This collection of work spans from 2022 to 2024, showcasing projects from my time at the Master of Architecture program at the University of Houston. My background in Interior Design, with a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio, influences my approach, as both interior design and architecture are equally integral to my process. I aim to craft spaces that seamlessly blend the beauty and principles of both disciplines.
My design philosophy centers on creating rich spatial experiences across a variety of scales. Materiality plays a key role in my work, as I aim to celebrate the inherent beauty of authentic materials while considering their durability, lifespan, and ephemeral qualities. I view buildings as living organisms that require thoughtful care throughout their life to support the essential functions of living, working, playing, and simply existing. This perspective extends to my deep fascination with public space and spatial phenomenology, particularly how people perceive and interact with the environments they inhabit. Approaching my work through an experimental lens, I blend the textures of urban environments with architectural forms and the user experience, creating spaces that resonate with both the physical and sensory worlds.
Awards and Recognitions
2024 Ziegler Travel Fellowship Nominee
2022 Design Student of the Year, UTSA Faculty Choice
2022 Design Student of the Year, UTSA Student Choice
2021 IIDA Image That Lighting Design Competition, Second Place
2020 Interface Scholarship Winner as UTSA Representative at Neocon
Aqua Planes
Location: Houston, TX
Program: Flood Museum and Spa
Size: 32,000 Sq Ft
Year: 2023
This project was centered around designing with water to address the recurring flooding on the site, which is prone to inundation from Buffalo Bayou during Houston’s hurricanes. I conceptualized water as both a destructive and a calming force, exploring its duality. The phenomenology of water, particularly its sensory effects, informed the design process—considering how flowing water distorts the view and how reflections on water create intriguing, immersive experiences for users.
From an architectural standpoint, I focused on creating a void within the building, shaped by the unique angles of the site. This void forms a central atrium, connecting the various levels of the structure. On
the top floor, the spa program features a pool with an infinity edge that allows water to cascade over the side, flowing down against the windows of the floors below and into a ground-level pool. The movement of water against the upper-floor windows distorts the exterior view, adding a unique sensory dimension to the interior spaces. The site has two levels: street level and bayou level, which slopes 20 feet below the street. Notably, there was no direct pedestrian connection between these two levels within miles of the site. I used this challenge as a driving factor to enhance connectivity, designing a public cascading staircase that offers a direct, accessible link between the two levels.
Materiality as Essence
Water is the primary material driving the design and material choices of the building. Its sensory experience, whether flowing down the structure or resting serenely in the pools on the top and lowest floors, imparts a unique spatial quality to the architecture.
On the upper floors, exterior areas are covered with carbon fiber threads, serving as a perforated privacy screen. This is particularly important given the building’s proximity to a federal prison, as the spa spaces on the upper floors require privacy
for their users. The carbon fibers also echo the vertical flow of water in the cascading pools, enhancing the building’s aesthetic while maintaining privacy and security.
The building’s structure is composed of large concrete panels, chosen for their strength and ability to withstand flooding. To minimize flood risk, most interior spaces are elevated above street level, ensuring they remain dry during severe flooding events. These concrete panels are used both inside and outside the building.
Fa-Bo Showroom Kengo Kuma and Associates
Millenials Tube Pavillion Quintrix Architects
South Elevation
West Elevation
North Elevation
East Elevation
Site Plan
Level 4
Level 3
Level 2- Street
Level 1- Bayou
Abstracted Living
Location: Menil Neighborhood Houston, Texas
Program: Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)
Size: 900 Sq Ft per ADU
Year: 2022
An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) in the Menil neighborhood of Houston, Texas, typically manifests as a secondary living space situated on the same lot as a Primary bungalow-style residence. These ADU’s are often smaller in scale but fully functional, featuring their own bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, and separate entrance. Like the main residences in the Menil neighborhood, many of these ADU’s reflect the characteristic bungalow architecture, blending seamlessly into the aesthetic of the community. They provide an additional living space that can be used for various purposes, such as rental housing, home offices, guest suites, or living quarters for relatives, making them a flexible and valuable asset to the Menil neighborhood homes.
In this particular project, we imagined the ADU’s to create a new typology of living as a “backyard community.” My design proposal combines the backyards of the entire block to create one continuous shared backyard space that connects the new ADU’s to existing housing. The existing bungalows’ recognizable form was my main inspiration for the architecture. My goal was to use the bungalow’s characteristics to create a new contemporary and functional form for the ADU. The majority of the space sits on the second floor, to maintain privacy between the existing homes and the new backyard ADU’s. The ground floor accounts for an individual car park for each ADU and a oneway road connecting each unit.
The Houston Vernacular
The Menil neighborhood in Houston, Texas, widely recognized for its charming bungalow-style architecture, encapsulates an aspect of Houston’s residential history. These homes, primarily built in the earlyto-mid 20th century, feature the key characteristics of bungalow-style design: low-slung roof lines, deep overhanging eaves, spacious front porches, and a general emphasis on horizontal lines and natural materials. The bungalows, all painted gray, create a visually cohesiveness to the neighborhood. These homes are juxtaposed against the modernity of the Menil Collection, a world-renowned art museum situated within the neighborhood, adding an intriguing blend of old and new. The geometry of the bungalows was the key inspiration for the design of their ADUs. The pure and recognizable geometry of the gabled roof was the driving force behind the ADU’s architectural form.
Painted Brick
Bungalow’s
ADU’s
Metal Paneling
Permeable Pavers Wood Deck
North Elevation
West Elevation
South Elevation
Section
Wetlands Bird Blind
Location: Woodlands, Texas
Program: A shaded space for bird watchers that can be used as an outdoor classroom
Size: 622 Sq Ft
Year: 2023
The Bird Blind Design Build was a studio project designed and fabricated by 10 graduate students under Professor Patrick Peters. It has recently been installed at the bank of a water retention pond in the George Mitchell Nature Preserve, The Woodlands, TX.
As the wooded approach gives way to the wetland panorama, a cor-ten roof cantilevers westward past the blind’s footprint, maximizing shade and sheltering occupiable space for birdwatchers and passersby. Air is pulled into the structure through the venturi effect and benches
outline the open platform, extending into a grove. More than a shade structure, this space supports the preserve’s ecological education and stewardship programs, capable of facilitating class trips and extended birdwatching. The stacked rows of the visibility blind make birding accessible to watchers of any height and its operable slats are arrangeable for photography lenses. Low maintenance galvanized steel and tropical hardwood will endure in the harsh conditions of Texas sun and humidity. The platform floats on helical piers, its light footprint, integrated gutter, and stormwater cistern mitigating flooding.
Iterations
Sketches of design process
Rendering of first iteration shown to the client
Sketches of design process
Rendering of second iteration shown to the client
Final Design
Butterfly Roof Central Gutter
Steel Joists and Beams
Steel Columns
Camaru Wood Visibility
Blind
Wood Deck
Steel Helical Piers
Underground Cistern
Steel Fabrication Drawings
Design + Build
from the Fabrication Process
Completed October 2024
Images
4535 Harrisburg Apartments
Location: Houston, Texas
Program: Apartment Complex
Size: 75,000 Sq Ft
Year: 2024
This apartment complex was designed for a 47,000 Sq Ft site in the Second Ward along Harrisburg Street. There was an abandoned building on the southeast corner, and while it was optional to either preserve or demolish it, as an architect who values preservation, I chose to keep the building and use it as the main inspiration for the surrounding complex. The building, which opened in 1930, was once considered one of Houston’s most modern structures. It started as a grocery store, later became a furniture store, and was abandoned in the 2000s. It has a beautiful red brick facade, which I proposed to restore.
I wanted to preserve the neighborhood’s history and pay homage to the existing site. The area is primarily made up of lower-income housing, with many residents of Hispanic descent. Gentrification is a pressing issue in this neighborhood, and while it can be difficult to combat as architects, we can strive to design with empathy and respect for the people and the space. By preserving the historic building and incorporating it into the new design, I hoped to maintain the community’s sense of identity and history, while still creating a modern living space.
The historic building serves as the centerpiece of the complex, housing the leasing office and amenity space. To highlight its features, I exposed the steel columns and created an enclosed outdoor area. The surrounding apartments, which vary in height up to five stories, are designed to complement the building’s smaller scale. The first level uses concrete, while upper floors feature a steel and metal stud system with a polycarbonate facade. The adjustable openings in the facade provide climate control and privacy, contrasting with the historic brick to blend modern and functional design.
Structural Grid Plan
Column Grid from existing West-East Facade is multiplied across the site to organize the new building pattern.
South (Front) Elevation East Elevation
First Level is even to the height of the existing building. Heavy Mass at the Base with light massing above.
Balancing Heritage and Modernity
Designing an apartment complex with 75 units while honoring the hierarchy of the historic building presented an exciting challenge. The new development had to surpass the existing one in size,while still giving hierarchy to the existing. This was achieved through careful consideration of materiality and proportion.
The historic building became the focal point of the complex, housing the leasing office and resident amenity space. To highlight its architectural features, I removed half of the ceiling to expose the steel columns and create an enclosed outdoor space. The surrounding apartments, in separate structures, form a larger complex that
respects the scale of the original building. The design carefully considered the historic building’s smaller scale, with the tallest apartments reaching five stories. The first level of each apartment building aligns with the height of the historic building, and the column grid extends throughout the site. The first level is constructed with concrete, while the upper floors use a secondary steel and metal stud system. These upper floors feature a polycarbonate facade with adjustable openings, allowing for climate control and privacy. The lightness of the polycarbonate panels contrasts with the historic brick facade, blending modern functionality with the building’s original character.
Conceptual Material Diagram
Second Floor Walkway to Units, Overlooking the Historic Building.
Tensile Shading as new outdoor ceiling to the Historic Building.
Entrance from Parking leads residents through a double height space and direct access to the Historic Building.
Outdoor Amenity Space within the Historic Building
South Elevation
East Elevation
Level 2- Typical Floor Plan
Aluminum and Polycarbonate Panel
Curtain Wall
Railing
Track Structural Attachment
Sliding Track System
Stucco
WRB
2” Rigid Insulation
5/8” Sheathing
Head Flashing
Steel Beam
Batt Insulation
Gyp Board
Concrete Slab
Concrete Beam
Gyp. Board
Metal Stud and Batt Insulation
5/8” Sheathing
2” Rigid Insulation
WRB
Stucco
Foam Gasket
Through Wall Flashing
Protection Board
Concrete Footing
HSS Beam Grade Min 5%
Unit Plans
Balcony
Balcony
Closet
Balcony
Bed 2-1/2 Bath Town home
Level 2
Level 1
Closet
Closet
1/2 Bath Patio
Foyer
Laundry Living
Professional Work
This collection of work was produced between 2022 and 2024 and includes two projects completed with Angello Consulting, where I served as the lead project designer and drafter. One of these projects is a commercial salon in Austin, Texas, which I guided from schematic design through to construction, along with several smaller residential renovations, including kitchens, closets, and offices.
My work with Urbano Architects showcases two significant projects: The Char House and The Menil Office Renovations. Urbano Architects is primarily a historic restoration firm, specializing in using existing conditions to inform their designs. During my time there, I contributed to numerous projects as one of two architectural designers, responsible for conducting building surveys, developing schematic designs, preparing construction documentation, and carrying out building studies.
Experience
2024-2025 Designer and Trade Specialist at West Elm
2023-2024 Architectural Designer at Urbano Architects
2022-2024 Lead Project Designer for Angello Consulting
2022 Project Assistant for H2 Interiors
2020-2022 Designer at Sapphire Custom Homes
2020-2021 Architectural Intern at GNA Architecture
Commercial Work
Salon Design Schematics and Permit Set
Residential Work
Kitchen Renovation Design and Construction Documents
Office Mill-work Design and Shop Drawings
The Char House
The Char House, a historic landmark in Sugar Land, Texas, was the site of Urbano’s restoration plan and schematic design presentation. The drawings represent early conceptual work focused on the addition of a core to the building. Extensive studies were conducted on the building program, exploring the integration of a fifth-floor restaurant, a rooftop bar, and an activated ground floor. Unfortunately, the project was put on hold due to complications with investment.
CONCEPTS
Option 3: North Addition
CONCEPTS
Option 2: North/East Addition
Visibility Studies for a Core Addition
PROS:
• TAKES ADVANTAGE EXISTING ROOF
• LIMITED VISIBILITY THE STREET
• CONNECTS WELL EXISTING ROOF
CONS:
• LIMITED CONNECTIVITY BETWEEN BOTH
PROS:
• ALLOWS FOR CONNECTIVITY BETWEEN TWO
CONS:
• POOR CONNECTIVITY EXISTING PENTHOUSE
• REQUIRES ADDITIONAL MASSING AT ROOF
• CONFLICTS WITH ENTRY DROP-OFF
• HIGHLY VISIBLE
Program Section of Interior Public Spaces
The Menil- Office Bungalow Renovation
BUNGALOW BACKGROUND: 1519 BRANARD
The Menil employee offices are housed in bungalows located directly across the street, with an additional bungalow situated a block to the north. To improve efficiency, renovations and program reorganizations were necessary. This project began with an in-depth study of employee feedback to identify areas for improvement. I personally conducted surveys of the bungalows, analyzed program needs, and translated the feedback data into clear, visually accessible graphics.
BUNGALOW BACKGROUND: 1427 BRANARD
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND:
• ORIGINALLY CONSTRUCTED CIRCA 1930’S
• RENOVATION DESGINED BY HOWARD BARNSTONE CIRCA 1975
• SERVED AS THE ORIGINAL “FOUNDATIONS OFFICE” FOR DE MENIL’S
CURRENT DEPARTMENT(S): ADVANCEMENT
ADA COMPLIANT: YES
Artwork
Art has always been a passion and a journey of exploration, long before I began studying architecture. The earliest works featured here date back to 2017, marking the beginning of my deep dive into color theory.
My mixed media practice evolved after several years of studying interior design, which ignited a desire to experiment freely with textures and combine different mediums, allowing each one to express its own unique voice within a single piece. Every medium serves a distinct purpose, offering different ways of capturing textural qualities and creating a compelling presence in contrast with others. Some of my works incorporate three-dimensional elements, such as hand-sewn fabric or felt, adding depth and an additional layer of interest to the canvas.
Currently, I am experimenting with merging my digital design work with my physical art, seeking to bridge the gap between the precision of digital tools and the raw, tactile nature of hand-crafted pieces. I believe there is immense power in combining these two disciplines, allowing their languages to intertwine and enrich each other.
Showcases
2024 Solo Show at Piloto (Queretaro, Mexico)
2024 Memes to Cope with Reality Group Show, Houston, TX
2023 Brujas Group Show, San Antonio, TX
2022 Art Installation for Public Gathering, San Antonio, TX
2021 Full Gallery Display at Halcyon Coffee, San Antonio, TX
Calle Exhibition, 2024
Solo Exhibition of Mixed Media Works
Queretaro, Mexico
This exhibition, titled “Calle”, was held in Querétaro, Mexico, and draws inspiration from the two months I spent immersed in Mexican culture while studying architecture. The work explores the dynamic tension between chaos and order, particularly within the urban streetscape. Each piece in the series incorporates elements of Mexican street art, reflecting the complex layers
of urban life that have influenced my creative process. The mixed-media artworks capture the disorder, resilience, and vibrancy of the environments I navigated—especially within alternative and queer spaces. At the heart of my exploration of counterculture is my artist tag, B4BY, which I embed into my work as a signature of my ongoing journey to portray the essence of urban existence.
4D Collage, 2023
Spatial Installation
Plastic Acrylic, Basswood, Spray Paint, String, Sound and Light Projection
San Antonio, Texas
This interactive installation is designed to evoke the sensation of an exploded abstract painting. Suspended from the ceiling, pieces of acrylic plastic and laser-cut basswood silhouettes are layered in space, creating a dynamic interplay of light, reflection, and shadow. As light diffuses through the materials, subtle reflections and shifting shadows—
cast by both the pieces and the user— transform the space into a unique, multidimensional experience. Visitors are encouraged to walk through the exhibit, becoming part of the artwork itself. The installation is intended to challenge the viewer’s perception, as the size and shape of the elements change depending on their position within the room.
