CELEBRATING
0
IN THIS ISSUE
AD&V® launches the Inside Out Podcast
YEARS OF
AD&V® hosts UNGC U Puerto Rico.
AD&V® debuts the AD
AD&V® design Sunrise round.
FEATURED STORIES
CELEBRATING A DECADE OF VISION AND IMPACT: THE 20TH EDITION OF AD&VISION
The release of the 20th edition of AD&Vision marks a truly special milestone in our journey a full decade of storytelling, reflection, and forward-thinking Since its humble beginnings in 2015, this publication has grown into much more than a newsletter or internal update It has become a vibrant chronicle of who we are, what we stand for, and where we’re headed
Over the past ten years, AD&Vision has served as a mirror to our evolution. Each edition has captured pivotal moments of transformation, celebrated the creativity and dedication of our team, and spotlighted the projects and initiatives that define our identity. From groundbreaking designs to community-driven efforts, every story has contributed to a larger narrative one of purpose, innovation, and shared values.
This 20th edition is not just another issue it’s a tribute to the people, ideas, and aspirations that have shaped our path. It’s a celebration of our roots, a reflection of our present momentum, and a beacon guiding us into the future. As we turn this page, we do so with gratitude for the journey so far and excitement for what lies ahead
Here’s to ten years of AD&Vision and to many more chapters filled with inspiration, creativity, and stories worth sharing
FEATURED STORIES
AD&V® HOSTS UNGC USA’S FIRST SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS FORUM IN PUERTO RICO
AD&V® was honored to co host the UN Global Compact USA Sustainable Business Forum in Puerto Rico, alongside the UN Global Compact Network USA and in collaboration with the United Nations Association of the United States of America – Puerto Rico Chapter (UNA-USA-PR). The event marked a significant moment for the island’s dialogue on corporate sustainability.
Held at AD&V®’s offices, the forum brought together local and global leaders that featured our CEO Cristina Villalón; James Weidner, Vice President of Drug Manufacturing and Process Development at biopharmaceutical company Amgen; Magaly Feliciano Lozada, Director of Global Sustainability at Bacardí; and Lucy Barry, Head of Engagement at the United Nations Global Compact Network USA, who served as the panel moderator
These distinguished executives shared their perspectives on implementing the United Nations SDG framework within business operations to address climate change, poverty, and corporate responsibility
The panel, moderated by Lucy Barry of the UN Global Compact Network USA, featured engaging discussions on aligning operations with global sustainability principles while fostering innovation and resilience.
Following the panel, participants engaged in roundtable discussions, where they explored the specific challenges Puerto Rican Small and Medium Enterprises face in aligning with the SDGs. The event concluded with a networking session, fostering meaningful connections and continued dialogue around sustainable business practices in Puerto Rico.
As Richard Pearl, Acting Executive Director of UN Global Compact Network USA, stated, “Events like this are essential for addressing the challenges we face and identifying concrete paths forward” At AD&V®, we are proud to have provided a platform for such meaningful collaboration and reaffirm our commitment to advancing sustainable practices in the business and design community
FEATURED STORIES
VALORA VENTURES BETS ON THE DEVELOPMENT
OF HOMES FOR PROFESSIONALS & WORKERS
At AD&V®, we’re proud to spotlight the launch of Valora Ventures, a women-led real estate development firm founded by Cristina Villalón, our Co-Founder & CEO, and Natalia Guzmán.
With a shared mission to address the critical need for affordable, quality housing, and hospitality projects in Puerto Rico, Valora Ventures is focused on revitalizing inner cities and repurposing underutilized properties to create inclusive, sustainable communities for professionals and working families
Valora Ventures brings together Cristina’s decades of experience in
design with Natalia’s expertise in community-focused financing, including her leadership at Banco Popular’s Community Development Financing Program Their combined knowledge is driving a new model of real estate development one that is not only economically viable but socially impactful Valora Ventures' first projects are already underway in Santurce and Río Piedras, each with a distinct focus In Río Piedras, the emphasis is on affordable housing, addressing the urgent need for affordable living options Meanwhile, the Santurce project is a hotel development, strategically designed to activate underutilized urban space and attract sustainable tourism Both initiatives reflect Valora Ventures’ commitment to leveraging federal funds and private capital to support community-centered development, rather than following market trends that prioritize high-end luxury projects.
At AD&V®, we believe that meaningful development must focus on people, equity, and long-term impact, and Valora Ventures is doing just that. Cristina and Natalia’s leadership signals a shift toward more intentional, impact-driven development in Puerto Rico’s evolving housing landscape.
FEATURED STORIES
SUNRISE AT RIVER PARK APARTMENTS BREAKS GROUND
We’re excited to announce the groundbreaking of Sunrise at River Park Apartments, a multifamily affordable housing development in Caguas designed by AD&V®. This transformative project made possible through a $93.3 million investment from CDBG-DR recovery funds and the LowIncome Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program will provide safe, sustainable homes for over 200 low- and moderate-income families.
Sunrise at River Park will feature six three-story residential buildings offering one-, two-, and three-bedroom units, along with a robust set of community amenities including a clubhouse with a gym and meeting rooms, basketball court, playgrounds, gazebos, and extensive green spaces The project is also designed with accessibility in mind, fully compliant with ADA standards to ensure inclusivity for residents of all abilities
Environmental sustainability is a core value at AD&V®, and Sunrise at River Park reflects this commitment The project is being developed to meet green building certification standards, with energy- and water-efficient technologies integrated throughout the design
Strategically located in the Tomás de Castro neighborhood, the site offers proximity to key services, including healthcare, public transportation, supermarkets, and recreational areas, reinforcing the project’s alignment with Caguas’ strategic housing plan.
Sunrise at River Park is more than a housing project. It’s a bold step toward building a more equitable, resilient, and inclusive Puerto Rico. We are honored to contribute our design expertise to this initiative and look forward to seeing the lasting, positive impact it will have on the community
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Bayamón, Puerto Rico
BALDWIN SCHOOL OF PUERTO RICO INNOVATION CENTER
SUNRISE AT RIVER PARK
Caguas, Puerto Rico
ON THE DRAWING BOARD
BAYAMÓN HOUSING
Bayamón, Puerto Rico
AFFORDABLE HOUSING COMMUNITY MASTER PLAN
Guaynabo, Puerto Rico
PONCE DE LEÓN 55
San Juan, Puerto Rico
WATERFRONT PLAZA
San Juan, Puerto Rico
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
In recent months, AD&V® has been featured in numerous publications including:
AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS
AD&V® WINS TWO PRESTIGIOUS DESIGN AWARDS AT THE 2024 PUERTO RICO BUILDERS ASSOCIATION CONVENTION
We are thrilled to share that AD&V® received two awards at the 2024 Annual Convention of the Puerto Rico Builders Association (PRBA). The PRBA Annual Convention is the premier gathering of Puerto Rico’s construction and development industry, bringing together professionals, firms, and thought leaders to celebrate innovation, share best practices, and recognize outstanding achievements in the built environment
During the convention, AD&V® was honored with the following awards:
Senior Affordable Residential Community Award
Multifamily-Affordable Residential Community Award
These awards are presented by the PRBA to recognize excellence in residential design that addresses the critical need for affordable housing in Puerto Rico. They celebrate projects that demonstrate outstanding architectural quality, community impact, and thoughtful integration of affordability, sustainability, and livability
We are deeply grateful for these awards, which underscore our mission to create dignified, accessible, and sustainable housing solutions Our heartfelt thanks go to our dedicated team, collaborators, and community partners who help bring these transformative projects to life
AD&V® WAS RECOGNIZED AMONG BD+C’S
TOP ARCHITECTURE ENGINEERING FIRMS FOR 2024
We’re proud to announce that AD&V® has been recognized by Building Design+Construction (BD+C) in several of its 2024 rankings! BD+C’s annual Giants 400 Report ranks the largest and most influential architecture, engineering, and construction firms in the United States based on revenue and sector expertise. This year, AD&V® was listed among:
The Top 100 Architecture Engineering Firms (Ranked 84/110), recognizing firms that demonstrate excellence in integrated design and engineering services.
The Top Senior Living Facility Architecture Firms (Ranked 39/100), highlighting firms that lead in designing innovative, supportive environments for aging populations.
The Top Hospitality Facility Architecture Firms (Ranked 33/150), honoring firms that excel in creating memorable, functional spaces for the hospitality industry.
These recognitions reflect our continued dedication to designing Places of Purpose® across diverse sectors We are honored to be acknowledged alongside the nation’s leading firms and remain committed to delivering innovative, inclusive, and impactful design solutions Thank you to our exceptional team and valued clients for being part of this journey and helping us shape environments that elevate everyday life
HOW DESIGN, TRANSPARENCY, & INCLUSION SHAPE A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE SPECIAL APPEARANCES
AD&V®’s Co-Founder & CEO, Cristina Villalón, has played a key role in advancing conversations around sustainability, inclusive leadership, and the transformative role of design in shaping resilient communities
At Climate Week NYC, she participated in the “The Power of Reporting: Building Credibility Through Transparency” panel, where she emphasized the importance of honest sustainability reporting as a foundation for corporate accountability and long-term impact. This message was echoed during her appearance at the United Nations Global Compact’s Sustainable Business Forum, where she spoke on Puerto Rico & the SDGs: Leading a Sustainable Future for Business, advocating for aligning business practices with the UN Sustainable Development Goals to foster a more resilient and equitable future.
Cristina also shared her entrepreneurial journey on Jefas & Jevas, and later on the Mentores en Línea Podcast with Jayson Ramos, where she discussed the philosophy of Designing from the Inside Out Across both platforms, she highlighted how purpose-driven leadership and humancentered design can empower communities, promote wellness, and inspire the next generation of leaders
In a powerful episode of the Punto Aparte Podcast with Platea PR, Cristina addressed the urgent need for affordable housing in Puerto Rico She spoke about her work with Valora Ventures, the benefits of revitalizing urban centers, and the value of sustainable development and design
Through these diverse engagements, Cristina continues to elevate the role of design and leadership in addressing some of Puerto Rico’s most pressing challenges, demonstrating how thoughtful, mission-driven work can lead to lasting impact.
SPECIAL APPEARANCES
EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES THROUGH DESIGN, EDUCATION, & STORYTELLING
Ricardo Álvarez-Díaz, Co-Founder of AD&V®, is inspiring the next generation of architects and community leaders through his commitment to education, cultural preservation, and authentic storytelling
In October 2024, Ricardo participated in the Why Real Estate? Career Panel, an event focused on increasing awareness and representation of minorities in the real estate industry He spoke about his path into architecture and development, emphasizing the importance of diversity in shaping more inclusive and equitable communities. More importantly, he emphasized the importance of diverse voices in driving innovation and bringing about meaningful changes in the built environment.
That same month, he joined Oasis Connections, hosted by Abarca Health, for a conversation that centered around his published book, My Santurce: Past and Future During the event, Ricardo shared insights from the book, which explores the historical evolution of Santurce and presents a thoughtful vision for its future development, emphasizing the role of architecture in preserving cultural identity and driving inclusive urban revitalization
In November 2024, Ricardo and Cristina came together to share their story during the GVA Info Session for the Class of 2025, offering a joint testimonial that highlighted their experience with the program and the value it provided. Their message resonated with aspiring changemakers, reinforcing the importance of collaboration and vision in building a meaningful career.
Through these appearances, Ricardo demonstrates how thoughtful design and a passion for education can shape not only the built environment but also the future of the communities it serves
SPECIAL SERIES
KEEP GROWING WITH AD&V[U]NIVERSITY
At AD&V®, we believe that continuous learning is a foundation for professional excellence This season, our AD&V[U] sessions brought together a dynamic mix of technical insights, financial empowerment, and community engagement Cristina Villalón led a powerful session titled “Baldwin Innovation Center: Lessons Learned,” where she shared key takeaways from the design and construction process of the Baldwin School Innovation Center. From coordination challenges to finish discrepancies, Cristina emphasized the importance of communication, consultant collaboration, and attention to detail in delivering high-quality educational spaces
In our Financial Literacy Workshop, Oscar Calderón guided the team through essential principles of financial wellness. The session covered budgeting, saving strategies, and the power of compound interest, empowering team members to take control of their financial futures with practical tools and knowledge.
Finally, we explored the future of urban design in our Congress for the New Urbanism session, featuring guest speakers Stefanos Polyzoides, co-founder of the Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU), and Mallory Baches, current President of CNU
They shared their vision for more sustainable, inclusive, and human-centered cities, emphasizing the importance of walkability, mixed-use development, and equitable access to housing Their insights inspired our team to think critically about how our work can contribute to more resilient and connected communities In addition to the AD&V[U] session, our Co-Founder Ricardo ÁlvarezDíaz participated in a complementary event hosted by the Fundación por la Arquitectura (FxA)
There, he had the honor of introducing Stefanos Polyzoides, Dean of the School of Architecture at the University of Notre Dame, and Mallory Baches and joined them in a dynamic conversation on the future of urbanism in Puerto Rico. Ricardo emphasized the critical role of contextual design, community empowerment, and the revitalization of existing urban centers as key strategies for building more sustainable and inclusive cities.
These AD&V[U] sessions reflect our dedication to nurturing well-rounded professionals, equipped with technical expertise, financial confidence, and a strong sense of social responsibility.
SPECIAL SERIES
A CONVERSATION OF IMPACT: RIC ELIAS JOINS AD&V[U] SPECIAL SERIES
For this third session, we were honored to welcome Ric Elias, Co-Founder and CEO of Red Ventures Our Co-Founder, Ricardo Álvarez-Díaz, facilitated a dynamic conversation with Ric where he shared his remarkable professional journey from surviving the emergency landing of Flight 1549 on the Hudson River to building one of the most successful digital media companies in the US He spoke candidly about the life-changing lessons he learned from that experience, including the importance of living with purpose, embracing vulnerability, and focusing on what truly matters
Ric also offered insights into leadership, resilience, and the value of creating a mission-driven company culture. His story resonated deeply with our team, reminding us that success is not just about what we achieve but how we grow through adversity and uplift others along the way.
The AD&V[U] Special Series is one of the perks we offer our team, creating meaningful opportunities for both personal and professional development through inspiring dialogues with visionary leaders who inspire us to think bigger, lead with heart, and live with intention.
AD&VIP CONTRIBUTIONS
THE SEASON FROM THE ACADEMY
THAT SHAPED
This fall, we welcomed a talented group of interns whose creativity and passion enriched the AD&V® team Natalia Torres boosted our marketing with engaging content, while Linda Coronado and Andrea Toledo brought hands-on design skills to the Maker Lab Verónica Rivera supported our interior design team with thoughtful material and detailing work Their contributions made a lasting impact, and we’re excited for what’s next in their journeys
EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION: LAUNCH OF OUR AD&VANTAGE NIGHT
In 2024, AD&V® proudly launched the AD&Vantage Night, a new initiative designed to inspire and guide high school students interested in architecture and interior design. This event welcomed students from grades 9 through 12 to explore the wide range of career paths available within the design industry. We hosted three successful editions of the AD&Vantage Night at our headquarters, and each event featured presentations that offered students a deeper understanding of the tools, roles, and real-world impact of design professionals Interested in joining a future AD&Vantage Night? Visit alvarezdiazvillaloncom/advantage-night to fill out our interest form and stay up to date on upcoming events
Natalia Linda Andrea Verónica
INSIDE OUT: THE AD&V® PODCAST IS HERE
This year, we proudly launched Inside Out, AD&V®’s official podcast hosted by our founders, Cristina Villalón and Ricardo Álvarez-Díaz Inside Out is more than a podcast it’s a platform for honest conversations about purpose-driven leadership, meaningful design, and the realities of building a business that creates lasting impact
In each episode, Cristina and Ricardo unpack their personal and professional journey, offering insights into what it takes to lead with intention, navigate challenges, and design solutions that transform lives. Listeners can expect candid discussions on topics such as how to build a business that balances profit and purpose, and harnessing the power of design to transform not just spaces, but communities
Whether you're an industry professional, aspiring entrepreneur, or simply passionate about architecture and design, Inside Out offers valuable takeaways to inspire growth in your projects, career, and mindset. Because just like great design, transformation begins from the inside out.
Inside Out is available to watch or listen to on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. If you have a question or topic you’d like us to discuss on the podcast, contact us at insideout@advfirm.com to join the conversation.
SCAN TO LISTEN:
TEAM CELEBRATIONS
ARCHITECTURE WEEK
In September, we celebrated Architecture Week by showcasing our architects in a fun video featuring each one wearing AD&V® green sunglasses in a photo compilation, as we honored the creativity, passion, and innovation that they bring to every project
INTERIOR DESIGN WEEK
Our Interior Design Department was celebrated with a playful video during their week using the "We're interior designers, of course " trend, where they shared the things that make being an interior designer so unique Each interior designer at AD&V® brings a unique vision, creating environments that reflect the essence of the people who inhabit them.
HUMAN RESOURCES WEEK
We honored Chelsea, our Human Resources & Payroll Coordinator, during Human Resources Week with a personalized video highlighting her work, leadership, and the positive impact s a w a
IT PROFESSIONALS’ DAY
For IT Professionals Day in October, we shined a spotlight on Jocelyn, our IT & Security Manager, with a celebratory post recognizing her vital role in keeping our systems secure and our team connected, while also showcasing her contributions to our workplace culture We thank Jocelyn for always saving the day.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT DAY
TEAM CELEBRATIONS
MARKETING WEEK
To celebrate Marketing Week, the Marketing Team was featured in a trending #clickorclique video that captured their creativity and dynamic energy. Whether creating captivating content or amplifying AD&V®’s vision, this marketing clique knows how to make it all click It was a fun and fitting tribute to the team!
We created a fun “This or That” video in celebration of Project Management Day to highlight our amazing Project Managers. The video offered a glimpse of their personalities and management styles while keeping our projects running smoothly We thank them for leading projects, coordinating teams, and delivering exceptional results
ARCADE GIFT
To wrap up the year, our AD&V® Founders surprised the entire AD&V® team with a retrostyle arcade machine during the holiday season! It now lives in our shared Pin Up area, bringing spontaneous joy, friendly competition, and nostalgic fun.
3D PRINTING DAY
Our Maker Lab team was celebrated on 3D Printing Day with a video about the types of people in 3D printing labs. Every personality adds something special to our creative process, from the one who talks to the printer like it’s alive to the one who always brings the snacks. They do an amazing job of turning innovative ideas into tangible realities, one layer at a time
OFFICE CULTURE
A SPOOKTACULAR HAPPY HOUR
Our annual Halloween Happy Hour was full of creativity, costumes, and camaraderie. From spooky to hilarious, everyone brought their Agame, transforming the office into a space of celebration and fun. It was the perfect way to unwind, bond as a team, and embrace the festive spirit together
EMI’S 3 BIRTHDAY PAWTY RD
Our beloved Chief Happiness Officer, Emi, turned three and we couldn’t let the day go by without a proper celebration! With treats, cuddles, and a special birthday setup, Emi was e r
REFLECTING ON WHAT WE’RE GRATEFUL FOR
We gathered for a special Thanksgiving Lunch to share a delicious meal and reflect on what we’re grateful for. Surrounded by laughter and good company, it was a heartwarming reminder of the strong bonds we’ve built and the culture of appreciation we value so deeply at AD&V®
EMERALD VISTA SITE VISIT
As part of our commitment to accessible design, our team conducted an on-site ADA walkthrough of the Emerald Vista affordable housing community. The visit deepened our understanding of inclusive spaces and reinforced our responsibility to create environments that are welcoming and usable.
OFFICE CULTURE
AD&V®’S HOLIDAY SPIRIT
The holiday spirit was in full swing at AD&V®! From festive office decorations to our team rocking their most creative Christmas sweaters, we embraced the season with style and plenty of joy The celebration was filled with laughter, holiday props, and cheerful moments that captured the warmth and fun of the season.
DISC TEAM BUILDING ACTIVITY
WORKING ON THE BUSINESS WEEK
We dedicated time to reflect, align, and innovate during our annual Working on the Business Week at the beginning of the year This focused pause enabled us to look inward, assess our goals, refine our processes, and set intentions for the future It was a valuable opportunity to strengthen our internal culture and set the stage for continued growth
Understanding ourselves and each other better was the focus of our DISC Team Building session led by UPTURN. Through this interactive activity, we explored our communication styles, strengths, and differences, gaining tools that help us collaborate more effectively It was a fun and enlightening experience that encouraged greater connection across our team
VALENTINE’S DAY COFFEE BREAK
We celebrated friendship, kindness, and a little sweetness during our Valentine’s Day Coffee Break With tasty treats, warm drinks, and thoughtful conversations, it was the perfect pause to appreciate one another and spread some love throughout the office
