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A Message From Our Team

Dear Reader,

We’re proud to share with you the 2024 AD&V® Impact Report a reflection of our progress, our purpose, and the path we’re forging toward a more sustainable and equitable future.

As we reach the midpoint of 2025, we find ourselves at a critical juncture in our sustainability journey. Around the world, the urgency of climate action, social equity, and responsible business has never been more apparent yet the path forward is increasingly complex.

From economic uncertainty to environmental setbacks, the challenges we face are real and growing. But rather than retreat, now is the time to double down. AtAD&V®, we believe that moments of pressure are also moments of opportunity. They call on us to lead with clarity, courage, and conviction.

This year has tested our resilience but it has also reaffirmed our purpose. We’ve seen firsthand how sustainability is not a side initiative, but a core strategy for long-term success. It’s about building systems that endure, relationships that uplift, and solutions that regenerate.

In that spirit, the 2024 Impact Report reflects a renewed sense of focus and intentionality. We’ve restructured it to better align with our strategic priorities, sharpen our metrics, and tell a clearer story of how we’re creating value for people, for communities, and for the planet. Every section is designed to connect our actions to outcomes, and our outcomes to purpose.

As you explore this report, we invite you to see not just what we’ve done but why it matters. Our work is grounded in the belief that design can be a force for good, and that progress is possible when we act with purpose.

Looking ahead to the second half of 2025 and beyond, our focus is clear:

• We will deepen our impact, aligning our work more closely with the communities we serve and the global goals we support.

• We will innovate with intention, using creativity and technology to solve problems in ways that are both practical and visionary.

• We will listen and lead, engaging our team, partners, and stakeholders in shaping a future that is inclusive, equitable, and sustainable.

This is not a time to slow down. It’s a time to recommit to our values, to our mission, and to each other. We are proud of the progress we’ve made, but we know our work is just beginning.

Thank you for reading, reflecting, and taking this journey with us. Together, we will continue to build a future where people and planet thrive—no matter how challenging the road may be.

About AD&V®

At AD&V®, we design Places of Purpose® spaces that uplift, empower, and positively transform people’s lives.

As Puerto Rico’s largest architecture and interior design firm, we bring over two decades of experience to every project. Our work is rooted in an ‘inside-out’ approach that fuses creativity with functionality and a deep understanding of human needs. The result: environments that foster a happier, healthier, more engaged society one that is productive, resilient, connected, and empowered.

Our clients are true partners. We collaborate closely to deliver projects that are timely, budget-conscious, and aligned with shared visions not imposed styles. This mindset drives our mission to transform lives, culture, and the world through design.

We have significant expertise across a wide range of project typologies, including commercial, institutional, hospitality, wellness, multifamily, and mixed-use developments from affordable to luxury. Our offices are strategically located in Puerto Rico, New York, Miami, and Chicago, allowing us to serve diverse communities with local insight and a global perspective.

Sustainability is at the core of our practice. We are committed to using environmentally responsible materials and solutions that support long-term ecological balance.

Our Mission

To design Places of Purpose.

Our Vision

To positively transform people’s lives.

Our Values

Our values are the foundation of everything we do. Through AD&V® CARES: We Connect, We Adapt, We Reflect, We Empower & We Serve

Our Commitment

We are dedicated to addressing the urgent challenges facing our planet and creating a long-lasting, positive impact through design.

Welcome to AD&V!®

SDG Alignment Overview

At AD&V®, our commitment to sustainability is deeply aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Since joining the UN Global Compact in 2019, we have worked to integrate the SDGs into our core business strategy, using them as a framework to guide our decisions, measure our progress, and amplify our impact.

In 2024, our work most directly supported the following SDGs:

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being through wellness-centered design and communityfocused spaces.

SDG 4: Quality Education by investing in professional development, internships, and AD&V University.

SDG 5: Gender Equality by advancing representation and leadership opportunities for women across our firm.

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure by driving innovation in sustainable architecture and resilient design.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities by creating inclusive, safe, and accessible spaces that serve diverse populations.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production through our material choices, waste reduction efforts, and sustainable design practices.

SDG 13: Climate Action by embedding environmental responsibility into every stage of our design process.

These goals are not just checkboxes they are a shared language for impact. Throughout this report, you’ll see how our initiatives, metrics, and stories connect back to these global priorities.

PEOPLE & CULTURE

Overview

At AD&V®, our people are our greatest asset. In 2024, we continued to invest in a culture that values inclusion, growth, and purpose where every team member feels seen, valued, and empowered to thrive.

This section highlights the metrics and milestones that reflect our commitment to building a workplace rooted in respect, collaboration, and opportunity. From retention and representation to satisfaction and leadership development, we measure our impact not just by what we build, but by how we build it together.

As we evolve, we remain focused on fostering a culture that is resilient, values-driven, and aligned with our mission to design Places of Purpose®.

Retention

In 2024, we achieved a team retention rate of 89%, a testament to the strength of our workplace culture and the value we place on long-term growth and engagement.

This high retention rate reflects more than just numbers it speaks to the trust, satisfaction, and sense of purpose our team members experience every day. We believe that when people feel supported, challenged, and appreciated, they choose to stay and grow with us.

Our approach to retention is rooted in:

• Professional development through licensure support, mentorship, and learning opportunities

• Inclusive culture that values diverse perspectives and fosters belonging

• Meaningful work that aligns with our mission and allows individuals to make an impact

• Transparent communication and leadership that listens and evolves

We’re proud of this milestone and remain committed to creating an environment where people thrive both personally and professionally.

Celebrating Commitment

The strength of our team lies not only in talent, but in the lasting commitment of the people who shape our culture and drive our mission forward. In 2024, our average team tenure reached 5 years and 4 months a reflection of the stability, trust, and sense of belonging that define our workplace.

This year, we proudly celebrated the dedication and longstanding contributions of several team members, including Jocelyn, Cristina, and Juan Carlos. Their passion, leadership, and unwavering commitment have played a vital role in shaping our firm’s identity and continued success.

Recognizing milestones like these is one of the many ways we honor the people who make our work meaningful. We’re deeply grateful for their impact and look forward to many more years of collaboration, growth, and shared purpose.

Jocelyn Torres 20+ years

Cristina Villalón 13 years

Juan Carlos Ramos 5 years 5 years & 4 months

Team Member Satisfaction Survey

At AD&V®, we are dedicated to fostering a workplace culture that stands out for its excellence, inclusivity, and continuous growth. As part of this commitment, we regularly conduct satisfaction surveys to give our team members a voice encouraging open, honest feedback about their experiences at AD&V®. These insights are essential to helping us evolve and improve.

In 2024, we distributed two Team Satisfaction Surveys to gather input throughout the year. Using a 1–5 rating scale, we’re proud to report an impressive overall satisfaction score of 4.70 out of 5 a reflection of the strong sense of engagement and fulfillment within our team.

Employee Net Promoter Score

The Net Promoter Score (NPS) is a key indicator of team satisfaction and loyalty, measuring how likely our team members are to recommend AD&V® as a great place to work. In 2024, we earned a strong eNPS of 85%, reflecting a high level of trust and engagement across our team.

While we’re proud of this result, we also see it as an opportunity to listen more closely, improve where needed, and continue building a workplace culture that supports and empowers everyone.

Rising from Within

In 2024, AD&V® celebrated a new chapter of leadership and growth by recognizing the exceptional contributions of three outstanding women whose work continues to shape the future of our firm.

Cristina Villalón was appointed as the new CEO of AD&V®, bringing over two decades of experience and a visionary approach to design and leadership. Her appointment marks a pivotal moment for the firm, as she guides us forward with a renewed focus on innovation and sustainability values that are foundational to our identity. Under Cristina’s leadership, AD&V® is poised to continue growing and redefining the architecture and design landscape through projects that are not only creative and functional, but deeply committed to environmental and social impact.

We also proudly recognized Estefanía Alejandro Silva and Gina Tormos Aponte as Associate Partners, honoring their leadership, expertise, and dedication to purpose-driven design.

Cristina Estefanía Gina

Architect on a wide range of projects, including affordable housing, institutional, commercial, and residential developments. Her leadership extends beyond the firm she served as Vice-Chair of the 2023–24 Christopher Kelly Leadership Development Program in Puerto Rico and has contributed to community initiatives with Habitat for Humanity of Puerto Rico.

Gina, the third woman to be named Associate Partner, has led impactful residential, educational, and hospitality projects. She played a key role in designing Puerto Rico’s first federally funded mixed-income housing developments, including Renaissance Square, Bayshore Villas, and Emerald Vista. Gina also led the inspections team for the R3 Program, helping bring relief to families affected by Hurricanes Irma and María. Her work reflects a deep commitment to improving the quality of life in vulnerable communities.

These promotions reflect not only individual achievement but also AD&V®’s ongoing commitment to recognizing and elevating leadership that drives meaningful impact.

Estefanía, the second woman to achieve this role at AD&V®, has co-led the design team and served as Principal

Implementation of the Code of Conduct

In 2024, we took a significant step in strengthening our culture of integrity and accountability by formally implementing the AD&V® Code of Conduct. This comprehensive document outlines the ethical standards and professional expectations that guide our work, relationships, and decision-making. We introduced the Code across the organization through team-wide training sessions, ensuring that every team member understands and embraces its principles.

To reinforce its importance, we made the Code publicly available on our website and integrated it into our project proposals as a formal clause underscoring our commitment to transparency and shared values with clients and partners. This initiative reflects our belief that how we work is just as important as what we create.

You can read it here: https://www.alvarezdiazvillalon.com/code-of-conduct

Representation & Inclusion

At AD&V®, we believe that diverse perspectives lead to stronger ideas, better design, and more inclusive impact. In 2024, we continued to foster a culture where equity and representation are not just values but measurable outcomes.

Our team reflects a strong commitment to gender diversity across all levels of the organization:

Women in AD&V Leadership

Women in AD&V Team

Women in AD&V C-Suite

SDG Alignment

Our People & Culture initiatives directly support several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reinforcing our commitment to equity, well-being, and inclusive growth:

SDG 5: Gender Equality

We are proud to be a women-led firm, with women representing the majority of our Executive Leadership Team. We actively promote gender equity in leadership, career advancement, and workplace culture.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

Through strong retention, internal promotions, and a focus on employee satisfaction and engagement, we foster a workplace that supports professional growth, fair opportunities, and long-term career development.

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

Our inclusive culture and diverse leadership reflect our commitment to reducing systemic barriers and creating a workplace where everyone can thrive, regardless of background or identity.

These goals are not just global benchmarks they are embedded in how we lead, grow, and care for our team.

LEARNING & GROWTH

Overview

In 2024, we deepened our commitment to professional development and the continuous growth of our team. Through a variety of learning opportunities and mentorship initiatives, we cultivated an environment where individuals at all levels could thrive, contribute meaningfully, and advance in their careers.

We also expanded our outreach efforts to engage the next generation of talent, creating meaningful connections with students and emerging professionals. These initiatives reflect our belief that learning is a lifelong journey one that not only empowers individuals but also strengthens our collective impact as a firm.

AD&V [U]niversity

In 2024, we hosted 16 AD&V [U]niversity sessions, continuing our commitment to internal knowledge-sharing and professional development. These sessions covered a wide range of topics from technical design standards and sustainability practices to leadership skills and industry trends. Led by both internal experts and guest speakers, AD&V [U]niversity created a space for team members to learn, ask questions, and grow together. The program remains a cornerstone of our learning culture, helping us stay sharp, connected, and aligned with our mission to design Places of Purpose.

[U] SESSIONS

Professionals in Training

Supporting our team’s journey toward professional licensure whether in architecture or interior design remains a key part of our commitment to growth and excellence. In 2024, 7 out of our 12 emerging professionals representing 58% were formally on the licensure path.

Additionally, we set a goal to welcome 2 newly licensed professionals this year and proudly exceeded it, with 4 team members achieving licensure. Today, 55% of our design team are licensed architects and interior designers a reflection of our dedication to advancing professional standards and empowering our team to reach their maximum potential.

Victoria Ricardo

Zorimar Santosmiguel

AD&V’s Internship Program

We proudly hosted a total of 9 students through our internship initiatives in 2024, offering immersive, hands-on experiences across four distinct focus areas: architecture, interior design, marketing, and AD&V®’s Maker Lab. These students came from 6 different universities, both local and national, bringing a rich diversity of perspectives, academic backgrounds, and creative energy to our team. Each intern was integrated into active project teams, participated in design reviews, and received one-on-one mentorship from experienced professionals.

Our internship program is designed to provide meaningful exposure to the architecture and interior design professions bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world practice. It reflects our deep commitment to mentoring emerging talent, expanding access to professional opportunities, and fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth within our firm.

AD&Vantage Night

In 2024, we launched AD&Vantage Night in response to the growing need for early mentorship and career exploration among high school students. This immersive program is designed specifically for students in grades 9–12 who are curious about the fields of architecture and interior design.

The AD&Vantage Night is more than just an information session it’s an interactive, engaging experience that introduces students to the creative, technical, and professional aspects of design careers. Through a mix of presentations, hands-on activities, and Q&A sessions with practicing professionals, students gain:

• A clear understanding of what architects and interior designers do

• Insight into the educational paths and licensing processes

• Exposure to real-world projects and design thinking

• Opportunities to ask questions and connect with mentors

We’re proud to be shaping the next generation of designers and look forward to growing the program in 2025.

3 NIGHTS

120 PEOPLE

26 INSTITUTIONS

4.98% EVENT RATING

“Thank you for your time an excellent opportunity for the students. More companies should be doing this.” 57 STUDENTS

Student & Parent Feedback

“Excellent presentation and very appropriate for helping high school students begin making decisions.”

“Very helpful! Helped to demystify the process of schooling for architecture and what the actual job entails.”

SDG Alignment

Our Learning & Growth initiatives directly support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reinforcing our commitment to equity, education, and opportunity in the design profession.

SDG 4: Quality Education

We provide meaningful learning experiences through internships, mentorship programs, and early exposure initiatives like AD&Vantage Night. These efforts promote inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all.