I believe architecture is about designing beautiful spaces that also address the challenges of our present and future.
To me, architecture needs to be a multidisciplinary endeavor, focused on creating resilient, sustainable, and responsive systems. I see architects as connectors, bridging science and technology with human needs and values, and balancing creative vision with practical impact. I approach complex challenges with an open, flexible mindset, embracing new ideas, technologies, and methodologies while relying on research to guide my decisions. Experimentation and learning drive my creative process, ensuring that every design is hollistic, buildable, and conscious about our planet’s needs. For me, every challenge is an opportunity to push boundaries, expand my understanding, and use design as a powerful tool to create positive change.
CLAUDIA RAMÍREZ MARTELL
ARCHITECTURE STUDENT
ABOUT LOCATION: San Juan, Puerto Rico (open to relocation)
INTERESTS: Resilience, Hollistic Thinking, Circular Design, Social Impact LANGUAGES SPANISH - Native // ENGLISH - Native Proficiency
MINOR in RESILIENT INFRASTRUCTURE AND SUSTAINABILITY(RISE-UP)
2022 - 2024 4.0 GPA
NSF grant program for integrated practices in architecture and engineering.
STANFORD UNIVERSITY, SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING, CALIFORNIA USA
AEC GLOBAL TEAMWORK PROGRAM, PBL LAB
ARCHITECT - ISLAND TEAM 2023
Dec 2022 - May 2023 4.0 GPA
Scalable Sustainability Award, LEED Platinum, WELL Platinum, SmartScore Platinum, Living Certification and 10/17 UN’s SDG
ARCHITECTURAL MENTOR
Dec 2023 - May 2024
NATIONAL AUTONOMOUS UNIVERSITY OF MEXICO, FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE, CDMX
STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM
June 2022 - July 2022 4.0 GPA
Co-created design proposals for Felix Candela’s projects in Xochimilco, participated in materials lab and construction course.
EXPERIENCE
HOK, ATLANTA, GEORGIA USA
A/E RESEARCH INTERN
June 2023 - August 2023
Conducted facade optimization research focusing on embodied carbon, investigated resilience stategies and developed structural composite drawings/ re-framing plans for airport design, trained for LCA, Grasshopper and RAM Structural.
PUBLICATIONS
IReNE - Interdisciplinary Research Network Extension
NARRATIVE OF THE DETERIORATION IN THE INTER-ISLAND FERRY TRANSPORT SYSTEM IN PUERTO RICO
Published: 15 -11- 2022
[IN]GENIOS - Academic Research Journal - 10.1
DESIGN PROPOSAL FOR A NEW SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING FOR UNIVERSITY OF PUERTO RICO, RIO PIEDRAS CAMPUS
Published: 03 -12- 2023
SKILLS AUTOCAD
REVIT
RHINO
SKETCHUP
TWINMOTION
ENSCAPE
GRASSHOPPER
DYNAMO
PHOTOSHOP
INDESIGN
ILLUSTRATOR
MICROSOFT OFFICE
BLUEBEAM
3D PRINTING
PHYSICAL MODELING
DRONE FLYING
ArcGIS
BIM 360
ONE-CLICK LCA
NAVISWORKS
IRIS VR
FUZOR
RAM STRUCTURAL
ETABS
PERSONAL SKILLS
Creative Problem-Solving
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Technology Integration
Knowledge of Building Codes
Feasibility and Site Studies
Construction Drawing Development
Contracts and Management
Passion for learning
1
2
LAYERS OF AMBIGUITY
PHYSICAL MODEL OF CONCEPTUAL PRINCIPLE
FRAMING LIGHT AND WIND
WINDOW // PASSIVE DESIGN
3 HOUSE OF CLAUDE DEBUSSY
ADAPTIVE REUSE // SINGLE FAMILY HOUSING
4
5
6
BIO-CHEM LAB CENTER
ACADEMIC LABORATORY BUILDING
DISTRITO - UNDERGROUND
SUSTAINABLE URBAN DESIGN // SUBWAY STATION
HANDS-ON CONSTRUCTION
UNIVERSIDAD NACIONAL AUTONOMA DE MEXICO - SUMMER ABROAD STUDIES
7 A/E HOK INTERNSHIP RESEARCH INITIATIVES
8 AEC GLOBAL TEAMWORK STANFORD UNIVERSITY COURSE
PHYSICAL MODEL OF CONCEPTUAL PRINCIPLE
LAYERS OF AMBIGUITY
DIMENSIONS - 12IN X 12IN X 18IN
SEMESTER - FIRST YEAR, SEMESTER ONE
PROFESSOR - FRED DIAZ // CARLOS CASALDUC
PHOTO OF FINAL MODEL
PHOTO
1ST ATTEMPT
CLAY - MOLDED WITH PENCILS COLUMS OF WOOD STICKS, VERY UNSTABLE
3RD ATTEMPT
DAMPENED CARDBOARDBETTER STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY, CONSIDERED DIAGONAL COLUM FOR STABILITY
7TH ATTEMPT
CHEESE CLOTH COVERED IN LAYERS OF PLASTER, UNSTABLE, DID NOT ALLOW FOR LARGE HOLES
12TH ATTEMPT
CLAY LAYERS , BRITTLE YET HELD SHAPE AND HOLES. TOO HEAVY FOR WOOD STICKS
SCAN OF DRAWING
The design was based on the principle of ambiguity, which inspired me to challenge the conventional laws of shape and order. I aimed to create a form that flowed freely, breaking away from rigid structures and encouraging a more fluid and open interpretation of space. After completing the model, we transitioned to drawing it, treating in its ambiguous form open to understand how it looks in elevation, sections, plan view and axonometric. This approach encouraged a fresh perspective, allowing us to explore its shapes, contours, and spatial qualities beyond the initial intent.
AXONOMETRIC: CONTOURS: SHADOWS:
SCAN OF DRAWING
PATHS IN SECTIONS:
SCAN OF DRAWING
OF DRAWING
SCAN OF DRAWING
PHOTO OF FINAL MODEL AND SHADOW
WINDOW // PASSIVE DESIGN
FRAMING LIGHT AND WIND
RENDER: SKETCHUP AND TWINMOTION
DIMENSIONS - 3FT X 8FT X 7IN
LOCATION - TROPICS
SEMESTER - SECOND YEAR, SEMESTER TWO PROFESSOR - FRANCISCO GUTIERREZ
CONCEPT DIAGRAM:
AXONOMETRIC:
3X7 STEEL CABLE WRAPPED IN BRAIDED RECYCLED NYLON
SECTION AND DETAILS:
LOUVERED PANES FOR AIR CONDITIONING
ROTATOR HANDLE FOR CONTROLLING THE PULLEY SYSTEM, ONLY ACCESIBLE ON INSIDE
CONNECTION TO DOOR FRAMEAND LOUVERED PANELS
HOUSE OF CLAUDE DEBUSSY
RENDER: SKETCHUP, TWINMOTION
FLOOR AREA - 2,700 SQ FT EXPANSION
LOCATION - CLL MACHIN, SAN JUAN, 00909
SEMESTER - SECOND YEAR, SEMESTER TWO PROFESSOR - FRANCISCO GUTIERREZ
PHOTOS OF EXISTING BUILDING - A PREVIOUS TWO STORY HOUSE WITH ONLY THE 4 FACADES REMAINING
PROPOSAL FOR BALCONY RESTORATION, CONNECTION TO EXTENSION AND ACCESS FROM AUDIENCE GALLERY
RENDER: SKETCHUP, TWINMOTION
RENDER: SKETCHUP, TWINMOTION
RENDER: SKETCHUP, TWINMOTION
PHOTO OF SITE
PHOTO OF SITE
PHOTO OF SITE
PROPOSED AUDIENCE GALLERY
LONGITUDINAL SECTION
TRANSVERSE SECTION
PROPOSED EXTENSION
“The colour of my soul is irongrey and sad bats wheel about the steeple of my dreams.”
“The artist's role is to provide an escape from reality, to transport the listener to a world of his own creation.”
“Debussy was known for his love of nature and often drew inspiration from it in his compositions.” (Schmitz 5).
"Music is the expression of the movement of the waters, the play of curves described by changing breezes."
“To write a good melody, one must listen to the wind whispering through the trees and the birds singing in the morning.”
“Beauty must appeal to the senses, must provide us with immediate enjoyment, must impress us or insinuate itself into us without any effort on our part.”
RENDER: SKETCHUP, TWINMOTION
RENDER: SKETCHUP, TWINMOTION
VIEW FROM KITCHEN OF LOUNGE SPACE
KITCHEN
STAIRS
RENDER: SKETCHUP, TWINMOTION
RENDER: SKETCHUP, TWINMOTION
RENDER: SKETCHUP, TWINMOTION
“The artist's role is to provide an escape from reality, to transport the listener to a world of his own creation.”
FACADE MODULES
“To write a good melody, one must listen to the wind whispering through the trees and the birds singing in the morning.”
RENDER: SKETCHUP, TWINMOTION
EXTERIOR - VIEW OF FACADE
RENDER: SKETCHUP, TWINMOTION
“Beauty must appeal to the senses, must provide us with immediate enjoyment, must impress us or insinuate itself into us without any effort on our part.”
STAIRS GROUND FLOOR
“One must seek the poetry in his work,” said his friend the French composer Paul Dukas
“Extreme complication is contrary to art.”
“The task of the artist is to unveil the beauty hidden in everyday life.”
All quotes, unless mentioned otherwise, are by Claude Debussy
VIEW FROM STAGE TO AUDIENCE GALLERY
ACADEMIC LABORATORY BUILDING
BIO-CHEM LAB CENTER
FLOOR AREA - 30,000 SQ FT
LOCATION - UNIVERSITY OF PUERTO RICO, BAYAMON CAMPUS
SEMESTER - FOURTH YEAR, SEMESTER TWO PROFESSOR - ESTEBAN SENNYEY
RENDER: REVIT, TWINMOTION
This project was highly technical, requiring strict adherence to a series of standards and requirements. The project faced and addressed the complexities of laboratory design, ensuring functionality, safety, and compliance throughout the process. It also incorporated numerous considerations for sustainability and user-centered design, ensuring a functional and environmentally conscious space tailored to its users’ needs. Alongside this, prepared a comprehensive set of construction details and documentation to support the design’s implementation. The drawings include: floor plan and sections- structure, dimensions/ tags, furniture, water management, reflected ceiling, hvac distribution, wall sections, stairs and details, bathrooms and details, door schedules, lighting schedules and facade details.
32’ - 0” 32’ - 0”
52’ - 0”
GROUND FLOOR PLAN- DIMENSIONS AND TAGS
VIEW OF BUILDING RAMP SOUTHEAST ENTRANCE
VIEW OF BIOLOGY LAB AND ENTRANCE OF LIGHT ON SOUTH FACADE
W ATERPROOF ROOF FINISH w/ TAPERED ROOFING INSULATION
STRUCTURAL "I" BEAM
PROTECTIVE THERMABLOCKER INSULATION
ARMSTRONG 2 HOUR FIRE RATED
DRYW ALL CEILING SYSTEM
SUSPENDED LIGHTING FIXTURES
ANCHORED STRUCTURAL BRACKET
FINISH FLOORING
METAL DECK w/ SELF LEVELING UNDERLAYMENT
ALUMINIUM FLEXIBLE PANELS BOLTED TO GALVANISED STEEL HOLLOW SECTION
GALVANISED STEEL
BEAM HOLLOW SECTION
STRUCTURAL "I" BEAM
GALVANISED STEEL
COLUMN CONNECTED w/ "U" BRACKET W ELDED CATW ALK ASSEMBLY ANCHORED TO STRUCTURAL STAY
ANCHORED STRUCTURAL BRACKET
FINISH FLOORING
METAL DECK w/ SELF LEVELING UNDERLAYMENT
W ELDED CATW ALK ASSEMBLY ANCHORED TO STRUCTURAL STAY
GALVANISED STEEL BEAM HOLLOW SECTION
STRUCTURAL "I" BEAM
RAILING W ITH PERFORATED METAL SHEET
FINISH FLOORING
METAL DECK w/ SELF LEVELING UNDERLAYMENT
STRUCTURAL "I" BEAM
EXTERIOR SUSPENDEN CEILING w/ FINISH
6" CONCRETE SLAB w/ CONTINUOS PERIMETER THICKENED END SLAB
STRUCTURAL CONCRETE CORE COLUMN
STRUCTURAL CONCRETE FOUNDATION
SOUTHWEST VIEW OF BUILDING
SUSTAINABLE URBAN DESIGN // SUBWAY STATION
RENDER: REVIT, TWINMOTION
FLOOR AREA - 300,000 SQ FT
LOCATION - CLL MACHIN, SAN JUAN, 00909
SEMESTER - FOURTH YEAR, SEMESTER ONE PROFESOR - FRANCISCO GUTIERREZ
As a team, we conducted a thorough analysis to determine the optimal stops and route for the metro extension, taking into account the site’s historical context, potential routes, strategic stop locations, and the overall connectivity of key spaces. Two station design options were proposed: an underground station and an above-ground station. After evaluating both, I selected the underground option based on several factors, including its suitability for the destination, enhanced structural safety against tsunamis, and the advantage of constructing under Juan Ponce de León Avenue with minimal disruption to traffic and operations. Moreover, the underground approach provided an opportunity to develop a denser program that would effectively bridge and connect the spaces of Distrito T-Mobile and Miramar. Individually, we developed our proposals for that final station.
PHOTO: OPTIONS FOR ROUTES AND STOPS
DISTRITO T-MOBILE
MIRAMAR
TOPOGRAPHY OF SITE
AUTOCAD, GOOGLE EARTH, ARCGIS
SAGRADO CORAZÓN
HATO REY
ROOSEVELT
DOMENECH
PIÑERO
UNIVERSIDAD
BAYAMÓN
CUPEY CENTRO MÉDICO SAN FRANCISCO LAS LOMAS MARTÍNEZ NADAL TORRIMAR JARDINES DEPORTIVO
METRO ROUTE WITH PROPOSED EXTENSION
RENDER OF UNDERGOUND STATION, VIEW WHILE WAITING
RIO PIEDRAS
CLOSE-UP PROPOSED EXTENSION
MINILLAS
SAGRADO
SNAZZY MAPS, ILLUSTRATOR
SNAZZY MAPS, ILLUSTRATOR
PEDESTRIAN ROUTES
VEHICLE ROUTES
CONCEPT AXONOMETRIC SKETCHUP, REVIT, ILLUSTRATOR
The site selection is a pivotal decision that addresses a deep historical divide between District T-Mobile and Miramar, separated by Highway 1. The design includes a pedestrian bridge crossing above Highway 1, connecting Miramar and a direct walkway to District T-Mobile. Establishing this connection, the station creates a new transportation hub where people can conveniently arrive by train and access either side, fostering a fluid, integrated urban experience. This ensures the station is part of a forward-thinking, flexible urban plan, enhancing the area’s accessibility and cultural cohesion. The design features a 93,000 sq ft commercial area with a modern public library (38,000 sqft), restaurants (27,500 sq ft), and a local-brands kiosk zone (27,500 sq ft), fostering economic growth and social interaction. The remaining 40% of site is a bioswale zone and permeable pedestrian pathing that enhances the environment, managing stormwater and offering a natural space for walking, reflecting and comfortably connecting to nearby District T-Mobile.
PASEO ISLA GRANDE
LEVEL 1 NORTH ENTRANCE TO STATION
RAIN WATER
HARVESTING BIO- SWALE
LEVEL 2 RESTAURANTS AND BRIGDE TO MIRAMAR
LEVEL 1 LOCAL KIOSK
LEVEL 3
LEVEL 1 - 2 (DOUBLE HEIGHT) SOUTH ENTRANCE
UNDERGROUND METRO STATION
LEVEL 4 OFFICES
LEVEL -1 to 3 PARKING (300)
PRESERVATION OF URBAN MICROFOREST
STATION FRONT DESK
BIKE PARKING
GREEN ROOF
ACCESS TO ROOF
PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE TO MIRAMAR
STATION ADMINISTRATION
ELEVATOR
NORTH ENTRANCE TO STATION
PUBLIC BALCONY, VIEW TO BAY
BACK OF HOUSE AND STORAGE
BATHROOMS
CONTROLLED ACCESS
ACCESS TO RESTAURANTS
ROOF
BATHROOMS MAINTENANCE CLOSET
ACCESS TO LIBRARY RESTAURANTS (RELOCATION ZONEOF THE EXISTING ON SITE)
SOUTH ENTRANCE TO STATION
ELEVATOR
ACCESS TO SECOND LEVEL
LOCAL KIOSKS (FOODS AND GOODS)
ACCESS
PIVOTING DOORS
SOUTH ENTRANCE TO STATION
GREEN
SAW TOOTH ROOF (OPTIMAL INDIRECT LIGHTING)
SPECIAL COLLECTION
CHILDRENS COLLECTION
MEETING
ROOF FOR BUS
TICKET SHOP
ENTRANCE STATION
ACCESS TO PARKING
WAITING ZONE
TERMINAL BUS STOP
BATHROOMS
ROOF OPENNING ROOF GARDEN ACCESS CONTROL
MEETING ROOMS
6 RENTABLE OFFICES SPACES (VARIED SIZES)
300 PARKING SPOTS
UNDERGROUND
BATHROOMS AND ELEVATOR
ACCESS
SOLAR PANELS
VIEW INSIDE WAITING AREA FOR BUS STOP AND SOUTH ENTRANCE TO METRO STATION
RENDER: REVIT, TWINMOTION
ISLA GRANDE
RENDER: REVIT, TWINMOTION
RENDER: REVIT, TWINMOTION
VIEW DETAIL OF LIBRARY ROOF
P. ISLA GRANDE
HANDS-ON DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
DURATION - 1 MONTH
LOCATION - UNIVERSIDAD NACIONAL AUTONOMA DE MEXICO
PROFESSOR - ELIO MARTINEZ JOFFRE // ALVARO LARA
As part of a design team at Taller Revueltas, we collaborated with students from UNAM to create restoration proposals for three buildings in Xochimilco designed by Félix Candela. This particular project focused on a building that once served as a restaurant, and our proposal aimed to restore it to its original function. The goal was to enhance the communal space and contribute to the cultural revitalization of Xochimilco.
PHOTO OF UPR STUDENTS INCLUDING CLAUDIA
PHOTO BY CLAUDIA
PHOTO BY CLAUDIA
We participated in hands-on classes with Álvaro Lara, where we were tasked with constructing a wall mockup, mirroring his approach to building in rural areas. The experience involved learning practical construction techniques and gaining an understanding of material use and structural integrity through direct application, allowing us to engage deeply with methods used in real-world rural construction.quati
PHOTO BY KEREN OF CLAUDIA
PHOTO OF STUDENTS INVOLVED IN BUILDING THE MOCKUP
PHOTO BY CLAUDIA OF FINISHED MOCKUP
We participated in the Materials Lab focused on exploring a diverse range of innovative and sustainable materials. Key materials we worked with included bamboo, earth, adobe, recycled plastics, and lightweight concrete. Each material was studied in-depth, examining its structural properties, flexibility, thermal performance, and potential for use in contemporary architectural design. We had hands-on experience testing different construction techniques, understanding the materials' natural behavior, and learning how to integrate them effectively into design projects. A significant part of the lab involved a property comparison between commonly used construction materials and the efficiency of these newer, sustainable alternatives, highlighting how they offer improved environmental benefits, structural efficiency, and aesthetic possibilities in design.
During our free time, we immersed ourselves in exploring the architecture across Ciudad de México, Xochimilco, and Puebla. We visited a range of iconic buildings, historical sites, and modern developments, gaining a firsthand understanding of the region’s architectural diversity and heritage.
HOK RESEARCH INTERN
DURATION - 9 WEEKS
LOCATION - ATLANTA, GEORGIA
SUPERVISORS - MORGAN NEAL // MATT BREIDENTHAL
PHOTO OF HOK ATLANTA TEAM WITH CLAUDIA
During my internship at HOK, I had the opportunity to work alongside principal architects and engineers from various offices, including Chicago, San Francisco, Canada, Kansas, Florida, New York and London. As part of the Structural Engineering Department, I developed drawings and design concepts while gaining multidisciplinary exposure. A core aspect of my role was to direct the Research Department initiatives based out of the Atlanta office, where I organized and led meetings between the research team and ongoing research proposals. I assisted in developing and supporting multiple research proposals, contributing to innovative design strategies. Additionally, I was able to participate in HOK’s upcoming Designers Forum, gaining insights from peers and professionals, as well as visiting and learning from the firm’s various completed works. This experience broadened my understanding of structural engineering, innovative research and design integration within a global architectural practice.
AEC GLOBAL TEAMWORK COURSE
DURATION - 6 MONTH
LOCATION - STANFORD UNIVERSITY, SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING
PROFESSOR - HUMBERTO CAVALLIN // RENATE FRUCHTER
CERTIFICATIONS ACHIEVED BY TEAM EFFORTS; MY ROLE WAS LEADING THE PROCESS - OVERSEEING AND REGISTERING THE CRITERIA
TEAM GOALS AND BIG IDEA
MADE IN TEAM
DIAGRAM BY CLAUDIA
Harcimus re pratium quiasitatur magnienimi, temoluptia sit aute custio quam nimagna temquam, vitios poreper ibusaepro mo bea por simos que es nisit esequatia velentiorro in nos et venit unt rehentus mos apel estiatus, et que
RENDER BY CLAUDIA - REVIT
RENDER BY CLAUDIA - REVIT
RENDER BY CLAUDIA - REVIT
VIEW OF BUILDING FROM ENTRANCE
VIEW OF ATRIUM
VIEW OF COLLABORATION CLASSROOM
BUILDING + METAVERSE CONCEPT
MADE IN TEAM WITH: ANDREA , JULIUS, AND PIOTR
DIAGRAM BY ANDREA
EXPLANATION BY JULIUS
PROPOSAL FOR NET ZERO UNIVERSITY
This was an intensive project that required significant effort and dedication. The complete proposal is available on the Stanford PBL website, under AEC Projects - Island Team 2023.
