Issuu

22ND EDITION

FALL / WINTER 2025-2026

AD&V® ADAPTS TO SUPPORT CONTINUED GROWTH

IN THIS ISSUE AD&V® adapts to support continued growth. AD&V®'s 2025 AD&Vantage Night. AD&V® hosts the Partners in Change event. A look at Ricardo's AD&V®[U] Real Estate Development Class.

FEATURED STORY

AD&V® ADAPTS TO SUPPORT CONTINUED GROWTH As we approach 25 years of practice, Álvarez-Díaz & Villalón® enters a new chapter defined by clarity, focus, and a renewed commitment to our roots. In response to continued growth and an increasingly complex industry landscape, we have implemented a strategic reorganization designed to strengthen leadership, expand capacity, and empower our team to focus on what we do best: positively transforming lives through design. At our core, we are designers. This evolution allows us to create spaces both structurally and creatively to keep growing with intention while staying true to our purpose. This moment marks an important shift in how we lead and work. As part of this transition, Cristina Villalón now assumes the role of Chief Executive Officer, while dedicating renewed energy to directing AD&V®’s interior design practice. Ricardo Álvarez-Díaz, FAIA, transitions to Chairman of the Board for the AD&V® Group of companies, while continuing to lead architectural design and development consulting with the same passion that has shaped our firm since its founding. We are also proud to welcome architect Antonio Gárate back to AD&V® as President. His experience in large-scale development, organizational strategy, and operational leadership strengthens our executive team and reinforces our long-term vision. Together, this leadership structure creates the bandwidth we need to lead with intention—allowing each of us to focus deeply on our strengths while positioning the firm for growth that is both sustainable and meaningful. 2

Over the past several years, our work has increasingly concentrated on three core practice areas: multifamily housing, hospitality, and institutional projects, including schools, offices, and resilience centers. This focus reflects both market opportunity and mission alignment—projects where design excellence can create measurable social, environmental, and economic value. As we continue to grow, we are being deliberate about how we evolve. This reorganization is not about slowing down; it’s about stepping more fully and intentionally into our roles, while creating space for others within our organization to grow, lead, and help shape the future of AD&V®. That philosophy of intentional growth extends beyond our core practice. Over time, we have built an ecosystem of complementary ventures that respond to specific needs while reinforcing our purpose-driven approach to business and design. From Andelani Press, which we created to protect authors’ creative independence and elevate underrepresented voices, to Valora Ventures, our real estate development arm focused on equitable, community-centered development, each entity reflects our belief that good ideas deserve the right structure in order to thrive. Valora Ventures allows us to move beyond advisory roles and assume direct responsibility for the social, economic, and environmental outcomes of development projects. When we are able to take on a more active role, we can ensure that sustainability and equity are not optional; they are foundational. Similarly, Action Hub, our nonprofit arm, channels pro-bono work and collective action into tangible outcomes. It reinforces our long-standing belief that design must move beyond planning and into execution if it is truly going to create a positive impact. This renewed focus on our roots also led to the evolution of Villalón Interiors, which offers a digital interior design service that makes professional design more accessible to clients in Puerto Rico and beyond. By reimagining how residential design services are delivered, we are reconnecting with the origins of our practice while scaling our impact in a cost-effective and inclusive way. This initiative reflects our desire to democratize design and create pathways for people to access thoughtful, intentional spaces regardless of geography. As we continue to expand our geographic reach—with offices and projects across Puerto Rico, the continental United States, and international markets—the majority of our team remains rooted in Puerto Rico. This has always been central to who we are: exporting services while investing in local talent, leadership, and opportunity. With a strengthened executive structure, a growing ecosystem of purpose-aligned ventures, and a clear focus on impact, we enter this next chapter prepared not just to grow, but to grow well. Our goal has never been growth for growth’s sake. It is about alignment between who we are, what we do, and the kind of future we want to help design.

COMPLETED PROJECTS

BALDWIN SCHOOL OF PUERTO RICO INNOVATION CENTER Bayamón, Puerto Rico

EMERALD VISTA Caguas, Puerto Rico 4

SHERATON HOTEL CARIBE LOUNGE San Juan, Puerto Rico

LUCHETTI RESIDENCE San Juan, Puerto Rico

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

SUNRISE AT RIVER PARK Caguas, Puerto Rico

ON THE DRAWING BOARD

STUDENT HOUSING IN TALLAHASSEE

WELLNESS & SPIRITUAL CENTER

PONCE DE LEÓN 55

TOWN CENTER

Tallahassee, Florida

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Guaynabo, Puerto Rico

West Coast, Puerto Rico

IN THE SPOTLIGHT In recent months, AD&V® has been featured in numerous publications including:

AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS AD&V® IS RECOGNIZED FOR EXCELLENCE IN HOSPITALITY & MULTIFAMILY DESIGN We’re proud to share that AD&V® has been recognized by Building Design+Construction—a leading national publication serving the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry—as one of the Top 120 Hospitality Facility Architecture Firms (#20) and Top 200 Multifamily Architecture Firms (#78) for 2025. These annual rankings highlight firms that demonstrate design excellence, technical leadership, and meaningful impact across the built environment. Being recognized in both hospitality and multifamily design reflects the breadth of our work and the depth of our commitment to creating environments that are thoughtful, resilient, and closely attuned to the people who inhabit them. Across every project, we strive to design spaces that respond to context, support community, and elevate everyday experiences—whether welcoming guests from around the world or creating homes that foster connection and belonging. In hospitality, our work focuses on crafting places that are immersive, human‑centered, and deeply rooted in their surrounding environment. We believe hospitality design extends beyond aesthetics, shaping how people feel, gather, and connect. In the multifamily sector, our approach is guided by the understanding that housing plays a critical role in quality of life. We design multifamily communities that promote resilience, social interaction, and long‑term value so that they become places where individuals and families can thrive. Together, these recognitions affirm our ongoing mission to create Places of Purpose®—spaces designed not only to function, but to empower communities, elevate experiences, and positively transform lives. They reflect the collaborative effort behind every project and the shared values that guide our work. As we look ahead, we remain focused on designing with intention, purpose, and impact to build a future where design truly serves people and place.

SPECIAL APPEARANCES EQUITY, EDUCATION & BUSINESS AS A FORCE FOR GOOD

Cristina Villalón, CODDI Co-founder & CEO of AD&V®

Across diverse audiences and platforms, Cristina Villalón, Co-Founder & CEO of AD&V®, brings a values first perspective to conversations about leadership, culture, and the role of business in driving positive change. She was invited to participate in the Making the Ten Principles Work: From Commitment to Implementation panel at the UN Global Compact 2025 Annual Summit, where she spoke about the power of embedding equity, fair wages, and inclusion into organizational culture. Her remarks emphasized what it truly looks like when values guide decision-making—not only in strategy, but in everyday workplace practices. Continuing her commitment to education and the next generation, Cristina also spoke with 6th grade students at Robinson School about using Business as a Force for Good. She shared how businesses can be powerful agents of positive change, reinforcing the idea that making money and making a difference are not opposing goals, but partners in creating meaningful impact. Additionally, Cristina participated as a panelist in the VI Business Symposium at the University of Puerto Rico–Cayey, where she discussed AD&V®’s journey as a Certified B Corporation™. She shared insights on purpose-driven leadership, the certification process, and how organizations can align growth with positive social and environmental outcomes. Together, these speaking engagements reflect Cristina’s ongoing commitment to demonstrating how purpose‑driven leadership can meaningfully shape workplaces, uplift communities, and generate lasting, positive impact. Across each platform, she continues to champion the role of thoughtful, values‑driven leadership in advancing more equitable, resilient, and people‐centered environments—encouraging organizations to lead with intention, empathy, and long‐term vision. 10

NEW YORK, NY & PROVIDENCE, RI ADVOCACY, INNOVATION, & CULTURAL LEADERSHIP IN ARCHITECTURE

Ricardo Álvarez-Díaz, FAIA Co-founder & CEO of AD&V®

Through his work and public engagement, our Co‑Founder Ricardo Álvarez‑Díaz, FAIA, consistently emphasizes the responsibility of designers to actively support communities navigating crisis, recovery, and long‑term resilience. His advocacy highlights the expanding role of architecture and planning as disciplines deeply connected to social equity, environmental responsibility, and human well‐being. Ricardo participated as a panelist during the 33rd Annual Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU) in the In Conversation: Reconsidering Recovery Response session. Held in commemoration of the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, the panel offered a timely opportunity to pause, reflect, and critically examine what has—and has not—worked in recovery efforts over the past two decades. Panelists discussed lessons learned from the Mississippi Renewal Forum and the many natural disasters that have shaped communities since then. The conversation brought together practitioners, advocates, and individuals with lived experience to explore how New Urbanists—and organizations like CNU—can more meaningfully support communities during moments of crisis, displacement, and rebuilding. Discussions centered on the importance of listening to local voices, responding with cultural and contextual sensitivity, and embedding long‑term resilience into recovery strategies rather than relying on short‐term fixes. Ricardo contributed a design‑led perspective rooted in resilience, long‑term thinking, and the ethical responsibility of architects and planners to help communities rebuild in ways that are equitable, responsive, and deeply human‑centered. Through these dialogues, Ricardo reinforces AD&V®’s belief that design has a vital role to play not only in rebuilding places but in restoring dignity, connection, and opportunity within communities.

LEARNING ABOUT REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT At AD&V®, learning is an essential part of how we grow individually and collectively. This year’s AD&V[U] programming featured a three‑part course on Real Estate Development, led by our CoFounder Ricardo Álvarez‑Díaz, FAIA, designed to strengthen our team’s understanding of the forces, decisions, and responsibilities that shape the built environment beyond design alone. Structured as a progressive series, the course approached real estate development as both a technical process and a problem‑solving discipline shaped by economics, public policy, community engagement, design intent, and long‐term impact. Through lectures, case studies, and discussions, the AD&V® team examined how projects are conceived, financed, approved, built, and experienced. The first session established foundational principles, defining real estate development, its evolution, and the roles of key stakeholders, emphasizing development as a context‑driven, problem‐solving process. Building on this, the second class focused on early‐stage decision making—site selection, market demand, zoning, feasibility, and team assembly—highlighting the importance of cross‐disciplinary collaboration. The final session addressed implementation and delivery, exploring financing, construction, leasing, asset management, and risk through real‐world case studies, reinforcing development as an exercise in stewardship as much as vision. Together, the three classes provided a comprehensive view of real estate development not as a linear checklist, but as a dynamic, cyclical process that requires strategic thinking, adaptability, and ethical leadership. The series also offered valuable insight into how our work as designers fits within a broader ecosystem, strengthening our ability to engage clients, collaborators, and communities with greater fluency and impact.

FROM THE ACADEMY

EMPOWERING FUTURE DESIGNERS AT OUR AD&VANTAGE NIGHT In 2024, we proudly launched AD&Vantage Night, a new initiative designed to inspire, inform, and guide high school students interested in pursuing a career in architecture or interior design. Created as an open invitation to curious and motivated young minds, AD&Vantage Night welcomes students in grades 9 through 12 to explore the wide range of career paths available within the design industry. The evening is designed to demystify the profession and connect students with the possibilities that lie ahead. Through presentations and conversations led by members of the AD&V® team, students gain exposure to the tools, roles, and real‑world impact of architects, interior designers, and design professionals. More than an introduction, the event offers honest insights into what it takes to pursue a career in design—from educational pathways to professional practice. Building on the success of its inaugural year, 2025 marked the second consecutive year that we hosted the AD&Vantage Night at our headquarters. This year’s event welcomed 25 students representing 11 educational institutions, bringing together a total of 56 attendees, including students, family members, and educators. Participants reflected a diverse range of grade levels, with 24% ninth graders, 20% tenth graders, 36% eleventh graders, and 20% twelfth graders, creating a dynamic and engaging environment for learning and conversation. The event received an overwhelmingly positive response, earning a 4.93 out of 5 overall rating, affirming both its impact and its value to attendees. At its core, AD&Vantage Night reflects our belief that access to information, mentorship, and representation matters. By opening our doors and sharing our experiences, we aim to empower students to make informed decisions about their futures and to envision themselves as part of the next generation of designers, thinkers, and leaders. We are grateful for the opportunity to connect with students, families, and educators, and to be able to play a role in helping students pursue bright, purposeful futures. Interested in joining a future AD&Vantage Night? Visit alvarezdiazvillalon.com/advantage-night to fill out our interest form and stay up to date on upcoming events.

WHAT'S NEW?

CELEBRATING COLLABORATION, PURPOSE & SHARED VISION In October of 2025, we gathered at our headquarters to host AD&V’s Partners in Change, a special event created to honor the people and relationships that help bring our mission to life. From partners and consultants to collaborators, clients, and stakeholders, the evening was an opportunity to pause, reflect, and recognize the collective effort behind the work we do. Partners in Change was rooted in a simple truth: meaningful impact is never created alone. As the world continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, thriving requires collaboration, adaptability, and a shared commitment to purpose. This gathering brought together the diverse voices and disciplines that shape our ecosystem of AD&V®, Valora Ventures, Villalón Interiors, Action Hub, and Andelani Press. United by the belief that design, when guided by values and partnership, can transform lives. Throughout the evening, we reflected on our journey, our ethos, and the principles that guide our work—from designing Places of Purpose® to fostering an integrated ecosystem that connects design, development, investment, and action. The conversations highlighted how alignment between vision and values strengthens not only individual projects, but the broader communities they serve. More than a celebration, Partners in Change was a moment of gratitude. It acknowledged the trust, collaboration, and shared responsibility required to move from vision to impact. It reaffirmed our belief that progress happens when people come together across sectors, perspectives, and expertise to build something greater than any one organization alone.

TEAM CELEBRATIONS

RECOGNIZING MILESTONE AD&VERSARIES This issue's AD&V® Team Celebrations section honors the milestone work anniversaries or “AD&Versaries” of team members whose leadership, dedication, and shared vision continue to shape our culture, strengthen our impact, and drive our growth. We are honored to celebrate five outstanding AD&V® team members whose years of service reflect not only professional excellence but also a deep commitment to our mission, values, and collective purpose: Cristina Villalón – Co-Founder, CEO & Director of Interior Design | 15 years Natasha Yordán – Associate Partner, Project Architect, Managing Principal Chicago | 10 years Carla Joan González – Associate, Business Development & Marketing Director, Managing Principal NYC | 10 years Sofía Zaragoza – Project Manager | 5 years Tanya Aguayo – Executive & Administrative Assistant | 5 years Each of these milestones represents years of leadership, collaboration, creativity, and care— qualities that have helped define who we are as a firm. We are deeply grateful for the expertise, energy, and lasting influence that each of these team members brings to AD&V® every day.

OFFICE CULTURE JUAN CARLOS JOINS CODDI We celebrated an important professional milestone as Juan Carlos Ramos, Design Staff & Render Specialist, was sworn in as a new member of the College of Interior Designers and Decorators of Puerto Rico (CODDI). Juan Carlos pledged to uphold the organization’s mission of contributing to the improvement of the environment and enhancing the quality of life of the Puerto Rican community.

REIMAGINING OUR WORKPLACE As part of AD&V®’s strategic reorganization to better support how we work, our headquarters underwent a thoughtful transformation. The team was brought together within the same office wing, strengthening day‑to‑day collaboration, while the adjacent wing was reimagined as the AD&V® Classroom—a flexible, multi‑use space designed to elevate workshops, trainings, seminars, meetings, and gatherings.

AD&V®'S ANNUAL HOLIDAY CELEBRATION & EMI'S BIRTHDAY Our annual Christmas celebration brought the team together for an afternoon of laughter, connection, and tradition. From holiday favorites and our much‑loved Secret Elf gift exchange, the celebration concluded with a special moment honoring the 4th birthday of our Chief Happiness Officer, M&M, also affectionately known as Emi.

UGLY SWEATERS & HOLIDAY CHEER Adding to the season’s cheer, we had a Holiday Spirit Day at the office where team members showcased their most creative ugly Christmas sweaters and festive accessories. The day brought plenty of smiles, laughter, and playful energy!

CLOSING THE YEAR WITH GRATITUDE As the year came to an end, the team gathered to reflect on all that we accomplished throughout 2025. Our New Year celebration was a moment to recognize our collective efforts, celebrate milestones big and small, and express gratitude for the teamwork and dedication that carried us through another year.

WORKING ON THE BUSINESS WEEK We kicked off 2026 with Working on the Business Week, dedicating time to sharpening skills, setting goals, and strengthening our knowledge across key areas. Through focused sessions on topics such as Revit and artificial intelligence, the team invested in continuous learning—reinforcing our commitment to innovation, excellence, and long‑term growth.

STARTING THE YEAR ON A SWEET NOTE To celebrate early‑year milestones and team achievements, we treated everyone to a refreshing ice cream break with different flavors from Cool Hope. This small but joyful moment recognized the hard work behind our projects and served as a sweet reminder that celebrating progress is an important part of our culture.

TRIPLE THE GREEN, TRIPLE THE FUN In February, a spontaneous and memorable office moment unfolded when Antonio, Gina, and Estefanía arrived dressed in green outfits. This triple twinning moment brought laughter and lighthearted fun to the office—capturing camaraderie and shared spirit.

SAN JUAN | NEW YORK | CHICAGO