Architecture, Interiors & BIM Portfolio. Agustina Franco

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Architecture,Interiors & BIM

Selected works by Agustina Franco.

I am a versatile and adaptable architect with experience in projects of varying scales, from high-end residential refurbishments to modular prefabricated solutions. My curiosity and commitment to efficiency led me to the world of BIM, where I have developed skills in model coordination and documentation while working under high-quality standards. I thrive in challenging environments, as they push me to optimise processes and deliver high-quality results.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

ARCHITECTURAL ASSISTANT

Stanhope Gate Architecture. London, UK. www.stanhopegatearchitecture.com 2 years 5 months (04/2022 - 09/2024)

High-end residences in historic Listed Buildings Grade 2 and Grade 2*, Central London.

BIM MODELER

ENG BIM. USA, remote. www.engbim.com

1 year 4 months (11/2020 - 03/2022)

Steel framing and POD bathrooms prefabrication for Healthcare Facilities, United States.

JUNIOR ARCHITECT

GECAS Studio. Argentina, remote. 2 years (12/2018 - 11/2020)

New build single-family residences in gated comunitites, Argentina.

EDUCATION

ARCHITECTURE DIPLOMA

6 years (2014 - 2020) | GPA: 8.47/10.00

Facultad de Arquitectura, Urbanismo y Diseño. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Argentina. www.faud.unc.edu.ar

ISO 19650: INFORMATION MANAGEMENT PRACTITIONER

Operam Academy, United Kingdom. www.operamacademy.com

BIM MANAGEMENT

Dovel Pontem, Argentina. www.dovelpontem.com

HIGH-END HISTORIC BUILDINGS

RESIDENCE IN BELGRAVIA

Listed Building Grade 2, London, UK. 2022-2024

Introduction. Architectural Plans. Construction Details.

Interior Design: Concept, Development, and Specifications.

STAFF QUARTERS, RESIDENCE IN MARYLEBONE

Listed Building Grade 2*, London, UK. 2022

Introduction. Area of work.

Interior Design: Concept, Development, and Technical Drawings.

NEW

INTERIOR DESIGN & RENDERING

Single Family Residences, Argentina. 2020-2022

Pellagatti 11 Apartments, Neuquen City, Argentina. 2019-2020

Introduction. Renders. Construction Progress.

Plans. Section. Main View.

Health Service Medical Center, Tennessee, USA. 2021-2022

Introduction. General View. Shop Drawings.

Architectural & Framing Drawings.

Electrical, Plumbing and Water Drawings & Schedules.

Hospital’s Administrative Office Building, Philadelphia, USA. 2021

Introduction. Typical Floor Plan. Typical Ceiling Plan.

Zone A Detail. Wall Panels Typical Elevation. Schedules.

high-end historic buildings

RESIDENCE IN BELGRAVIA

Listed Building Grade 2, London, The United Kingdom. Stanhope Gate Architecture, 2022-2024.

This project involved the transformation of a historically significant Georgian residence, originally built in 1827 by Thomas Cubitt, into a luxury single-family home. Located within the Grosvenor Estate and part of the Belgravia Conservation Area, the building had been used as offices since the mid-20th century. Spanning approximately 950 sqm over five floors (including extensive vaulted spaces below street level) the renovation sought to restore its original domestic function, enhance its heritage features, and introduce contemporary standards of comfort and living.

Throughout the two-year project, I was responsible for key aspects of the architectural and interior design stages, primarily focusing on the fit-out. The work demanded constant coordination with a large and diverse team of consultants, including structural and MEP engineers, lighting designers, joinery consultants, AV specialists, and conservation experts. My role required navigating the technical and aesthetic challenges of integrating new elements within a highly protected historical context, while ensuring the client’s expectations for quality and bespoke detail were met.

Working closely with the heritage consultant, I developed a solid understanding of the regulatory framework surrounding listed buildings, which guided my contributions to the planning and conservation documentation. The level of detail expected across drawings and specifications was elevated by the building’s heritage and by the high standards set by the client and consultants alike. The house’s fitout required close coordination with dedicated suppliers, from reviewing technical details and samples to showroom visits and follow-up adjustments, always aligned with the client’s vision.

4 Roof Level

Terrace

3 Third Floor

Children & Guest Quarters

Four En Suite Bedrooms

2 Second Floor

Master Suite

Master Bedroom, Two Bathrooms, Two Dressing Rooms

Architectural Transformation

1 First Floor

Family Living

Family Room, Cards Room, Dining Room, Study, Servery, Powder Room, Balconies

0 Ground Floor

Reception & Social Areas

Entrance Lobbies, Grand Staircase, Coat Room, Powder Room, Formal Living Room, Family Kitchen, Breakfast Room

-1 Lower Ground Floor

Staff and Service Areas

Playroom with WC, Salon, Prep. Kitchen, Utility/Laundry, Staff Bathrooms and Coat Room, Storage and BOH Rooms, Vaulted Area, Two Lightwells

These two sections illustrate the extent of the transformation that was carried out in the property. On the left, red indicates the removals, including partitions, suspended ceilings, roof structures, and low-grade office finishes. On the right, blue highlights the redesigned residential configuration and key architectural upgrades.

The refurbishment stripped away layers of non-original and low-quality alterations, and reinstated the house’s residential character. The lower ground floor layout was almost entirely reconfigured, and the new mansard extensions at the top level improved the quality and proportions of the upper rooms. The roof lantern was replaced to enhance natural light, and the secondary rooflight was upgraded to an openable version. Together with the new upper flight of the secondary staircase, this provided access to the new terrace.

While much of the building’s original structure was preserved or reinforced, a complete reconfiguration of the interior spaces and infrastructure was required to meet the standards of modern domestic life. The project combines heritage recovery with discreet interventions that enable contemporary comfort without compromising historical integrity.

ARCHITRAVE DETAIL. Due to the building’s Grade II listed status, most mouldings were either replicated or reinterpreted based on existing features. This included architraves, skirtings, dado rails, and cornices. In some cases, elements were missing or damaged, requiring on-site surveying for accurate reproduction. Additional bespoke pieces were designed and manufactured to complement the originals, ensuring historical consistency throughout both restored and newly built areas.

SHOWER SCREEN DETAIL. This detail shows the discreet attachment of a fixed glass panel using a hidden U-channel. It also resolves the meeting point between two finishes: travertine slabs on the shower side and polished plaster on the main bathroom side. The solution ensures a continuous wall level across materials, while accommodating their distinct technical requirements.

INTERIOR DOOR DETAIL. This is one of many door details developed for the project. The drawing shows a fully recessed door set within a deep wall, opening inward and sitting flush with the internal face. Decorative panelling on the jambs and head allowed the door to integrate seamlessly with the surrounding joinery, without disrupting the rhythm of the interior elevations.

FCU CASING DETAIL. To conceal Fan Coil Units, custom casing solutions were developed. These enclosures responded not only to mechanical requirements, but also to the interior design intent, blending into the rooms with a traditional appearance. While some were designed in-house (such as the example shown here), others were specified directly by the joinery consultants, depending on the room type and aesthetic. The result maintained both functional performance and architectural coherence.

high-end historic buildings designing interiors designing interiors

The following section outlines the process behind the development of the interior design for this project. Working in parallel with the architectural design stages, the interiors were shaped through a sequence of clearly defined steps, from initial concept formation to final product specification. This structured yet flexible workflow allowed for consistent design language throughout the house, while accommodating the level of detail and client involvement expected in a high-end private residence.

the evolution of a concept

4. Schedules

Schedules were used from early stages to record selections and track client approvals. By RIBA Stage 4, they became key instruments for procurement, containing complete specifications and quantities. These covered Finishes, Fireplaces, Ironmongery, Sanitaryware, and FF&E (including Lighting). Their development involved continuous coordination with consultants and suppliers to propose accurate specifications and manage their cost impact within the overall scope of the project.

1. Shaping General Concepts

The process began by establishing a general design intent per element and area. Concept boards were produced showing proposed floor finishes, wall treatment, ironmongery, sanitaryware, and other key elements. The level of detailing varied across zones: principal rooms were highly refined, upper floors more restrained, and the lower ground floor focused on functional spaces. This phase progressed quickly and provided a strong foundation for later stages.

3. Sample Boards per Room

As the interior design matured, we complemented the Concept Boards with Sample Boards per room, defining finishes, textures, and specific product references. This stage involved close coordination with suppliers and weekly meetings with the client, sometimes including showroom visits. While most room layouts and technical drawings had already been resolved, adjustments were made when specification changes required it.

2. Concept Boards per Room

Once each area’s character was outlined, dedicated boards for each room were created. These included leading images that captured the intended atmosphere, accompanied by visual references for colours, ceiling and wall decorations, flooring, fireplaces, lighting fixtures, furniture, sanitaryware, as required. This phase evolved throughout the project, adapting to design developments and client feedback. Revisions with the client typically occurred every two weeks.

THE FORMAL LIVING ROOM

Located on the Ground Floor, this room exemplifies the level of definition achieved throughout the house. The Interior Design was developed for over forty rooms, covering every area of the property. Without the involvement of an external interior designer this scope was fully delivered in-house.

Each room was documented with Plans, Reflected Ceiling Plans, Elevations, and Detailed Drawings (for bespoke elements such as joinery, furniture, stonework, or decorative flooring patterns). The process required close coordination with suppliers, consultants, and ultimately, the client. Every element was reviewed and adjusted in response to technical requirements, material availability, and design refinement.

The drawings shown here represent the final stage of a comprehensive and layered process. They consolidate all specifications required to construct the room and install its FF&E, indicating which elements are new or existing, and where to find relevant information in associated drawings, schedules, or consultant packages.

STAFF QUARTERS

RESIDENCE IN MARYLEBONE

Listed Building Grade 2*, London, The United Kingdom. Stanhope Gate Architecture, 2022.

Architectural restoration and renovation of the staff quarters of a historic Georgian residence in Marylebone. The intervention focused on the vaulted rooms located beneath the pavement, traditionally used as storage and service areas with independent access from the street. These rooms, part of the Lower Ground Floor, historically served as Back-of-House spaces.

The restored areas now include private staff facilities, such as the Bathroom and Kitchenette, as well as the Laundry and Utility Room, which serve as complementary spaces to support the household’s functions.

The section developed here focuses on the Utility/Laundry Room, which also includes the Kitchenette. Although

the remainder of the residence was designed by an Interior Designer, this portion of the project was entrusted to me entirely. Working independently gave me full ownership of the process, from concept and design development to technical coordination, allowing me to engage directly with brands, suppliers, showrooms, and the Client.

1. Inspirational Images

Initial concept boards were developed to explore the intended style and spatial configuration. These included reference images suggesting functional layouts, storage strategies, and concealment solutions for both the kitchenette and laundry area. The aim was to establish a clear design direction in line with the spatial constraints and back-of-house character of the project.

2. Colour Palette and Style Selection

To define the visual identity of the space, various photomontages were created using handdrawn perspectives as a base. Each proposal tested a different combination of materials, finishes, and colour schemes, presented alongside physical textures and samples. This stage allowed for comparative evaluation of tone and material compatibility within a compact space.

3. Sketch and Define

Once the general style and layout were established, the room was further developed through scale plans and elevations. The drawings combined CAD outlines of the room with hand-drawn elements and annotations to define the positioning of appliances, fixtures, and key design intentions.

4. Technical Information

In the final stage, all drawings were translated into full CAD documentation, incorporating precise dimensions, technical annotations, and layout adjustments. Schedules were produced for both appliances and FF&E, detailing specifications, quantities, and references for procurement.

new build

Costa Azul House, Neuquén, AR. 2021 Canales de Plottier House, Neuquén, AR. 2021
Quinteros Residence, Neuquén, AR. 2020
Conti 1331 Housing, Neuquén, AR. 2020
La Peninsula Lake House, Neuquén, AR. 2021
El Vergel Residence, Neuquén, AR. 2022

new build

HOUSING

Pellagatti 11 Apartments.Neuquen City, Argentina. GECAS Studio, 2019-2020.

This residential complex consists of eleven units (nine on the Ground Floor and two on the First Floor) designed for rental purposes in a medium-density urban context. Developed entirely inhouse at GECAS Studio, I participated as Junior Architect in all design stages, working closely with the studio director from concept development through to construction documentation.

My responsibilities included the spatial configuration and layout of the units, as well as the production of drawings for planning approval and construction. These included general plans, door and window schedules, gas and water schemes, and setting-out plans. All documentation was developed in line with local building regulations, and I also managed updates in response to planning application feedback until final approval was granted.

As part of the design process, I modelled the project in 3D and produced renders that supported client decision-making. These visualisations played a key role in refining façade compositions and spatial perception within the complex and individual units.

From Design to Construction

To the right, each render is paired with a site photo taken from the same viewpoint during construction. Although the project had not yet been fully completed at the time, the images already reflect how the architectural vision translated into built form.

SECTION A-A
FIRST FLOOR
GROUND FLOOR

bim experience

PODS

Health Service Medical Center, Tennessee, USA.

ENG BIM, 2021-2022..

With more than 20 bathrooms per floor, the general contractor identified the opportunity to optimise construction by implementing prefabricated PODs. These modular bathroom units are factory-built, transported to the site as complete assemblies, and then installed in place.

Given that PODs are placed onsite only once fully assembled, BIM coordination was crucial to ensure accurate integration with the building’s systems. This involved structured collaboration between our PODs team and other building trades, including MEP and structural systems. After months of weekly coordination meetings,

clash detection reports, and model integration, we developed 15 different bathroom types. These were classified into three main categories based on shape, with up to five sub-types according to connection to the main riser, and additional variations as needed.

The technical documentation was developed by discipline, starting with the architectural definition and continuing with the underlying systems: framing, electrical, and plumbing. This structured approach facilitated the creation of complete and clear shop drawings, aligning prefabrication requirements with on-site installation.

ARCHITECTURE. The architectural documentation of the PODs includes layout plans, reflected ceiling plans, and elevations, providing a comprehensive visual and technical guide. These drawings contain detailed references for finishes, fixtures, dimensions, and annotations essential for construction and assembly. As the primary representation of the POD, this architectural set establishes the overall spatial configuration and general layout. It precedes the detailed development of internal systems and components, such as framing, plumbing, and electrical systems.

These drawings detail the structure of each wall and ceiling within the POD, using colour coding for quick identification of elements. Each wall and ceiling is developed individually, including a final view that shows the applied finishes.

ELECTRICAL. The electrical layout of each POD is presented through a 3D model, reflected ceiling plan, and elevations. Elements are tagged with Marks, which are referenced in the Schedule to provide further specifications.

FRAMING.

and quantities for each component.

WATER. The water supply is divided into hot and cold systems, presented separately for clarity. Each element is tagged with a Mark that matches the corresponding item in the Schedule, where further specifications and quantities are detailed.

PLUMBING. The plumbing system is divided into waste (orange) and ventilation (green). Elements are tagged with unique Marks, which correspond to the items listed in the Schedule, providing specifications

bim experience

FRAMING

Hospital’s Administrative Office Building, Philadelphia, USA. ENG BIM, 2021.

The building consists of 15 levels, plus 4 technical levels underground and 2 technical roof levels. Our scope covered the Acoustic Ceiling Tiles and Grids, as well as the Wall Panel Layout. Ceiling grids were coloured to differentiate tile types and extracted to calculate material quantities. This method also served as a coordination tool to identify displaced elements, such as Lighting Fixtures and Air Terminals, which were then adjusted to match the ceiling grid. Wall panels were similarly categorised and quantified by type, with detailed tables extracted to ensure accurate material estimation and installation planning.

Typical Floor Plan
Typical Reflected Ceiling Plan

Zone A

To efficiently manage the wall panel layout, each level of the building was divided into multiple zones. Zone A is presented here as an example, with the typical two plans: below ceiling and above ceiling. This distinction is essential, as the section above the ceiling accommodates most services and presents a greater number of wall openings and irregularities.

The framing design was carried out using Revit, while coordination with Structure and MEP systems was performed in Navisworks to ensure integration of the stud layout. Each wall segment within Zone A is designated with a unique code (e.g., 10.A2), indicating the level (10), the zone (A), and the wall number (2). This coding system enables efficient cross-referencing with elevation drawings and quantity tables.

more than 4,500 wall panels! more than 4,500 wallmorepanels!than 4,500 wall panels! more than 4,500 wall panels! more than 4,500 wall panels!

ELEVATION 1. Each profile is coloured according to type, facilitating quick identification during both design review and on-site assembly. The elevations highlight key structural elements, including the start of the structural modulation, dimensions of wall openings, and the spacing of vertical and horizontal members. Quantitative tables are included, listing the required profile types, lengths, and quantities for both framing and column supports. The resulting shop drawings provided accurate information for the prefabrication of more than 4,500 wall panels, enabling efficient assembly and installation on site.

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