Hi, I’m Andrea Castaneda — a recent architecture graduate whose journey as a student shaped a deep passion for creating spaces that are thoughtful, grounded, and connected to everyday life. Throughout my academic years, I explored how design reflects the way people live, move, and engage with their surroundings. Alongside architecture, I developed an interest in photography as a way to observe space, light, and movement more closely. Both practices continue to shape how I see the world and inspire me to design with care, curiosity, and purpose.
andcast827@gmail.com issuu/andreacastt3
210.325.9115 linkedin.com/in/andreacastaneda3
EDUCATION SKILLS
University of Texas at San AntonioSan Antonio, Texas
College of Engineering and Intergrated DesignBachelor of Architecture, May 2025
Study Abroad- Urbino, Italy
Università
Autodesk Revit
AutoCAD
Rhino
Enscape
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Indesign
AWARDS
Dean’s List Klesse College of Intergrated Design Spring 2025
Distinguished Presidential Scholarship, Fall 2021- Spring 2025
2024 School of Architecture + Planning
Open House Award Nominee
LANGUAGES
English,Spanish
INTRESTS
Photography
Graphic Design
Digital Fabrication
degli Studi di Urbino Carlo Bo, Spring 2024
01
TERLINGUA RETREAT
This Terlingua Airbnb retreat is designed for the desert climate using passive cooling, natural ventilation, and shaded outdoor spaces. Local materials and native landscaping help it blend into the environment while staying comfortable and sustainable.
Thermal mass walls were used to absorb heat during the day and release it slowly at night, helping regulate indoor temperatures. This reduces heat gain and minimizes the need for mechanical cooling, making the retreat more energyefficient and comfortable in the desert climate.
Wood Rafters
SAN PEDRO FOOD HALL
This community-focused food hall is integrated into San Pedro Springs Park in San Antonio to support local vendors and foster social connection. Designed with sustainability and accessibility in mind, it blends with the park’s natural and historic features while offering flexible, shaded spaces for gathering and dining. The design enhances the park’s role as a vibrant public destination.
ANDREA CASTANEDA| PORTFOLIO
The courtyard facing the pool area serves as a transitional space that blends relaxation with social interaction. Framed by shaded walkways and native landscaping, it offers direct views and access to the pool while maintaining privacy and comfort. The design encourages natural ventilation and creates a serene, inviting atmosphere for both gathering and quiet retreat.
VIEW FROM COURTYARD
SITE VISIT COLLAGE
ANDREA CASTANEDA| PORTFOLIO
The form of Parkside Hall is shaped by a series of architectural moves that respond to both the park’s natural landscape and the building’s program. By multiplying key spaces, the design creates flexible areas for food vendors and gatherings. These elements are shifted to open sightlines and connect with the sorrounding park. A c entral void serves as a focal point, enhancing circulation and light. Subtle height changes define distinct zones, guiding movement and creating a dynamic experience. Together, these moves result in a form that is both functional and harmoniously intergrated with its enviroment.
ANDREA CASTANEDA| PORTFOLIO
03
URBINO ART EXHIBIT
Located in Urbino, Italy, this small-scale art exhibit was commissioned by the Accademia di Belle Arti di Urbino to showcase student and faculty work while promoting artistic engagement within the city. Designed as a permanent installation, the space integrates contemporary exhibition design with Urbino’s historic context, offering a minimal yet expressive environment for rotating displays. The exhibit fosters a stronger connection between the academy and the public, creating a cultural bridge between
By analyzing the street grid and topography of Urbino, a network of intersecting lines was developed based on patterns of movement and visual connections within the city. These lines informed the geometry of the building, guiding the placement of walls, circulation paths, and spatial boundaries. The resulting form emerges organically from the urban fabric, creating a contemporary structure that remains rooted in its historic context.
VIEW FROM VIA BUDASSI
ANDREA CASTANEDA| PORTFOLIO
An important aspect of the design was the creation of adaptable furniture that could respond to the evolving needs of the students. The pieces were designed to be multifunctional and flexible, allowing the space to shift between exhibition, study, and collaboration. One example is a foldable wall that doubles as a pin-up display and includes panels that can be lowered to create desk space. Another is a convertible chair that flips open to function as either an expanded desk surface or a more spacious seating area, offering students greater control over how they use and occupy the exhibit space.
Lightweight freestanding screens were fabricated to display artwork while maintaining spatial flexibility. These movable elements allow the space to easily shift between exhibition, studio, and collaborative use. Their minimal design complements the architecture without dominating it, supporting a dynamic environment that adapts to the needs of students and faculty alike.
04
PHOTOGRAPHY ABROAD
This section features a series of architectural photographs taken during my time abroad, captured entirely through the lens of my phone. I wanted to see how much detail and atmosphere could be conveyed with a simple tool. Through this process, I became more attuned to the way space, people, and atmosphere interact, allowing me to observe the built environment with a slower, more intentional eye.
