ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO 2023

PORTFOLIO.

SELECTED WORKS 2023

NICOLAS FUERTES La ROTTA

CONTENTS portfolio of selected works 2019-2023

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00. RESUME

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01. WOODLAND

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02. EXPANSION

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03. DESERT SKINS

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04. SITE ANALYSIS

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05. ROBOTIC ECOLOGY

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06.WHITE PAPER

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PRAGMATIC

SPECULATIVE

PERSONAL STATEMENT I am committed to pushing the

As I continue to expand my

boundaries of a profession that

portfolio, I aim to leverage my real

appears to be in crisis. As hyper-

estate development expertise and

specialization and tech increasingly

agile design abilities. My goal is

encroach upon traditional architectural

to contribute to the evolution of

roles, I believe the future lies in

architecture by developing projects

embracing Buckminster Fuller’s

that reflect a deep understanding

concept of the "Comprehensive

of architectural principles but are

Designer"—a versatile professional

not blind to fundamental market

who thinks like a designer, investor,

dynamics. By embracing the role

scientist, sociologist, and inventor. My

of a comprehensive designer, I am

education in real estate development

committed to pushing the boundaries

alongside my architectural studies,

of what is possible within modern

positions me on the path to becoming

architecture, crafting spaces that are

such a comprehensive designer,

innovative, functional, and resonate

enabling me to explore many

with both practicality and elegance.

multidisciplinary design solutions.

Nicolas Fuertes La Rotta |

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PROFESSIONAL LICENSES Registered Architect, New York State EDUCATION

00.RESUME

New York University, Schack Institute of Real Esta Certificate in Buildings and Construction

City University of New York, Spitzer School of Arch Master of Architecture I

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N I C O L A S F U E R T E S L a R O T T A

New York, NY +1 (646) 244-3542 nfuertes.larotta@gmail.com instagram.com/niko_fuertes linkedin.com/in/nicolas-fuertes-la-rotta

City University of New York, Baruch College Bachelor of Arts in Real Estate Development & Env

EXPERIENCE Project Management, OMF Architects, NY • Completed schematic design plans & elevation diagrams for various residential projects.

• Coordinated over 50+ client inspection request between internal stakeholders and external ag compliance and timely approvals.

• Drafted comprehensive project proposals and i scopes, timelines, and obligations to ensure cle legal safeguards.

Real Estate Development & Investment, Independ • Led the acquisition and development of smallresidential projects, achieving approx. 9.65% Co asset portfolio of $5MM. • Directed comprehensive design and construct processes, ensuring adherence to budget and • Implemented leasing and management strate occupancy rates and enhanced tenant satisfac • Managed day-to-day operations, including fina relations, and code compliance.

ate

hitecture

2025

2024-2025

NOTABLE PROJECTS Lloyd Harbor Residence, Project Lead, Planned Construction, NY • Spearheaded the design and development of a high-end residential project, grounded in minimalist principles and modernist aesthetics.

• •

2019-2022

2015-2019

v. Sustainability

2022-2025 ns, renderings, and

ts monthly, liaising gencies to ensure

invoicing, detailing ear communication and

dent, NY 2017-2024 -scale multifamily oC yield on a managed

Conducted feasibility studies and managed due diligence processes, addressing environmental and zoning challenges.

Led stakeholder presentations to secure project financing, approval, and negotiated purchase contract.

Huntington & Melville Duplex, Project Lead, Renovation, NY • Oversaw the acquisition, “gut” renovation, and interior design of two 2-family homes in both locations, enhancing property value and appeal.

• Implemented effective leasing and management strategies, ensuring high occupancy and tenant satisfaction.

Brooklyn Walk-Up, Project Strategist, Renovation, NY • Managed the acquisition and renovation design of a 3-story walk-up, featuring two residential units over commercial space.

Fordham Duplex, Project Strategist, Renovation, NY • Assisted in the acquisition, design, and renovation of a 2-family home, coupled with the management and leasing of the property aimed for Fordham faculty and students.

• Conducted financial analysis and development planning for an 8-unit residential construction, preparing the project for future investment and build-out.

SKILLS Language: Native Spanish Software: Rhino 7, AutoCAD, SketchUp, Lumion, Microsoft Suite, Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, Lightroom, Teams/ Zoom PUBLISHED WORK •

“Logistics Architecture as Urban and Social Infrastructure” (Lead Author).

In 110th ACSA Annual Meeting Proceedings (2022): 547-558.

DISTINCTIONS •

CCNY Graduate History Faculty distinction in Theory and History, 2022.

•

Dr. Wendy Heyman Public Interest Fellow, Baruch College, 2019.

AFFILIATIONS •

American Institute of Architects (AIA), Member, 2025.

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J. Max Bond Center on Design for the Just City, Researcher, 2021.

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NCARB Certified, 2025.

tion management schedule. egies that optimized ction. ancial oversight, tenant

Nicolas Fuertes La Rotta |

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PRIVATE RESIDENCE SPRING 2022 | M. Arch. Independent Studies Theory Advisor: Cesare Birignani, Ph. D. Individual

01.WOODL AND

Location: Lloyd Habor, NY.

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Project Overview: This project aims to thoughtfully merge contemporary design with the natural surroundings, while paying homage to the area's profound modernist architectural legacy. Situated near legendary figures such as Philip Johnson, Marcel Breuer, and Raymond Antonin, this project draws inspiration from their revolutionary work in modernism. The design critically incorporates these influences, tailored to address the specific challenges presented by the site and acknowledging the historical context of architectural innovation in the region.

Material and Design Philosophy: Cedar cladding was selected for its robustness and relevance to the local architectural vernacular, enhancing the building's sustainability and integration with the adjacent NYS forest preserve. addition, the building volumes are calibrated to accommodate shifts in topography, minimizing disruption and creating an organic dialogue between architecture and landscape.

Living Experience: Tailored for a family of four with an interest in wildlife, and an active lifestyle, the residence is equipped with expansive windows and versatile spaces that promote a dynamic interaction with the outdoors. This architectural strategy ensures that the living experience transcends the conventional boundaries of the home, deepening the inhabitants' connection to their natural surroundings while maintaining fidelity to the property’s modernist foundations.

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SITE ANALYSIS Site Integration: Three distinct geological features—valleys and ridges—inform the house’s fundamental organization and morphology. By working with the site’s natural contours, the design leverages each feature to shape both structural placement and functional zoning.

Design and Spatial Flow: Aligning the residence with the existing landforms ensures minimal environmental impact. Elevated ridges offer prime vantage points and generous glazing opportunities, establishing strong visual and spatial connections to the surrounding landscape.

Meanwhile, low-lying valleys naturally delineate private areas within the home, allowing a harmonious balance of openness and seclusion.

Foundation Strategy: Concrete pile foundations, strategically placed to adapt to the sloped terrain, reduce ecological disruption and preserve the integrity of the existing environment. This approach not only reinforces the home’s structural integrity but also imparts an ethereal quality to the architecture, as if it were lightly suspended among the trees.

Ridges and valleys

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Unique site features + tree locations

REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT CONTEXT Originally conceived as a holistic real estate venture, this project involved strategic negotiations for a prime plot in Lloyd Harbor, NY, alongside the development of financing plans, construction schedules, and a comprehensive investment pro forma. Despite ultimately being canceled due to high interest rates undermining its financial viability, the effort underscores a thoughtful approach to integrating architectural innovation, responsible development practices, and environmental stewardship within a robust investment framework.

Topographic Map.

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foyer courtyard parlor library nook kitchen living space dinning room terrace walk-in pantry

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bedroom bathroom powder room spa bathroom main bedroom walk-in closet outdoor deck inf inity pool public wing

19. bedroom library 20. east elevation 21. window detail

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PRIVATE RESIDENCE WINTER 2023 | OMF Architects Supervisor: Oscar Fuertes, R.A. Schematic Design

02. EXPANS ION

Location: Stony Point, NY.

Project Overview: This project entailed the expansion and renovation of an existing residence, tailored to accommodate the needs of a family of ten. Balancing generous, flexible spaces with an intimate, human scale was essential, ensuring each family member could reside comfortably without diminishing the sense of closeness and home-like warmth.

ADA Accessibility: A central design focus involved ensuring ADA accessibility for one of the children, who has a disability. This requirement guided the architectural layout toward fully accessible living, prioritizing ease of movement and functionality across all levels. Thoughtful measures—such as wide corridors, barrier-free transitions, and accessible bathrooms—support independent navigation while maintaining a cohesive, modern aesthetic.

Design Concept: The overarching goal was to create an environment that feels open yet remains inviting and approachable. Clean lines, balanced proportions, and a subdued material palette define the exterior, blending seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.

Indoors, spacious communal areas facilitate family gatherings, while the modern aesthetic seamlessly integrates accessibility features, illustrating how thoughtful design can meet practical needs without compromising style or comfort.

schematic rendering 12

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foy pa kit din livi bu ba

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Interior and Family-Centric Design: Internally, the layout emphasizes connection and warmth, featuring generous living areas, a kitchen capable of hosting large family gatherings, and private quarters that offer tranquility. This deliberate design choice embodies the family’s core values—comfort, inclusivity, and understated elegance—while maintaining practical provisions for dayto-day living.

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xisting strip foundation

roposed additions

yer arlor tchen nning room ing room utler's pantry athroom

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Adaptation to Existing Conditions: In an effort to manage costs and minimize environmental impact, the design leverages an existing foundation, closely aligning with the site’s natural contours and previous footprint. This approach preserves the integrity of the terrain while seamlessly expanding the home’s footprint to accommodate the evolving needs of the family, resulting in a balanced fusion of fiscal prudence, ecological responsibility, and architectural innovation.

mud room walk-in pantry powder room bedroom laundry bathroom

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CLAY SCREEN FABRICATION FALL 2021 | M. Arch Advanced Studio Intructor: Frank Melendez, Zach Cohen Team: Anthony Nieto, Albany Ramirez Duration: 4 weeks

03. DESERT SKINS

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Inflatable Formwork + Robotics: This project reconsiders how a selfmade 3D clay printer and robotic arm can be employed in inventive ways in the Arizona desert. By staging a series of material-thought experiments, it seeks to uncover new possibilities while advancing design innovation. Central to this approach is an inflatable mechanism—reminiscent of Bini shell construction—that creates a concave formwork for precisely depositing cementitious material sourced f rom the desert. This method allows for complex geometries without the need for traditional molds, resulting in structurally sound and visually compelling self-shading panels.

By focusing on the 3D printing of cementitious desert materials, the project ultimately illustrates how computational processes and sustainable sourcing can converge to enhance both performance and aesthetic value.

Solar Screens for Extreme Heat: This portion of the project explores the creation of solar screens assembled with robotic precision to address the intense heat and sunlight in Arizona. Unlike selfshading forms that primarily produce textured façades, these solar screens are designed to be installed over windows, effectively reducing light penetration and absorbing excess heat. By deploying on-site robots, panels can be 3D-printed with locally sourced clay, making them both cost-effective and environmentally f riendly. Robotic fabrication allows for intricate designs that enhance energy eff iciency and indoor comfort without compromising aesthetic appeal. This innovative approach demonstrates how advanced technology and sustainable materials can be combined to develop practical, easily deployable solutions that not only meet functional needs but also enrich the architectural value of buildings in harsh desert environments.

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self-shading screen array solar clay screens inflatible substrate deposited clay clay extruder ABB IRB 1100

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04. SITE ANALYSIS

CNIDARIA

TRIPROSTAMIA POLYP

polyp deposit

EXQUADRA ANTHOZA

SPIRALIA BILATERIA

Scyphoza

CAMBRIAN ANTHOZA

TRIPOSRIA NESZOA

MOLLUSCA POLLYPA

PORIFEA MEDUSOZOA

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EMERGENT FORMS SPRING 2022 | M. Arch Advanced Studio Intructors: Frank Melendez, Zach Cohen Team: Anthony Nieto, Albany Ramirez Duration: 4 weeks 2

A critical aspect of our study is the topography of Arizona, which serves as a foundational element in generating forms that resonate with its unique landscape. This project investigates geological transformation processes—such as erosion, weathering, and compaction—as design tools for creating ecological dwellings. The intervention leverages both the utilitarian and aesthetic qualities of the site’s soil substrate to enhance the experiential qualities of the Yavapai Desert.

Understanding the makeup of the soil is essential, as we plan to use the native clay as a substrate for robotic construction and 3D printing of the buildings. This local clay becomes both the medium and the message, grounding the architecture in its immediate environment while pushing the boundaries of material usage.

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ROBOTIC CLAY DEPOSITIONS This site analysis involves growing, studying, and documenting specific living organisms—including fungi, algae, slime mold, and bacteria.

Biomimicry allows us to emulate natural processes of erosion, weathering, and biological growth, translating them into computational algorithms that guide robotic fabrication. The intricate patterns and textures found in fungi networks, the growth patterns of algae, and the structural complexities of bacterial colonies inspire the procedural texturing of our clay structures.

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parametric growths + 3D prints geologic records site topography Nicolas Fuertes La Rotta |

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AUGMENTED DESERT LANDSCAPES

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SPRING 2022 | M. Arch Studio U23 Intructors: Frank Melendez, Zach Cohen Team: Joel Cardenas, Shyanne Sonneberg

05.ROBOTIC ECOLOGY

Duration: 8 weeks

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Thesis: The successful tectonic articulation of these desert dwellings (meaning the simultaneous articulation of both meaning and environmental performance) heightens the experience of living in the desert. This unique sensory experience then contributes to our effort to positively reimagine our relationship to the natural world.

This project investigates geological transformation processes such as erosion, weathering, and compaction as a design tool for ecological dwellings.

The intervention leverages both the utilitarian and aesthetic qualities of the site’s soil substrate to heighten the experiential qualities of the Yapavia desert.

Highly engineered robotic deposition and carving techniques construct the proposed dwellings thereby expressing their fabrication logic while also retaining a textural imprint, or geologic memory, of the surrounding landscape. The project’s complex procedural texturing is akin to the sedimentation and erosion that is emblematic of the desert. The chronology of the weathering process is collapsed into the realm of representation, in this way the desert’s temporal qualities, or its geologic memories, are translated

into a unique and tangible morphology.

This approach expresses the immensity, roughness, and sacredness of the desert, thus situating the intervention in an ambiguous position between natural forces, architecture, and landscape.

This project does not aim to reproduce, or mimic, its immediate surroundings, nor to neatly embed architecture within its site. Instead this project is about systemic formation of tools that abstract, reinterpret, and augment the structure’s relationship to its context. The project aims to establish a tectonic framework that is adjacent to yet autonomous from the Yavapai desert. This separation provokes a heightened sensory awareness that ultimately enhances dwellers’ relationship to the desert’s ecology.

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SPECULATIVE DESERT DWELLINGS 9

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ABB robotic clay deposition kiln f ired clay model clay articulations speculative vent system large-scale applied texturing air intake desert dwelling exhaust clustered massings + connections

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TECTONIC EFFECIENCY Beyond the symbolism afforded by the abstracted weathering procedures, the project showcases key features that must be understood as technically motivated morphological moves. Both the project’s form and its texturing enable valuable environmental performance to occur. In this way the project can be read as an exercise in tectonic articulation of meaning and technical efficiency.

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COMPLEXITY Unlike forms that arise from the simple relationships between subdivision, compartmentalization, and modularity this project’s design depends on complexity—a complexity that arises from the dynamic interaction of various parts which are not immediately reducible. This project does not view detail as an isolated moment—or a reduction, or dilution— of architectural

logic into discrete parts. Instead this project posits that detail is ubiquitous, distributed, and continuously applied throughout form in order to create new spatial effects. There are no singular highlights or punctuations, but rather an intricately complex texture over the entire form which hybridizes macro and micro scales of the desert landscape and its climatic forces. This blurring of the

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robotic clay deposition ventilation intake stack circulation

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dwelling exhaust ecological habitat

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FLOOR PLANS

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long-term dwelling ecological niche short-term dwelling

SYNERGY This project negotiates between the coexistence of Arizona’s local flora and fauna with the added architectural intervention and its inhabitants. Working with the valley’s geological history, different techniques and operations are developed to manipulate the form at different scales. The project then refers to the desert’s primary elements: earth and rock formations to configure a highly textured surface that serves both the dwellers and surrounding non-human species.

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06. WHITE PAPER

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PROPOSED DISTRIBITION NETWORK

A: Drop-off Portals: Are the first nodes within the proposed network, these portals will accept incoming small-package freight and transfer it onto existing NYC-bound trains. There are a few criteria that qualify the viability of a portal. Location along arterial interstate truck routes, location in relation to NYC-bound rail transportation, physical connection to NYC-bound rail transportation, proximity to freight originating warehouses, train availability and reliability, dwell time, and freight intake capacity.

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Truck freight from New Jersey (NJ) warehouses will be conveniently dropped-off at night at viable portals locations so as to minimally hinder the operation of NJ trains. (While not considered in this paper, other outlining warehouse sites within State Island, Long Island, and Westchester have rail corridors as well as river corridors for consideration.) Incoming small-package freight must be previously sorted and it must enter these portals on storage containers, or pods, for increased convenience and maneuverability through the entire delivery journey.

B: Transfer Nodes: Major connection Station, 42nd Street-Grand Central a freight from NJ rail to NYC rail. Thes and flexibility of mobile robot units t form of rail to the other cheaply and autonomous robots can handle up up speeds of 5 mph.These robots an reliably to transfer small-package fre can be done in these stations to acc mechanical armature that aid the K

n nodes, 34th Street-Penn and Fulton Street, will transfer se stations will utilize the speed to interchange freight from one d reliably. Presently, Kiva systems, to 3,000 lbs of weight and move nd future iterations will be used eight onto Pod units. Retrofits commodate for necessary Kiva robots.

C: Train Modifications: Freight-carrying subway cars will be produced with a few simple alterations to existing cart stock.

Alterations will be made to 6 out of 11 cars. Alterations will include the removal of seats, installation of fastening mechanisms, and addition of overhead access openings. The MTA has previously investigated seatless trains on the subway in an effort to combat overcrowding. The remaining modifications are estimated to have marginal impact on ridership. Each car will accept and dispense pods organized and transferred via optimized sorting algorithms and algorithm-driven Kiva robots. Based on the capacity of a R-142 Rail Car, each subway car will transport up to 24 pods, or 144 pods per train. These cars will receive and deliver freight on an Off-Peak service schedule to remove potential friction between passengers.

Operating between late night hours of midnight and 6:30 A.M. ensures that minimal amount of contact is made between civilians and Kiva’s.

D: Community Distribution Hubs: Currently, delivery demand is met through rented and private delivery vehicles that offload packages onto sidewalks and streets, complicating the patterns of public space.

Hyper Local Community Distribution Hubs (HCDH) will reimagine this dynamic by accepting packages arriving from the subway via Kiva robots into dedicated drop-off zones.

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NYCHA + MTA INFRASTRUCTION INTEGRATION

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Disaggregated Urban Freight Consolidation: Each HCDH is estimated to service a 1.5 mile delivery radius, this allows the packages to be consolidated within close proximity of neighborhoods.

This short radius shortens the distance between consumers and their packages, allowing for deliveries to be made via foot or bike.

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underutilized NYCHA locations parcel's f inal destination distribution hub MTA system 4

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PROPOSED HYPER- CONCENTRATED DISTRIBUTION HUB (HCDH)

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parcel fulf illment core logistics storage parcel processing community spaces MTA connection

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Nicolas Fuertes La Rotta

SELECTED WORKS 2023