Responding to local urgencies

AP: In Querétaro, we've observed significant population growth in recent years, largely due to migration from other states. This trend may be attributed to its central location in the country and abundant economic opportunities. In comparison with other parts of Mexico, our city experiences relatively fewer crime incidents and enjoys greater economic growth. This, combined with our expansive territory, has led to an influx of people, increasing demand for housing and infrastructure. Traditional housing developers have struggled to keep up with this demand. Therefore, there is a lot of available land and opportunities for various types of development. People are migrating here for work and residence, and new construction projects are emerging to meet this demand. This presents opportunities for fresh approaches to construction and urban planning. I believe this trend is not unique to Querétaro. Similar situations are observed in other cities, such as Oaxaca and Los Cabos, which are predominantly tourist destinations. In our city, we've observed a pattern where private investments precede public ones. Large developments on the city outskirts prompt the public sector to provide necessary infrastructure like roads and services. This process takes time, resulting in numerous developments on the periphery with gaps in between. Understanding this local context helps to navigate urban planning challenges.

JA: The growth pattern is problematic. There was a time when around ten families were reportedly moving to Querétaro every day, though it's uncertain if this still holds true. Accommodating this influx of newcomers with new construction takes time. Besides this phenomenon, it's common for individuals to purchase inexpensive plots and then develop and sell them after some years, often with support from politicians or through partnerships to provide infrastructure. The city is expanding in a disorderly manner, which is evident in its recent growth pattern, with new developments popping up everywhere. These developments typically only sell the plots, leaving homeowners responsible for hiring architects to design and build their houses. However, this unregulated growth poses challenges. The lack of prepared roads and water supply issues in certain areas of Querétaro could lead to chaos if the city continues to expand at this rate. Providing infrastructure to these new neighbourhoods under such circumstances will prove difficult.

AP: Private investments primarily drive housing developments. These projects come with restrictions on plot size, design styles, and layout, often resulting in uniformity. While some rules can and maybe should be challenged, others are fixed due to geographical and climatic factors. Working within these constrains can lead architects to be more creative and find different solutions for each.

Between pragmatism and experimentation

JA: There are about ten architecture schools here, although not all of them have the same prestige. Many of my schoolmates and I continue to work in architecture, specialising in different areas. Some focus on mechanical, electrical, and plumbing installations (MEP), while others work in landscape or structural design. In this rapid growth context, the demand for new architects is growing fast. Therefore, there are numerous avenues for growth within the field. Some architects are apprehensive about starting their own practices, so they choose to specialise in a particular area, like landscape architecture, rather than taking on broader projects. The number of architects entering the field seems significant, with over 1,000 new architects each year, compared to around 300 in my generation. I began working in the public sector, first in the Secretary of Mobility and then and then in the Office of Public Works, where I spent around six years. When I worked in architecture firms, I often had idealistic visions of how architecture should be. However, my perspective changed when I transitioned to the public sector. I became more realistic about the complexities of architectural construction, including the various elements and processes involved. Working in the public sector highlighted the importance of organisation and order due to administrative requirements such as paperwork, signatures, accountability, and budget management. This experience made me more pragmatic in my approach. During this time, I also gained experience in various private sector roles. People often sought recommendations and tips from me, which led to the start of advising others.

AP: We first met in 2017 while working for the same architecture office and then around 2019 we began collaborating on projects together.

JA: One of our first significant projects was restoring a house given to my best friend by her mother. The house was completely abandoned, and she asked for my help with the restoration. The success of this project, considering that we were just starting and the limited budget, led us to consider pursuing larger projects instead of only small commissions. That project was significant because it shaped our vision. The client, being a friend of ours, instilled a strong foundation of trust and open communication. She gave us free rein to implement our ideas as long as we stayed within the budget. This trust and collaboration with people we know have been consistent in our work, ensuring everyone's satisfaction when we meet budget requirements.

AP: In the private sector, clients often want a “two-million-peso house” to look like a “four-million” one. However, with limited budgets, it's crucial to manage expectations realistically. At TAH, we utilise our experience to maximise the value of the available funds and ensure practicality in our designs. Most of our clients are friends, family, or close acquaintances, so we have a personal connection with them. This means we can't overspend or experiment with new materials beyond the budget. We focus on meeting the client's needs outlined in the brief.

Principals and intentions

AP: As we mentioned, our close relationship with clients allows us to understand their constraints and needs. Because of this, we have named our projects based either on the site, the client’s circumstances, or the project’s specific condition, reflecting our focus on addressing individual needs. Around our third project, we built House for Fer, a house for a client with a disabled son. Following the entire process made us realise why they approached us. They needed housing solutions tailored to their specific needs, which weren't met by existing options. We began considering how to address these unique requirements.

JA: A friend whose son has hydrocephalus approached us seeking a house suitable for his son's needs, as existing options weren't suitable. We visited potential houses with him and suggested building a custom project to accommodate his requirements. I explained that existing houses wouldn't meet their needs, especially if their son needed a wheelchair in the future. He agreed to proceed, and although it may seem mundane, finding solutions that considered the plot and the family's needs became a personal interest for our office. Knowing the son personally, I wanted him to have the freedom to move around the house and enjoy the views without feeling exposed to the judgment of neighbours. Thus, we designed the house with a garden at the centre, allowing the child to move freely without feeling uncomfortable. Our projects became more personal, focusing on meeting the client's needs rather than just aesthetics. While we still explore materials and construction techniques, the priority is to address the specific requirements of each client and create architecture tailored to their needs.

When we receive a new commission, we focus on four key principles: user-centred design, economic and maintenance goals, exploration of materials, and architectural representation. These principles guide our approach to each project, although we may emphasise different ones depending on the specific needs of the project and not always in the same order or priority. It varies depending on the project, like the house we mentioned. This project focuses entirely on the user, but we also experimented with different materials. When we designed the architectural plans, we also considered maintenance needs. We realised it's crucial to make the house low-maintenance in the long run. We always aim to accommodate our four main interests in any project.

AP: We have recently started the construction of a new project, another one ongoing involving a small renovation, and two more in the planning stage. We prefer the design-and-build approach, where we oversee both the design and construction processes. This ensures consistency and allows us to address any changes or structural decisions that arise during the project.

JA: Having clear, specific principles doesn’t mean we always approach the project in the same way. It depends on the circumstances. Sometimes, we focus more on intentions. When we initially present a project to clients, instead of showing floor plans or renders, we might use images to explain the design's intention. For example, if we're designing a house, we might emphasise how it will surround the garden, offering views from every room. One of our interests is understanding how nature influences the materials and layout of the site. By illustrating these intentions, it becomes easier for the client to understand our decisions and contribute their thoughts.

Approaching critical issues with added value

AP: We recently had an interesting project, Casa Borneo, that involved one of Joaquin's friends who approached us seeking a weekend retirement house. He expressed his exhaustion from work and outlined his limited budget. Initially, it seemed insufficient for the scale and programme he desired. Instead of dismissing it, we brainstormed ways to make it feasible. Collaborating with him, as he works in finance, we devised a staged plan for the project, which was a new approach for us. We started by designing an open space that could be rented out, followed by adding accommodation on top. Eventually, it would transition into a fully developed retirement house. What's particularly intriguing is how we structured the project to be financially self-sufficient, enabling it to cover its own costs. For example, in the initial stage, they can rent it out for events like parties, weddings, or baptisms. The infrastructure required for events isn't as extensive as what's needed for a house. We then added accommodation on top of that. Now, it can function as an Airbnb or a weekend retreat. The key is flexibility: we can rearrange glass panels to alter the usable space as needed. It's fascinating how what started as an expense has transformed into a potential source of income. Initially, it was something he wanted to spend money on, but now it's evolving into a project with financial potential.

JA: We're currently in the middle of the initial stage, but the financial analysis indicates that it's feasible. We're currently overseeing the project progress as we envisioned. How long will it take to complete? Well, it spans across different stages. It's a long-term project, spanning at least ten years. The plot is situated about 30 minutes away from the city centre, and although it's not well-connected now, it might be in a few years.

AP: This project was a valuable learning experience for us. When you're bombarded with numerous references and appealing designs, it's important to go beyond surface impressions. You need to delve deeper and understand why certain elements appeal to you and why they work in their context. Then, consider if they're the best option for your project. Instead of simply copying finishes or details, strive to comprehend the underlying systems that led to their success. This way, you can either emulate them, adapt them, or add your own unique touch rather than just selecting something because it looks nice.

JA: Talking about references, we were initially inspired by architects like David Chipperfield and Peter Zumthor. However, as we progressed, we realised that our projects align more with those of smaller practices, especially local ones. We've matured in this regard and now prefer to draw inspiration from similar small-scale projects rather than pursuing a different type of architecture.

Material and immaterial local resources

AP: In the semi-arid desert landscape of Querétaro, the traditional typology of the central patio design is effective. However, in newer housing developments, the plots available don't always accommodate this design due to strict side restraints, resulting in smaller spaces. This shift seems more economically driven rather than focused on practicality. We struggle to incorporate solutions that fit within these constraints while still respecting the existing context.

JA: For instance, when it comes to materials, we enjoy exploring different options. In Querétaro, we have access to materials like brick or quarry stone. We aim to incorporate these materials into our projects and explore innovative ways of using them. Similarly, near here, in San Miguel de Allende, there are unique local finishes available that we find intriguing. We focus on materiality and how we can seamlessly integrate these local elements into our designs.

AP: We've found that there's a skilled artisanal workforce available at reasonable prices. It's beneficial to utilise this resource whenever possible, and we're always exploring the best ways to do so.

JA: They assist us by allowing us to experiment with ideas during construction. Sometimes, we propose cutting pieces or arranging them in different ways, and thankfully, the construction workers are very cooperative. They allow us to try out new things, such as working with bricks or tiles and are supportive of our explorations.

Creativity on a limited budget

AP: We consider ourselves curious individuals in various aspects, so we always try to incorporate this curiosity into our practice. Our initial projects were quite small and didn't involve major construction work. Instead, it was more about exploring possibilities within existing spaces. For instance, a client might want to repaint the facade or renovate a bathroom, and we'd discuss how best to approach it. This led to the creation of a sister branch of our office, where we focus on smaller projects that may not require permits and might not be as appealing to other architects. We believe that architects can contribute to more than just new or large-scale constructions. That's why we're increasingly involved in smaller, quicker projects that bridge the gaps between our bigger commissions. It's been an interesting development for us. Sometimes, people approach us with extremely limited budgets, like needing an extra bedroom but only having 4,000 dollars. It might seem challenging, but after analysing the site, we often find alternative solutions. For instance, instead of building a new bedroom, we might suggest adding a partition to utilise existing space. With the remaining budget, they could then renovate their kitchen. These projects can be quite straightforward, or they might lead to solutions that are radically different from the client's initial vision.

JA: Clients often tell us, "I've spoken to a worker, and he says he can do the job, but I'm not entirely sure". They're interested in our input as architects to validate the feasibility of the project. Currently, we're very intrigued by these types of projects where we can propose new ideas that might halve the cost compared to what the client initially envisaged.

Navigating the discipline through representation

AP: To wrap up, another interest of ours revolves around representation and digital methods. While exploring ways to present our projects, we initially focused on fully rendered 3D visuals that looked aesthetically pleasing. However, we realised that there were gaps in the usual libraries we used. These libraries often featured high-end brands or sleek, modern furniture, but they lacked the typical, traditional objects that would actually be found in inhabited spaces. We've decided to address this by modelling and texturing these objects ourselves, making them freely available for others to use.

JA: We're giving something back to the community while also encouraging discussions. We have noticed that the spaces that are represented in architect’s renders are usually pristine and perfectly organised, However, the daily life of a typical family includes varied objects, scattered toys, personal ornaments, family relics and often eclectic decoration that does not follow a unified aesthetic criteria but is a witness of the identity and personal history of its inhabitants. Additionally, we've observed that many of our Instagram followers are students, often asking if we're hiring. As a result, we're trying to give back to the community. Currently, we're working on these models, and later on, we'll have other resources that will be helpful for students.

AP: We've observed that in fully developed practices, there's often a lack of consideration for certain elements. That's why we've made these models available for free. We want to remove any barriers to their use. For example, if you're creating a bathroom render to present to clients, it's not appropriate to include luxury items like expensive bottles in a social housing project. While this is a recent project: we have uploaded three or four models, we believe it can gradually build into a catalogue. It's become a kind of hobby for the office. We work on it in our spare time, not under any strict deadlines. So, if we notice something missing, we can continue to add to it as we go along.