedicated a substantial amount of time to devising a robust business plan, particularly in terms of financial considerations. This involved calculating the costs associated with running an office, including expenses for hardware, software, collaborators and my own salary. By understanding these financial dynamics, it became clear the number of projects that were needed to sustain our operation and achieve a certain level of stability. With this knowledge in hand, I could then work strategically towards my goals, ensuring a steady cash flow and sustainable growth. Economics is just as crucial as architecture in the professional realm. It's challenging to sustain an architectural practice without planning and stability. While a clear understanding of the financial aspects is essential, it's also important to acknowledge that professional life inevitably entails ups and downs. Although it's difficult to quantify the exact impact of preparation on navigating these fluctuations, I believe that being financially savvy has indeed helped me in my journey as an architect. It has provided me with a foundation to weather uncertainties and make informed decisions, ultimately contributing to the resilience and success of my practice.

Beyond aesthetics

JL: Our approach to architecture revolves around a profound understanding of each site and how it can be lived in, rather than focusing on predetermined forms or references. While achieving an aesthetic quality is important, we believe beauty is subjective and highly personal. Instead, we prioritise elements like the landscape, the views, the materials, and the interactions that emerge between the site, our team, and our clients. Rather than defining a specific aesthetic from the outset, we focus on experiencing and interacting with architecture in a more holistic manner. In our work, every site is paramount; it's where the essence of our projects truly comes alive. I am deeply invested in exploring several aspects of architecture to better understand how our projects will be inhabited and experienced. This includes thoughtful considerations such as the careful application of colours and proportions, as well as prioritising local resources and skilled labour to streamline the construction process. Although our focus is primarily on residential-scale projects rather than urban ones, we recognize the importance of designing buildings that adapt to the evolving needs of their occupants, whether accommodating ageing residents or those with disabilities. It’s essential to study and learn from what others have successfully achieved in order to translate those lessons into our own unique context and possibilities. As a solo architect, I often find valuable insights from a variety of sources, both consciously and unconsciously. While I don't constantly reference specific architects, figures like Aldo Rossi, Carlo Scarpa, and Rogelio Salmona have left a lasting impression on me.

Tailored spaces

JL: I believe in taking the time to understand the opportunities and challenges inherent in each project thoroughly. Unlike some practices that rush into work upon receiving a commission, we prefer to delve deep into the intricacies of every endeavour. This includes understanding not only regulatory requirements and weather considerations but also the preferences and aspirations of our clients. In today's digital age, platforms like Pinterest and Instagram can heavily influence their expectations. However, we strive to guide them away from preconceived notions and instead educate them on the possibilities that align with their goals and needs and our expertise. This involves conducting extensive site analysis, cultural assessments and evaluations of materials and construction methods. Our approach involves engaging in meaningful conversations with all parties involved, analysing multiple perspectives, and offering insights and recommendations based on what we believe to be in the best interest of our clients. Rather than simply accommodating their desires, we aim to empower them with knowledge and informed choices. This meticulous process of research and communication undoubtedly requires a significant amount of time and effort. However, we consider it is essential to develop projects that not only meet but exceed expectations. Our clientele predominantly consists of families from various backgrounds and compositions, ranging from couples to those with children. The project for a house in Xalapa serves as a milestone in our portfolio, exhibiting our principles of spatial organisation, proportional harmony, and architectural intent. Currently, we're actively engaged in constructing our next two houses, each of them embodying these foundational principles. The approach we have towards architecture is rooted in the belief that spaces should evoke emotions and engage the senses, much like art. We aim to create ambiences that resonate with inhabitants on a deeper level, eliciting feelings and responses rather than mere indifference. Projects like Tlaloc House and  House in Las Arboledas exemplify this idea, where thoughtful design principles converge to create impactful living experiences.

Traditional techniques, modern benefits

JL: In projects like House in Hermosillo and House in Las Arboledas, we embrace traditional building materials and techniques such as rammed earth and brick combined with modern structures. While these materials aren't new or innovative, they present unique challenges, especially when we attempt to optimise their unique properties without exceeding their capabilities. For example, House in Hermosillo required twice our usual project timeline due to our learning curve with rammed earth construction and the main idea of a large public space/open plan. However, we see these challenges as opportunities for growth and investment in responsible, sustainable practices. By utilising locally available materials and techniques, we aim to create not only better-quality buildings but also interior spaces that offer benefits such as improved air quality and thermal comfort for the occupants. It's a commitment to both the environment and the well-being of those who inhabit our projects. Our clients have been remarkably receptive to exploring alternative construction methods. Despite initial apprehensions, they were intrigued by the potential benefits of using rammed earth in a region known for its sweltering temperatures. Once they understood the advantages, such as improved thermal insulation and energy efficiency, they enthusiastically embraced the idea. Their openness to exploration has been instrumental in pushing boundaries and implementing sustainable building processes in recent projects. It's inspiring to collaborate with clients who share our vision for creating architectures that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also environmentally conscious and comfortable for their occupants. 

Time's imprint on sustainable structures 

JL: The process of building with rammed earth involves careful preparation. We start by installing a steel framework inside a wooden formwork. Then, we mix the soil with a small amount of cement, typically around three to six per cent, and moisten it until it forms a wet mixture. Next, we pour the mixture inside the formwork and compact it with manual or mechanical tools, forming its distinctive stripes or lines. When constructing rammed earth walls, the soil is treated similarly to that used for concrete walls; the primary distinction is that rammed earth walls must be dense to create mass. These walls are typically around 40 centimetres thick, offering durability and longevity without chemical treatments. However, to further protect against water, we recommend using a sealer. Besides the small percentage of cement, this is the only chemical involved, an essential principle that we communicate to our clients. 

Living Architecture

JL: Buildings should be designed to age gracefully and endure over time. The key to our profession lies in crafting spaces that fulfil their immediate function while simultaneously adapting and progressing with their users over the years. This approach emphasises longevity, sustainability, and a deep connection with the territory and life. As with every natural material, rammed earth is subject to modification over time. Therefore, it’s crucial for our clients to understand that even the interior of their house will change. We intend to instil this awareness in every project, fostering a sense of living in a dynamic habitat that evolves. For instance, if you were to visit House in Xalapa at the moment, you would notice that its colour, once a deep black, has subtly changed. Some walls have brightened depending on their exposure to sunlight and softened with the passage of time. Moss has also appeared, and the texture of the materials has developed a patina that speaks to the house’s history. It’s not the same house we delivered three years ago. The plants have grown, altering the ambiance and creating an entirely different feeling. Featuring numerous small windows, we strategically framed specific parts of the landscape to incorporate them into the interior views. As the scenery varies throughout the year, so does the atmosphere within the house. This interplay between the building and the environment is central to our work. We are passionate about these concepts, exploring how the exterior and interior merge and transform simultaneously based on specific conditions like weather and time. That’s the core concept of all these projects: they will mature and change organically, just like a tree or a rock. They are not intended to remain intact forever. Instead, they are designed to age gracefully, gaining depth and eventually coming to an end over time. While the fundamental ideas behind our work remain constant, my experience has evolved with the unfolding of these thoughts. I’m not the same person who designed this house five years ago, and my understanding of architecture – and of life – has also changed. When designing, I aim to envision how the variable conditions of the site will interact with our proposals. I like to anticipate how shifts in the surroundings will affect the light and views, the growth of plants and how they might impact the buildings, both aesthetically and even structurally. Like people, good architecture gains richness with age, acquiring character and charm as it ripens. By emphasising this aspect to our clients, we help them appreciate the nature of our works, their purpose to live and grow with them, and their ability to harmonise with the context through the years. Collaborating with specialists is an important aspect of our process. Although we haven’t directly involved scientists, integrating their expertise could indeed enrich our understanding further. That said, our experience allows us to anticipate certain changes that we intentionally incorporate into every design to enhance their evolving essence. Documenting the evolution of a building, as we do with people, could provide useful insights into its lifespan and transformation. Treating architecture as a living entity that ages, transforms, and adapts is a philosophical, political, and scientific concept worth exploring. Incorporating these insights into our methodology could deepen our understanding and potentially guide us toward new approaches. Exploring these aspects further could be an intriguing research project for us to undertake.