Carlos Sierra Portfolio
1
The Westro District & Twin Mule Gardens
University of Houston - D9 F.2025
Prof. Bruce Race and Travis Mohle
19
Projects @ MP Studio
Landscape Architecture Firm Internship SEPT 2022 - AUG 2025
29
Biogas Energy Center
University of Houston - D7 F.2024
Prof. Jose Roldan
39
Detroit Urban Farm
San Antonio College - D4 S.2022
Prof. Dwayne Bohuslav
45
The107 & Vuelo District
University of Houston - D8 S.2025
Prof. Bruce Race and Travis Mohle
51 Words of Appreciation
HOUSTON, TX
THE WESTRO DISTRICT AND THE TWIN MULE GARDENS
THE WESTRO MASTERPLAN GROUP PROJECT
BRUNO RUEDA TAPIE
GIULIANO C. CASERO
ELIZABETH PECEROS MAICA
JACOB TURCIOS
CARLOS SIERRA
THE TWIN MULE GARDENS INDIVIDUAL PROJECT
UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON FALL 2025
Prof. Bruce Race & Travis Mohle
In contribution with:
Bruno Rueda Tapie
Giuliano C. Casero
Elizabeth Peceros Maica
& Jacob Turcios
The Westro District
Creating a urban battery to power the revitalization of the Astrodome and NRG Stadium district.
Design Studio 9 - Fall 2025
Prof. Bruce Race & Travis Mohle
D9
The 8th wonder of the world is in Houston and we are letting it deteriorate. Every promise to repurpose the Astrodome has lacked the power to convince investors. We figured that one of the key reasons for the delays in revitalizing the Astrodome is that it functionally exists alone on an island of sprawling parking lots. If nearby population density is increased, and a steady commercial core is formed, then there will be enough incentive for developers to begin optimistically investing in the Astrodome’s second steps.
The first half of the semester was spent in designing the Westro district. Our team decided to split the district into 3 separate districts that focus on different goals. The Westro commons aim to be a density and sound transition between the loud entertainment districts and the quieter neighbors. The Nolan Park district aims to serve the neighborhood in recreation and health amenities as well as handle storm water and irrigation. Finally, The Dirt district aims to host the party and fuel the excitement of the stadium merrymakers.
VISUALIZING THE PROPORTIONS OF DIFFIRENT STREET TYPOLOGIES
LEGEND
CROSSING THE WESTRO BOULEVARD
THE WESTRO COMMONS DISTRICT
The Twin Mule Gardens
Porches, Icehouses, and people-watching in Houston’s new gallery
Design Studio 9 - Fall 2025
Prof. Bruce Race & Travis Mohle
D9
The Twin Mule Gardens are two residential mixed-use mid-rise buildings located in the after-party district of the Westro masterplan. The development aims to capture the attention and commerce of visitors attending events at the NRG Stadium such as the Rodeo. Conveniently, the development sits in between a large parking garage and the NRG stadium, and so the main focus was to guide the foot traffic through one focused and dense corridor. This main corridor, called the Twin
Mule Track, will possibly serve as the only chance to capture the attention of visiting tourists who traveled to Houston only to attend an event at the stadiums.
Restaurants, bars, live music, two stepping, beer on tap, wine cellars and everything ice can chill will be offered in the Twin Mule Gardens. Housing was included in the upper floors to help maintain density all year round, keeping the economy alive whether there is an event at the stadiums or not. The Westro Boulevard runs to the south of the
site, and is a major pedestrian and vehicular thoroughfare for the district. Windwalls have also been placed so that they face perpendicular to Houston’s predominant southeastern winds. These windwalls, alongside other strategies, will help the development in its goal to be fully energy neutral. Overall, the Twin Mule Gardens is a shady porch where anyone can lay back, listen to live music, and enjoy a cold drink during a weekday warm evening or after the Texans win another home game.
MULE GARDENS APARTMENTS
UNIFYING FOOT TRAFFIC INTO A DENSE PEDESTRIAN CORRIDOR
BB. WAY-FINDING FOR VISITORS
CREATING A GATEWAY FOR MERRYMAKERS EXITING THE NRG STADIUM
A DENSE LOCAL POPULATION TO HELP SUPPORT THE COMMERCIAL SPACES DURING THE OFF-SEASON
BUSINESS AS USUAL
The annual energy demand of a building of our size, population and programming with NO implemented energy strategies The estimated annual energy demand of our building WITH implemented passive and active energy strategies
11,780,774 kWh/year 2,356,155 kWh/year 2,049,600 kWh/year
WINDOW AND SHADE LOUVER DETAIL
3”=1’-0” SCALE
KAWNEER OPTIQ OFFSET FIXED PROJECTED WINDOW BEVEL FACE ASSEMBLY SYSTEM
3/4” INTERIOR GYPSUM BOARD, PAINTED
SOLE PLATE NAILS @ 16” O.C.
ENGINEERED WOOD FLOORING SYSTEM
3/4” CONTINUOUS CDX FLOOR SHEATHING
14” FLOOR JOIST (I-JOIST SHOWN) 16” O.C.
3/4” CEILING GYPSUM BOARD, PAINTED
REF. STRUCTURAL FOR CAP PLATE FRAMING
2X6 WOOD STUDS 16” O.C.
RAVAIOLI’S QUICKSUN LOUVER SYSTEM
BAMBOO RESISTO IPE COLOR LOUVERS SPACED 4” O.C.
RAVAIOLI’S QUICKSUN CLIPS MOUNTED TO L-ANGLE STEEL
LOUVER PANEL HINGE TO ALLOW SECTION IN FRONT OF WINDOW TO BE SWUNG OPEN
WINDOW FLANGE LAPPED OVER WATER RESISTANT BARRIER
BACKER ROD AND SEALANT
CONTIGUOUS WINDOW FLASHING
KING KLINKER AMERICAN IMPERIAL THIN BRICK SCORED FINISH DOLOMITE BRICK UNDER WINDOWS, MANGANESE REST OF BUILDING REF. MANUFACTURER FOR ADHESIVE APPLICATION
TABS II MORTAR ADDITIVE ADDED TO FIELD MIXED TYPE S MORTAR
TABS PANEL SYSTEM
TABS II PLUS RAINSCREEN PANEL SYSTEM
NON-CORROSIVE TYPE FASTENER W/ WAFER-HEAD DESIGN TO FASTEN PANEL SYSTEM TO SUBSTRATE
CONTINUOUS WATER RESISTIVE BARRIER TYVEK HOMEWRAP SYSTEM FASTENER SPACING MAXIMUM 18” APART, ALL SEAMS TAPED
7/16” CONTINUOUS OSB SHEATHING
R-19 BATT INSULATION
RIM BOARD PER TABLE
MOUNT LOUVER SYSTEM TO 3”X2” HSS STEEL FRAME REF. STRUCTURAL
STEEL FRAME CLIP ANGLES TO ALIGN TO MAIN BUILDING FRAME AND FASTENERS ARE TO ATTACH TO STUDS REF. STRUCTURAL A WINDOW FOR BARN OWLS
AND
V1. A STROLL THROUGH AN ARCADE OF HOUSTON’S BREADWINNERS AND BREWMASTERS NO NEED TO DRIVE, COME EXPLORE HOUSTON-OWNED BUSINESSES, TASTE-MAKERS, AND A COLD DRINK AT THE TWIN MULE TRACK
V.2 A NEW FACE FOR HOUSTON’S ENERGY TECHNOLOGY AN ELABORATE WINDWALL PEDIMENT SERVES AS THE GATEWAY TO A GREENER HOUSTON
V.3 LUNCH TIME AT THE WESTRO SITTING DOWN AT ONE OF THE MANY FOOD STANDS
BOULEVARD THAT EXIST ON THE BOULEVARD MEDIAN
FINAL RENDERINGS DONE IN SKETCHUP AND LUMION
V.4 LEAVING SO SOON? WE’LL WALK YOU TO YOUR CAR ILLUMINATING A CLEAR PATHWAY TO HELP GUIDE OUR FRIENDS BACK HOME
SAN ANTONIO, TX
MP STUDIO
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
1ST INTERNSHIP
SEPT 2022 - AUG 2025
A Campus for all
Learning to use limiting factors as stepping stones and not stumbling stones
Haven For Hope South Campus - July 2025
1300 W Martin St, San Antonio, TX 78207
Our task was to create a few proposals that would soften the appearance of the existing outdoor courtyards at Haven for Hope. The clients of HFH often enter struggling with substances, have soiled garments, and need a shaded space to lie down. The need for powerwashing limited our use of materials and furnishings, and the following option is what I able to conceptualize, design, and render with guidance from my supervisors.
A FRONT DOOR THAT RESPECTS THE CLIENTS
REIMAGINING HOBBY: THE VUELO AND BROADWAY DISTRICTS
A WELCOMING INVITATION TO A SECOND OPPORTUNITY
CREATING OUTDOOR ROOMS AND SOFTENING THE VIEW THROUGH PLANTING, SEATING AND LOUNGING AREAS
INITIAL SITE CONCEPT
SOFTENING CONCRETE AND STEEL CONCEPTS FOR FURNISHINGS THAT COULD BE POWER-WASHED AND COMFORTABLE
Concrete Lounge Pyramid
Seats 4, give mild privacy, and cover the seater’s back
Concrete Lounge Area Planter
Seats 4, cover the seater’s back, Sloped to give back support
Steel Partitions
Low screens that provide privacy without creating dangerous blind spots
Concrete Lounge “Bean” Sloped concrete to better support back muscles
Steel Screen
Creates small shades spaces to provide private low-sensory zones for stressed clients
Pillar Planters
Softens the appearance of the many existing columns, can be planted with real or artificial planting
YELLOW ROSE COURT WOMEN’S RESTING ZONE HARVEST
iterations
Outdoor Kitchen
Learning the importance of communicating frequently with the team
Rinconcito de Esperanza - Feb 2023 816 S Colorado St, San Antonio, TX 78207
We at MP Studio were in charge of designing the exterior spaces of the Rinconcito de Esperanza historical museum. We had heard that the people at Esperanza frequently cooked outside during the holidays, but had no dedicated space to do so. With guidance, and after many iterations, I was able to land on a design that was approved by my superiors and was later presented to the client. It was a very successful proposal, and it will hopefully be built one day.
The many
of the Outdoor Kitchen, done in Sketchup
Casa de Curanderos
Site Map Of El Rinconcito de Esperanza
PAVING @ CENTRAL PLAZA
6’-0” WIDE PATH -STANDARD CONCRETE -EXPOSED AGGREGATE -ACCENT PAVING BANDING
Paving Patterns
A culture-focused approach to weave the site together
Rinconcito de Esperanza - Feb 2023 816 S Colorado St, San Antonio, TX 78207
A circulating path was needed to connect all the buildings at El Rinconcito de Esperanza, and we at MP studio wanted to do something special with the paving. I was tasked with figuring out a possible design for the paving. I looked through the history of the San Antonio West Side, mexican textiles, pottery, and chicano art to find inspiration. I realized that the west side isn’t defined by one person or movement, but rather many people and many patterns woven into one changing tapestry.
PAVING @ CENTRAL PLAZA
WIDE PATH -STANDARD CONCRETE -EXPOSED AGGREGATE -ACCENT PAVING
PAVING @ ENTRANCE 6’-0” WIDE PATH -STAMPED CONCRETE -EXPOSED AGGREGATE -ACCENT PAVING
PAVING
WIDE PATH -STANDARD CONCRETE -ACCENT PAVING BANDING
13. DECOMPOSED GRANITE
14. PAVING TO MIMIC EXISTING PAVING @ MUJER ARTES
15. COOL DECK COATING TO CREATE PATTERN OVER EXISTING PAVING AT ENTRANCE
MujerArtes
Context Map Of Alazan Courts
BUILDING
Streetscape Diagram
Reimagining a pleasant stroll in the neighborhood
Alazán-Apache Courts - April 2023
1011 S Brazos St, San Antonio, TX 78207
The Alazán-Apache Courts is a public housing community located in the west side of San Antonio. MP Studio took charge of designing the exterior spaces for the new master plan. With direction, I helped in creating these streetscape diagrams showing both the existing streetscape conditions as well as our proposal. We hoped to give residents of the existing buildings a private porch area, as well as move the sidewalk away from the road to increase pedestrian safety and comfort.
DD Set Renderings
Illustrating the firm’s vision and developing my own style! Have Wallflowers and Outgoers!
Alazán-Apache Courts - May 2023
1011 S Brazos St, San Antonio, TX 78207
Throughout my internship at MP Studio, I had the opportunity to develop my rendering skills using Sketchup, Lumion and Photoshop. All the renderings I have placed in this portfolio are renderings I created with direction from my superiors. The Alazan Courts renderings shown here were the best examples of my rendering work at the studio. These renderings were shown in public input meetings, and were great visual aids that helped convey our vision for the project.
View of Pocket Court in Western Block
View of the Great Lawn on the Eastern Block
View of the Entrance at Vera Cruz Street
Process drawings done through zoom meetings with many people in the office. The park had a beautiful mesquite tree that we wanted to represent, and so the design took inspiration from mesquite tree leaves, square footage, and probable costs.
Park Design & OPCC
From schematic design into detailing, the first project I took a main role in designing!
Highland Park - July 2023
901 Rigsby Ave, San Antonio, TX 78210
We at MP Studio were in charge of creating many park renovation proposals for the city of San Antonio. The budget was small, and therefore I was tasked with creating a design proposal that would not only be beautiful, but also economically feasible. After many reiterations, recalculations, and feedback from my superiors, we were able to finalize a submital to be presented to the city and to the public. This park is one of many that I worked on.
Details, Details, and more Details
“Make it real, mijo! This isn’t fairytales and magic! You need to use real measurements and numbers” -Archie Solis
Various Projects - 2022-2024
During my stay at MP Studio I was able to work on many CD sheets. The bulk of my 3 years was working on redlines for site plans, planting plans, and detail sheets. Due to my background in architecture, I was usually asked to create the custom details for projects under the supervision of Archie Solis. The custom details I usually worked on were the entry monuments to housing developments. I would make the models in sketchup, but then Archie taught me how to make them into real details.
B. SECTION
Long Section rendered by SIMON CHIQUITO , I wouldn’t have done this project with anyone else
HOUSTON, TX
BIOGAS
ENERGY CENTER
HALF SEMESTER PROJECT
UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON SPRING 2025
Prof. Jose Roldan
SIMON CHIQUITO
CARLOS SIERRA
MANAGEMENT OFFICES
Biogas Energy Center
“Hey Simon, this is a school project, so let’s push this project to a degree where we might get into trouble, because I know we can do it yessir”
Design Studio 7 - Fall 2024
Prof. Jose Roldan
D7
This project was a team effort between Simon Chiquito and I. We both pushed ourselves to design something that would push both of our boundaries. Professor Jose M. Roldan Caballero guided us through the difficult design process. Given my time working in the profession, I had grown reserved with the design decisions I was taking in my college projects. I had grown painfully aware of how unrealistic some design decisions were in academic projects.
Simon, however, had extravagant goals that I was initially nervous to pursue. Instead of saying no, I decided I would focus this semester on creating detail solutions that could bring Simon’s ideas into something real and buildable. We took a lot of inspiration from the way architect Richard Rogers solved his structural connections, and arrived to the project shown here. The program of the project was to design a modular architecture building that could
house a biogas powerplant. The module had to repeat with no major modifications, and needed to house not only the power plant, but also a dormitory and other systems. A physical model had to be made, which highlighted the importance in defining the structural details. Through much trial and error, Simon and I were able to realize this fun project.
First Floor Plan
LOADING DOCK
DORMITORY
Shade and Ornamental Tree Plan
Plumbing Plan
Construction Strategy Plan
Lighting and Power Plan
Module Force Diagram
Module Structure Diagram
Perforated shade panel
Steel ring
Low-E glass skylight
Standing seam sheet metal
Vapor barrier
4” Rigid board insulation
2” Accoustic board
Interior steel sheeting
Steel web system
Steel beams supported by Steel flanges
Standing seam sheet metal
Vapor barrier
Steel beam
Rain protection louvers
Exhaust fan system
HSS cylindrical steel column
Steel tension cable fins
High-tensile cable
Exterior sheet cladding
Vapor barrier
4” Rigid board insulation
2” Accoustic board
Interior steel sheeting
Steel purloins
Curved steel beams
Low-E glass skylight
Steel tension cable fin
Double-glazed clerestory window
Tension cable system
Aromatic planting
Perforated panel
Mineral wool
Biowall irrigation system
HSS square steel frame
Double-glazed operable window
Utility perforated steel grating
Tubular square steel
I-beams
Tension cable fins
High-tensile cable
Tension cable brackets mounted in steel beams
HVAC round ductwork
Steel suspension ring
Tension cables
Anaerobic digester
Electric generator
Module Model
Built at 3/4” = 1’-0” scale
This project was my first venture into 3D printing. It was a nightmare trying to learn the process in such a short time, all while making sure the structure could stand on its own! But I thank Simon that he took care of all the technical drawings so I could focus on learning how to make this model, it came out fantastic!
d33d3d
Concept Diagram
Digital Watercolor
Planted in the south of the building to reduce heat gain and energy consumption
Buffer and Biowall Screen
Purifies and perfumes incoming air
Resting Courtyard
Filled with planting and shade trees
Planted
Shade Tree Buffer
Air Ventilation
Exhaust fans placed in the taller connical segment of the module expel warm stratified air and expell air from the HVAC ducts
Energy from Waste
Waste is mixed inside an anaerobic digester to produce methane, which is then combusted inside a generator to create electricity
V.1 | View of Path 1: The Market Garden in Late Summer (Watercolor on Paper)
DETROIT, MI
URBAN FARM
NATIONAL COMPETITION
1ST PLACE WINNER
CCCAP STUDENT DESIGN COMPETITION 2022
HALF SEMESTER PROJECT SAN ANTONIO COLLEGE SPRING 2022
Prof. Dwayne Bohuslav
By gathering images I was able to discover and understand many aspects of Detroit’s complicated history and rich culture.
Detroit Urban Farm
Streets, roads, highways, walkways, are important in Detroit. Two paths are in this design. One path runs through the garden and greenhouse, the second path bridges through tree tops. Detroit will become a walkable city one path at a time.
Design 4 - Spring 2022
Prof. Dwayne Bohuslav
D4
This project gave me the opportunity to research the history of Detroit and the larger issues present in its current day. Detroit’s Infrastructure was largely influenced by the invention of the car, the streets are hostile for pedestrians and favor the car. Rich white suburbs and poor black inner city neighborhoods formed due to segregation. Car manufacturing plants first moved to the white suburbs, far from the inner city folk,
and these plants later moved to Mexico and Canada, leaving Detroit’s economy in shambles. Research led me to find the story of the lost neighborhood Black Bottom, named after the rich and fertile black soil that exists underneath it. Hastings Street was located in Black Bottom. It was filled with black-owned businesses and housed venues and bars where many famous musicians performed. I learned of the
1950-60s “slum clearance” plan, the demolition of Hastings St., the destruction of Black Bottom, and the introduction of the I-375 highway built as part of Eisenhower’s US Highway System. I-375 was purposefully planned to cut straight through the Black Bottom and Paradise Valley neighborhoods, effectively killing the communities and displacing families, leaving many with no resources to relocate.
Detroit Photomontage
Beardtongue
Height and Widths of Crops That Grow Well in Zone 6
Broccoli
Asparagus
Rutabaga
Brussel Sprouts
Bush Beans
Sweet Potato
Cabbage
Vine/Pole Beans
Cucumber
Turnips
Corn
Lettuce
Eggplant
Radish
Peas
Potato
Beets
Spinach
Tomato
Carrot Strawberry
Bell Peppers
Celery
Cantaloupe & Watermelon
Arugula
GarlicOnion
Parsnip
Pumpkin
Beebalm
Sand Coreopsis Hairy
Gray Goldenrod Yarrow Wild Columbine
Black-eyed Susan Old-field Cinquefoil
Wild Ginger Cardinal Flower Yellow Coneflower
Wild Geranium
New England Aster
Wild Lupine
Smooth Aster
Purple Coneflower
Wild Strawberry Monarda Fistulosa
Coreopsis Lanceolata
Penstemon Hirsutus
Solidago Nemoralis
Achillea Millefolium
Aquilegia Canadensis
Rudbeckia HirtaPotentilla Simplex
Asarum Canadense
Lobelia Cardinalis
Ratibida Pinnata
Geranium Maculatum
Symphyotrichum Novae-angliae
Lupinus Perennis
Symphyotrichum Laeve
Echinacea Purpurea Fragaria Virginiana
Butterfly Weed Little Bluestem GrassMountain MintShowy GoldenrodIndian GrassSwamp MilkweedGreat Blue Lobelia Asclepias TuberosaSchizachyrium ScopariusPycnanthemum Virginianum Solidago SpeciosaSorghastrum NutansAsclepias Incarnata
Lobelia Siphilitica
Rough Blazing Star Liatris Aspera
1’=1/200”
Site Analysis
From studying Detroit wind roses and sun charts, I saw that the pleasant summer breezes seem to come from every direction, but the prevailing winter winds come from the south west. This information influenced where I chose to place program elements. I placed walls to block winter winds and added smaller and fewer fenestrations on the sides of the building that would experience the stronger winter winds.
1’=1/100”
Parti Drawings
Although I only show 4 itterations, I redrew my plans more than 10 times at this stage. I wanted to decide on the big gestures, such as where to place program elements like the greenhouse and the market garden. I worried where the main circulation should be, and where the entrances would to go. These drawings are small, and did not allow to delve into smaller details.
1’=1/50”
Plan and Section Studies
Now at a scale that is twice as large, I had room to plan out the programming inside the building, as well as study the elevation. I redid these plans twice before making the third study shown here. This plan and these sections were scaled up and printed out to be used as my guide on the following Parti Diagram Study Model.
1’=1/16”
Parti Diagram Study Model
I began this model by placing the printed plan and section on cardboard, and building on top of the drawings with basswood and chipboard. After building according to the drawings, I would destroy and rebuild parts that I was not content with. The purpose of this physical model was not to be used as a clean, polished final model, but rather as a designing tool. I used this model to think through how the spaces felt, and learned things that cannot be learned through a drawing alone.
Final Revit Model
Using what I learned from the study model and drawings, I created the final model digitally using Revit. I decided what materials to use, and defined the structural components.
Coop
Conference Room
Reception Lobby
Restroom and Janitorial
Demonstration Kitchen Classroom
Produce Washing Station
Market Garden Storage
Market Garden
Native Plants and Beekeeping
Office Space
2nd Floor Classrooms (3)
V.2 | View of Path 2: The Second Floor Sky Bridge (Watercolor on Paper)
Prof. Bruce Race & Travis Mohle
HOUSTON’S NEW WELCOMING TAPESTRY
REIMAGINING HOBBY: THE VUELO AND BROADWAY DISTRICTS
THE ONE O’ SEVEN | EL CIENTOSIETE 1
07
WILLIAM PETTUS
HOBBY
VUELO DISTRICT GOALS
THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND THE DESIGN
NETWORKING ASSETS
NOURISHING ASSETS VIGOROUS ECOSYSTEM
AIR MOBILITY INNOVATION
VUELO VERTIPORT
HOBBY AIRPORT
VUELO INCUBATOR DISTRICT
HOBBY AIRPORT PROPOSED EXPANSION
ENTERTAINMENT AND HOSPITALITY DISTRICT
THIS MASTERPLAN WAS PART OF THE TEAM ASPECT OF THE PROJECT. BIG THANKS TO: ZOYA ALVI LEO DUAN ALEX S. WARD
ECONOMIC ASSETS
THE ONE O’ SEVEN
PHYSICAL ASSETS
A VISION FOR HOUSTON’S FRONT
DOOR
DENSITY, COMMERCE, AND QUALITY FACILITIES FOR A THRIVING FUTURE
EXISTING TERMINAL
“I need to see the wission! what is your wission!” -Bruce Race referencing someone he knew to let us know how necessary it was to have a vission
Design Studio 8 - Spring 2025
Prof. Bruce Race & Travis Mohle
The One O’ Seven is a transportation hub located in the exciting Hobby Vuelo District. Named after the Spanish word for ‘flight’, the Hobby Vuelo district aims to be a vigorous district to find great success in the year 2050. As we defined it, a vigorous ecosystem needs to have four kinds of assets; nourishing assets that attract and develop the local Latin American population, physical assets such as improved streetscapes and green
infrastructure that cater to the pedestrian experience, economic assets that drive vigor such as research institutions and high value innovation cultivators, and networking assets that build new cross-sector relationships within all these talented fields. The One O’ Seven transportation hub is the silver fork spinning all the vigor strategy spaghetti together into one place, and provides a doorway for the space-faring city of Houston.
HOBBY VUELO METRO STATION
HOBBY VUELO INNOVATION DISTRICT
THE BIOSWALE BOARDWALK
VUELO GREENLINE SHOPS AT VUELO
HOBBY VUELO LIGHTRAIL TRANSIT CENTER
HOBBY VUELO VERTIPORT
NAVIGATING THE 107 A CROSSROADS FOR ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES
SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGIES FOR A NET ZERO GOAL LARGE SCALE IDEAS FOR BALANCING THE SUPPLY AND DEMAND OF ENERGY AND
Energy Demand
5,286,987 kWh/yr Business as usual
1,057,397 kWh/yr Architecture 2030 (80% reduction)
Energy Supply
816,160 kWh/yr On-Site PV Panels
241,237 kWh/yr Vuelo District Biogas Powerplant
Net Zero Energy
SOLAR PANELS ON TOP OF BUS STOPS
MEET ME AT THE ONE O’ SEVEN FROM SCRATCH PAPER TO WACOM TABLET AND FINALLY TO RENDERING SOFTWARE,
STORMWATER RETENTION BIOSWALE
A CLEAR VISION BEGINS TO COME INTO FOCUS
MEET ME HERE FOR LUNCH PAUSING FOR A MOMENT BEFORE TAKING FLIGHT
PEDESTRIAN
THE 107 RESTAURANTS AND LOUNGE
Although I was advised against adding this segment to my official portfolio, I cannot in good conscience omit these thoughts. The works displayed in this portfolio are my works, they are my works and only mine, and I take pride in these works. However, I cannot pretend that any of this was made possible by my hands, mind, and will alone. My works will fade, someday they will be irrelevant even to me. What I do wish to remain is my gratitude. I had people supporting me and I won’t ignore their efforts. I would like to thank them here, officially, so I won’t forget them.
To Roberto Sierra, my father: Pa, muchas gracias por tu sacrificio, tu labor, y tu paciencia. Yo se que es duro trabajar afuera en el calor, y yo se que han habido dudas, pero aqui esta el fruto que he producido, y si Dios me lo permite, producire mucho mas. Te amo, y desde lo profundo de mi corazon te doy gracias por darme una segunda oportunidad.
To Maria Sierra, my mother: Ma, gracias por todas las veces que me has apoyado en mis ejercicios creativos. Desde mi niñez me has animado. Muy bien sabes los años que tarde para aceptar mis fracasos, vencer mis dudas e intentar de nuevo, y gracias a Dios, creo que he encontrado exito. Te amo, y gracias por nunca dejarme sin apoyo.
To Luis Maravi, my friend: Hermano, gracias por respetarme. Yo se que ya no me puedes escuchar, pero usted me ayudo en mi confianza. En el momento que Dios lo puso en mi vida, usted me tomo en serio. Pude hablar con un adulto cara a cara ya no como niño pero como amigo. Me dejaste ser yo, usted y su guitarra, yo mis tamborazos, no le pusiste frenos a my creatividad. Gracias, muchas muchas gracias. Cristo Vive, y a su nombre gloria. Nos vemos.
To the Konishi Family, my family: Thank you for your prayers and support. Since I met you guys, I have felt warmth. Thank you for the many times y’all sent Masa to my studio with bento, the food helped both physically and emotionally. The times y’all came to the studio and exhibition to celebrate with me meant a lot. Thank you guys, and as always, 神の祝福がありますように。
To Will Schott, my friend: Hey Will, thank you so much for all your help. For waking me up whenever I overslept, for talking some sense into me whenever I started lacking, and for being competitive. You were my first and loyal friend at SAC, and I hope for your success. God bless you.
To Pablo Quepóns, my friend: Pablo, your work ethic inspired me man. You and I both shared an almost feverish work standard, and I felt understood by you. Thank you for hearing me out so many times, and thank you for sharing your own thoughts and worries. I pray for your success, and let’s work together someday. God bless you.
To Valeria Villarreal, my friend: You might be wondering why I’m thanking you. We didn’t interact much, and I do not agree with many of your opinions lol. However, there were times when I was struggling, things were happening in my life. During those times, I would walk into the studio, and so many times you sincerely asked how I was doing. It may have just been a formality, but not many people asked me that, so it meant a lot. I hope you find success, I’m rooting for you. God bless you.
To Angelica Quintanilla, my friend: Thank you for being competitive. I do not think I would’ve reached the heights I did if it wasn’t for your pressure. I’m glad to see you as a rival, and I pray to work with you someday. God bless you.
To Ericka Garza, my friend: Thank you for supporting me and listening to my nonsense. You motivated me whenever I was feeling down, and your work inspired me to push myself. I hope you find much more success, God bless you.
To Luis Martinez, my friend: Luis. Habian dias que te queria aventar un ladrillo para que te callaras, pero tu actitud era agradable. Me animabas a ponerle ganas a mis proyectos, y gracias por ser tan amable conmigo, aunque yo soy tan seco y des-airoso. Que Dios te bendiga Luis, y te tengo mucho aprecio.
To Mr. John Webb, my Professor: Thank you for teaching me and motivating me to take my craft seriously. You are a source of inspiration to me, and I hope to meet you in the professional world someday. God Bless you.
To Mr. Joaquin Escamilla, my Professor: I don’t know where to start thanking you. You motivated me to hone my skill, to pursue avenues that I was unsure of pursuing. You gave me confidence, thank you for taking me seriously, and thank you for helping me develop my freehand. God bless you sir.
To Mr. Nicholas Reisen, my Professor: Thank you for supporting me, you have been willing to help me in everything, and your words have helped me to be confident. I am unashamed to go down strange rabbit holes in the design process thanks to you, and it has worked in my favor. Thank you, and God Bless you.
To Mr. Dwayne Bohuslav, my Professor: Professor Bohu, I want to apologize for being such a rebellious student. I seemed to do everything against your suggestions. However, you taught me it’s important to care about the people and movements we are designing for. You’ve also opened many doors for me, and you’ve pushed me to stand tall. God bless you sir.
To Cecilia Garcia-Hours, my Principal: Cecilia! Thank you. You were a juror at my Detroit Urban Farm presentation, and who would’ve thought that that interation would grow into working with the team at MP for 3 years. You inspired me greatly, I cannot express my admiration towards your work ethic and relentless determination. I wish to follow in your footsteps, and to pursue my dreams no matter the nay-sayers. I pray for you and your family, I pray for your health, and that you may continue to find success amidst the madness of landscape architecture.
To Mark V. Padilla, my Principal: Mark! Thank you for giving me a chance to work at your firm. I had never worked in such a wonderful environment, and I hope to someday run a firm as fun and exciting as yours. I still owe you a devil’s food cake, when I go back to San Antonio I’ll keep my word. I pray for your family and the continued success of your firm.
To Alex Gonzalez, my Principal: Alex! Your knowledge and attention to plants inspired me to no end. You changed me, I wish to someday amass as much horticulture knowledge as you to be able to reflect your passion for plants. God Bless you!
To Alaina Parker, my Principal: Hey Alaina, your standards of quality were demanding and inspiring. The pressure of working under you helped me push myself to attempt to stand at your level, and although I didn’t get there, I now know how high the floor should be. Thank you for your patience, and thank you for your directions. God bless you!
To Archie Solis, my Work Mentor: Archie! Gracias, muchisimas gracias por la paciencia que me haz tenido todo este tiempo. Tu me haz ensenado tanto sobre detalles. Aprecio mucho que tomabas tu tiempo para ensenarme como solucionar detalles, aun cuando tenias otros trabajos ensima. Me gustaria ser como tu en tu paciencia y en dedicacion a hacer un trabajo completo y correcto. Espero poder trabajar contigo en el futuro, Dios te bendiga!
To Joeseph “Joe” Ferdin, my Coworker: Joe!! Thank you for your calm and positive demeanor in the office! You also took the time to ask about how my mother was doing, as you were there when I got the unfortunate news. I really respect that you would ask for updates. Also, I’m glad you asked me to help you draw perspectives for the backyard stair renovation you did for your house, that was fun! God bless you Joe!
To Nancy Harris, fellow Aprilmaxxer: :| shut up Nancy. No seriously tho, I’m very grateful for the times you, Matt and I had while working at the office. I respect your level of work highly, and I hope you can find what you’re looking for in teaching, or any other venture. You’re an inspiration to me, but also, a headache lmao, I hope you never read this because you will not shut up about this. God bless you, and here’s some Red 40.
To Matthew Matlock, fellow Aprilmaxxer: :| shut up Matt. Mexican Mole cake was a mistake, but thank you for acknowledging my skills and trusting that if anyone could do it, it would be me. Your energy is infectuous, and I can say that you inspired me to change my personality to be more outgoing, and to have better self confidence. You, Nancy, and Quade made the office feel vibrant, and I treasure those times. God bless you, and I hope I can work with you in the future, or go get barbeque, either works.
To Vivien Shillito, work homie: Yo V! Thank you for the talks we used to have after work, it was interesting to hear you perspective on engineering, and it was rad talking about music, clothes, and the feeling of fulfillment. I’m proud of what you have accomplished, and pray you can find fulfilment in the things you do. Thank you for the encouragement you gave, and thank you for the praise you gave my deserts lmao, it gave me confidence! God bless ya, and I hope I see ya around!
To Simon Chiquito, my friend: eyyyy Simon! What more can be said, you’re incredible!!! I’m so glad I was able to work with you for Roldan’s class, and I seriously hope we could collaborate in the future. Your drive is incredible, and I wish to mimic your ambition. I pray for you success always, God Bless you!
To Sridhar “Dhar” Srinivasan, my friend: Whaddup twin, you know I hate glazing, but you’re a major inspiration to me. The way you communicate with so many people is incredible to a massive introvert like me. I became more social because of you, and I’m thankful to have met you during my first semester here at UH. I pray for your success always, and may God bless you!
To Nathan Salas, my friend: Sup Nathan, I’m so glad to have met you dude, you showed me the vibe ain’t dead yet with the younger generation lmao. I admire your tenacity and determination dog, you keep it low key but you got flame in your eyes for sure. I am always praying for your success, and can’t wait to hear more from you. God Bless you!
To Jeremiah Anyakwu, my brother:
Hey Jeremiah, dude, you are steel. During my struggles with my own personal faith and motivation, the example that you give as a fellow brother in Christ is seriously sharpening. You radiate that kind of warmth and calmness, and I have you as a role model for my own personal walk. I thank the Lord for putting you in my path, and I know God will do great things with you! God Bless you dude, and lets both serve through architecture.
To Alfred Rivera, my friend:
Alfred Alfred Alfred, I admire your work a lot dude. Your style and eye is phenomenal, and it helped me realize that I should hone my own style instead of trying to replicate another’s. You are a major inspiration to me, and I pray for your success. God Bless you!
To Edwin Tovar, my friend:
Oh nahhhhh, not me thanking Edwin of all people bahaha. I admire you for your work ethic and drive. Watching you and Alfred work in Roldan’s class lit a fire under my feet to keep up with yall. I pray for you success, and may God bless you!
To Alex Ward, my friend: Oh heck no, not Alex lol. Sup Alex, thank you for putting up with my bs in Race’s studio hahaha. Your confidence is infectuous and your determination is radiant, thank you for helping me grow as a team member. I pray for your success, and may God bless you!
To Andrea Pecina: :| Joe. Sup Andrea, working alondside you was a blast, I had never met someone who I immediately clicked with as fast as with you, its probably your raggedy west side energy, or your confidence, or both. I pray to keep in touch with you for as long as we live, and you know I pray for your success always. I have confidence you’ll do great work, because you are great! God Bless you always.
To Fangzhou “Aki” Zhao: Akiiiiiiiiii. shuuuuuuut uuuuuup dude, you’re a shadow creature fr fr lmao. You were so fun to work with, and you gave me a glimpse at what talent is in landscape architecture. I pray for you always, God Bless you!
To Tony, my neighbor: Tony, you are like the older brother I never had, I’m seriously blessed the Lord put you as my neighbor. Thank you for all the encouragement, and thank you for motivating me to pursue painting as a hobby. My life in Houston has been made warmer with your presence, may God bless you and your family.
To Camilo Roldan, my neighbor: Ey Camilo! i miss having you around to talk to whenever you went outside for a smoking break. Hearing you talk inspired about writing and poetry really helped me feel like I could also bring that kind of passion to simple architecture things. Stay inspired, and I pray for your success in your writing! God Bless you.
To Nicole, my neighbor: Sup Nicole, thank you for this backand-forth we got going on with food, there were a few times where I really needed that home-cooked meal. I appreciate you profoundly, may God bless you always.
Cyrill M Corales, my twin: Nope. not Cyrill. Not ever. Dude, you’re actually scary talented man, I’m chasing your shadow dude, I’m shadow boxing you fr fr. On the real, I pray you find success in whatever you choose to do, and I pray we keep in touch. God Bless you always.
To Jose M.C. Roldan, My Professor: Thank you for pushing both Simon and I to do great work. God Bless you.
To Bruce Race, my Professor: Sincerely, I thank God for putting you in my path Dr. Race. Although I was bad at expressing it, you were my favorite professor at UH. Your passion for urban design and architecture is infectious, you had lighting in a bottle and you were determined to teach us what you knew. I’m sorry my thick skull could not osmosis your knowledge fast enough, but I thank you for everything you taught me. You are my role model, and I wish to hear from you in the future. God bless you and your family always, and stay sneaky.
To Travis Mohle, my Professor: In the same vein as with Dr. Race, Travis thank you for being sneaky too haha. Thank you for teaching me how to tell a story, and the importance of designing our narrative. Thank you for the opportunities you gave us to present at a place like Gensler, and thank you for all of the help you have offered. God Bless you!
To Bruno Rueda Tapie, my friend: Brunoooo, you’re scary lmao. The amount of work youre able to produce in such a short amount of time is staggering to me, and I am constantly trying to keep up with you. I admire your work ethic and positivity, and I hope to be able to work with you more in the future. God bless you always.
To Giuliano “G” Casero:
G, G, G. Get outta here man. I admire your no bs attitude when it comes to working in groups. I didn’t always agree with your opinions, but you were such a solid dude to work with and i admire how you kept me in check with my feet firm on the ground. You said the things that needed to be said, and I wish to learn to be strong like you. God bless you!
Carlos Sierra Portfolio
I would like to thank God for putting these people in my life, as well as keeping me healthy despite my awful eating and sleeping habits. There are so many more people to thank, I have been blessed to have met so many people up to this point. A list seems to lack warmth, but I write it down for myself to remember, and for these people to be recognized.
Thank you:
- San Antonio College -
Edith Moreno
Humberto Vergara
Getsemany Ocampo
Angel Mireles
Andrea Mireles-Ochoa
May Osman
Raul Guadalupe
Isabella Bacon
Kattie Diaz
Mr. Christopher Verette
Mr. Austin Kernodle
- MP Studio -
Raymond Aguilar
Jeff Wurzbach
Michaela Kleypas
Norma Solorio
Ana Ostos
Toan My Lee
Tayde Lomelin
Urvi Joshi
Quade Clark
Fatema Ali Tushi
Daniel Gonzalez
Kale Pharis
- University of Houston -
Mr. Sam Clovis
Elvia Delgado
Abraham J Almendarez
Joseph Cruz
Alexia Orozco
Marley Ramirez
Iniobong “Ini” Nkanga
Mr. William “Bill” Truitt
Brandon Chau
Esther O Oluskosi
Aparna Prabu
Enaara Malik
Carla Covarrubias
Sanjana Bheri
Crystal Nguyen
Julian Corona
Eddy Sanchez
Danna Martinez
Jorge Morales
Martin Sierra
Axander Villasana
Sandy Tahtouh
Zulema Ayon
Gustavo E Gonzalez Contreras
Zoya Alvi
Leo Duan
Maxwell G Greer
Nirjara Dangol
Kirsten Angela R Reyes
Alberto “Berto” Delgado
Diego Iñiguez
Ana Valencia
Aliyah M Davis
Gerardo Ramirez
Jacob Turcios
Elizabeth G Peceros Maica
Monica T Sanchez
Nicole T Tran
Summer M Awad
Jenna L Small
I hope y’all make it and find success, God bless you guys, take care!
