RA, EDAC, AIA, NCARB

MARVEL

Ernesto Vázquez is an architect certified as EDAC (Evidence-Based Design Accreditation and Certification) by the Center for Health Design, specializing in the design of healthcare facilities. With over 10 years of experience, he has led notable projects such as Casa Kai in Santurce, Far Rockaway Village with over 2,000 affordable housing units in Queens, NY, the Mayagüez Master Plan integrating BIM and CIM, the Master Plan for the Universidad del Sagrado Corazón in Santurce, and has served as a consultant for the Puerto Rico Planning Board in collaboration with the firm Adaptable Paths for the Land Use Plan.

A graduate of the University of Puerto Rico, he furthered his education with studies in urban planning at the Technical School of Architecture of Seville, Spain, and obtained a certification in heritage historical studies through an exchange program at the Università di Corsica Pasquale Paoli in Corsica, France.

He currently works as a Senior Architect at Marvel Architects, leading projects between the New York and San Juan offices, integrating urbanism and design with a strong commitment to communities and the environment. Additionally, he has taught at the School of Architecture at the Pontifical Catholic University in Ponce, Puerto Rico.

RA, NOMA, NCARB, LEED Green Associate

MARVEL

Mel Loyola Agosto is an architect at MARVEL, based in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Raised in Texas, she later moved to the East Coast to pursue her college education. After earning a BFA in Film/Animation/Video, she worked in the art department for film, theatre, animation, and installation projects. Her interest in the built environment and its social impacts led her to pursue an M.Arch, transitioning into the field of architecture.

After more than a decade of living and working in NYC, Mel relocated to Puerto Rico, where she continues to contribute to initiatives and projects in both locations.

She is an active member of nycoba|NOMA, the New York Chapter of NOMA, and is currently serving as the Chapter Historian. 

AIT, Assoc. AIA, CODDI, CAAPPR, PMI

SFC Architects

Keren Ivette López Hernández is a Licensed Interior Designer and Associate Architect at SCF Arquitectos, specializing in high-end residential, commercial, and adaptive reuse projects. She holds a Bachelor of Interior Design with a concentration in Sustainability from the University of Puerto Rico, Carolina, and Master’s degrees in Architecture and Construction Project Management both from the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras. Her notable contributions include Casa Dorado Beach - La Cala, OPUS-Miramar, and the Universidad Central del Caribe Library. Beyond her work at SCF, she is a Professor of Interior Design at the University of Puerto Rico, where she mentors the next generation of designers. She is also a dedicated mother, balancing leadership in design with a passion for education and innovation.

AIT

Victor Emilio Blay Rullán earned his Bachelor's degree in Environmental Design and his Master's degree in Architecture from the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus. He has experience managing CDBG-DR and FEMA-funded projects, which he worked on in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Saipan.

From 2018 to 2023, he served as Program Design Manager at Benítez, Ramos & Associates LCC, where he oversaw the design operations for hundreds of homes destroyed in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. He also led a team of over a dozen experts from various disciplines in reconstruction efforts.

Throughout his professional career, he also worked for the firm L.A. Arquitectos and served as administrator of the Casa del Libro Museum Library, where he was responsible for organizing exhibitions and coordinating events, among other duties. From 2007 to 2014, he was part of the firm Jorge Rigau Arquitectos as an intern, contributing to research projects such as the Irrigation Canals of Isabela and publications like Puerto Rico Then & Now.

Since 2023, he has been serving as the Executive Director of the Puerto Rico College of Architects and Landscape Architects.

AIT, AIA Assoc. 

MARVEL

Jean Carlos is a young industry leader integrating BIM and GIS into professional practice and an Intermediate Architectural Designer at Marvel’s San Juan office. He holds a Bachelor of Environmental Design with studies in Art History, magna cum laude, and a NAAB-accredited Master of Architecture degree from the University of Puerto Rico School of Architecture. During his time as a student, he participated in the TU Delft Design and Planning with Water Workshop 2015, the UPR Center for Research and Design 2015, the Stanford University Globally Distributed Design Lab 2016, and the MIT Urban Risk Lab 2017-2018. As a student leader, his 2016 presidency of the AIAS UPR Student Chapter provided him with national exposure at the AIAS Global Committee to mentor the Ciudad Juarez and the American University in Cairo, AIAS student chapter. 

With seven years of professional experience at local interior design, design research, and engineering firms, Jean’s work at Marvel has enabled him to collaborate interdisciplinarily with licensed professionals through different project phases of adaptive reuse, urban design, landscape, academic, and institutional projects in Puerto Rico and New York. In 2023, Jean was selected by Marvel’s leadership as part of the next generation of leaders in architecture under the age of 30 to participate in the first cohort of the prestigious Metropolis Magazine Arch30 Program in New York. During his free time, Jean is also a cuatrista who enjoys nature walks and creating spontaneous Instagram reels and TikTok content with the intent to connect with people and build a community around shared interests. His interests include architecture, design, professional career development, interactive and collaborative workshops, men’s fashion, material assemblies, and the Cuatro Puertorriqueño.

AIA

ECo PSC

Tamara Elena is a licensed architect who firmly believes in design as a tool for positive change. Since her time as a student at the University of Puerto Rico, she has been an outspoken advocate for the issues she cares about, serving as Academic Senator and President of the Architecture School Student Council. Her pursuit of a rooted, inclusive, and sensitive approach to design led her to develop a Master’s thesis focused on a multiprogram urban space in Punta Las Marías. This project earned her the Best Thesis Award granted by the Colegio de Arquitectos y Arquitectos Paisajistas de Puerto Rico (CAAPPR), and capped an academic journey further recognized with the Jaime Cobas Medal.

In 2020, as a young practitioner, Tamara was elected as the first Puerto Rican to serve as Regional Associates Director for the AIA Florida-Caribbean Chapter, marking a milestone in regional representation.

In pursuit of what she hopes is a better version of herself, she has become a dedicated endurance athlete, participating in various running, open water swimming, cycling, and triathlon events both locally and internationally. This newfound passion has offered her an alternative lens through which to observe the built and natural environments, allowing her to identify key issues in how we collectively inhabit them.

Currently, as an architect at ECo, Tamara aims to continue challenging the boundaries of the profession’s deeper purpose and to help shape an empathetic, equitable, and sustainable practice in Puerto Rico.

AIT, Assoc. AIA

Marvel

Héctor Gabriel Rodríguez Burgos was born on November 15, 1994, in Ponce, Puerto Rico. From the age of seven, he was immersed in the world of sports through swimming, while simultaneously nurturing a strong interest in hand drawing and painting. He completed his secondary education at Guamani Private School in Guayama. During that time, he joined Taller D Espacio in Santurce, led by architects Alexandra Betancourt and Mayda Mayte—a formative experience that helped him identify the profession he would ultimately pursue.

He went on to earn a bachelor's degree in architecture from the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico, Ponce campus, along with a minor in the preservation and conservation of historic buildings. As part of his academic journey, he participated in international workshops in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, and Segovia, Spain, which focused on conceptual collaboration and tourism-based city comparisons.

After completing his studies, Héctor began his professional career at AD Design, a firm specializing in interior design, particularly in kitchens, closet modules, bathrooms, and small-scale construction. The company is known for its work with the Italian kitchen line Molteni/Dada. This experience enabled him to begin taking on his own kitchen remodeling projects for private clients.

In 2018, Héctor joined Marvel Architects, where he continues to grow professionally, with nearly seven years of experience in the field of architecture.

AIT

Architectural Studio

Jacqueline S. Rosario Recci is the oldest of two siblings in a family of four, daughter of Ramón and Jacqueline. A native of Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, she studied a bachelor's degree in Environmental Design at the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras campus.

She continued her studies for a master's degree in Architecture at her alma mater.  Jacqueline is an introverted, dedicated, respectful, observative and detail-oriented person. Her great passion is playing basketball, which she practiced since she was 9 years old, playing during her college years in the Jerezanas team at IUPI Rio Piedras, until she had the opportunity to play in the BSNF league in Puerto Rico. Her favorite hobbies are photography, listening to music, reading about saints' lives, observing nature and playing basketball. During her college years she collaborated in the TECHO volunteer project; which after Hurricane Maria helped build temporary housing for vulnerable and impoverished communities. Afterwards she visited Panama where she participated again as a construction leader with the organization TECHO Panama.

In Puerto Rico she then collaborates with Techos Pa' Mi Gente, another non-profit organization with the same purpose. Professionally she is Project Design Manager at Architectural Studio, where she has been collaborating since 2020. She has participated in residential, commercial and institutional projects within the firm under the supervision of the architects: Brenda Garcia Sosa, Jorge Ramirez Buxeda and Jonathan Rocafort Caro.  Some of the projects in which she has contributed, as project and design leader, that have received recognition by the AIA Puerto Rico as AIA Florida are: Lala Restaurant, FRSH Store and the Guayama Convention Center.  The kind of architecture to which she aspires as a professional is a participatory, collaborative architecture that gives the user a great capacity to take ownership of it. 

AIA

Benitez, Ramos & Associates LLC

Jean A. Vidal De León, born on September 27, 1995, is a licensed architect with a deep passion for reading and poetry. From an early age, he developed an interest in architecture and the impact that physical and environmental settings can have on the experiences and emotions of those who inhabit them. This calling led him to complete his master’s degree in architecture in 2019.

With over nine years of experience, he has contributed to various phases of a wide range of projects, including private residences, commercial spaces, hotels, hospitals, educational institutions, sports facilities, recreational areas, and industrial buildings, among others. Throughout his career, his approach has remained consistent: designing spaces that tell a story and create meaningful experiences.

He is currently the founder of Ideas Design Studio LLC, a firm dedicated to transforming concepts into innovative projects. Firmly believing in the power of storytelling in architecture, he sees each space as having the potential to communicate and evoke emotion.

Beyond design, and influenced by his parents—both Spanish teachers—writing and poetry hold a fundamental place in his life. Through his texts, he explores emotions, ideas, and reflections, a process that has brought him to the final stages of completing his first publication.

His mission is to continue growing, leaving a mark both in the world of architecture and literature.

AIT, AIA Assoc.

Valerie Colón Ramírez is a Project and Program Manager with over five years of experience in construction project management, leading multimillion-dollar construction and housing recovery projects. She specializes in federally funded initiatives and has played a key role in Puerto Rico’s recovery efforts. As a Program Manager under the CDBG-DR R3 program, she led operations for a top-tier firm among the 10 Construction Manager firms driving Puerto Rico’s recovery. Passionate about innovation and strategic leadership, Valerie is dedicated to advancing the architectural and construction industries with vision, efficiency, and impact.

AIT

Puerto Rico, 1996. 

Architect, photography enthusiast, and film aficionado. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico with a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture in 2020. With nearly a decade of experience in both professional practice and independent projects, he has emerged as a leading designer within a prominent and award-winning local firm known as ECo. Possessing a distinctive blend of architectural expertise and artistic vision, he is recognized as a valuable asset within the industry, leaving an enduring impact on the built environment, design innovation, and the future of architectural practice in Puerto Rico.

AIT

With a B.Arch from the School of Architecture at PUCPR in Ponce, Carlos D. Vigo Soto is a designer with 10 years of experience in New York, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico. His professional journey encompasses a wide range of projects, from single-family homes to commercial developments and large-scale, multifaceted government complexes.

Among his most notable contributions are the NYC Boroughs-Based Jails Program, over 10 interior remodels of NYPD precincts, renovations to the Queens Botanical Garden, and PR Innova Schools, among others.

Passionate about the profession, design, and collaborative work, Carlos Vigo seeks to actively engage with the community, contributing his knowledge and experience to foster positive dialogue and exchange.

MARVEL

Alejandra del Pilar is a Senior Designer at Marvel Designs with nine years of experience in architecture and design. She holds a professional Bachelor of Architecture from the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico in 2016 and a Master's Degree in Design and Brand Strategy from the University of Barcelona in 2021. Her academic and professional journey includes publications on architectural research and collaboration in award-winning competitions.

Throughout her career, she has worked in various roles, from project architect to project manager, with experience managing projects in California. She has also collaborated with local firms on distinguished projects.

Currently at Marvel, she leads projects ranging from housing developments in New York, hospitality, interior design, and graphic design projects. Her leadership promotes collaboration and creativity, ensuring a successful design process. Alejandra continually develops solutions that blend technical expertise with innovative vision, integrating branding strategies into architectural design to create impactful and relevant outcomes.

AIA

ALMATERIA

Sebastián Feliciano is an aspiring architect with a solid background in architectural discipline, having completed a Master's in Architecture and a Bachelor's in Environmental Design at the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras. In addition to his studies in architecture, he has completed a two-year specialization at Rise-Up, focusing on Resilient Infrastructure and Sustainability Education. As an Associate member of the AIA and a member of the Colegio de Arquitectos y Arquitectos Paisajistas de Puerto Rico, Sebastián is committed to advancing sustainable design practices. Recognized for his diligence, versatility, and innovative mindset, he excels under pressure, consistently delivering exceptional service and fostering strong teamwork. His quick thinking, analytical reasoning skills, and problem-solving ability are essential to his approach to each project.

AIT, LEED Green Assoc.

V Architecture

Designer & Project Manager, currently part of V Architecture’s V Interiors Department. Her work

portfolio includes residential, commercial and hospitality design. This experience has provided a

holistic skillset to manage projects throughout their full development, from conceptual design to

construction.

Artist & Founder of Aleeneado, a design brand based on art created with a single line; a linear

language with it’s own norms and maneuvers. As an independent artist and design enthusiast,

her attention to detail, and creative vision comes to life in her work. Functionality, simplicity and

details are some of her fundamental elements of design. Her roles as mother, designer and

professional inspire her to contribute to Puerto Rico’s development.

Anaida has a Master’s Degree in Architecture from the University of Puerto Rico; and a

Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Design from the same Institution, during which she did a

semester abroad at Escuela Técnica Superior de Arquitectura de Madrid. She is a LEED®

Green Associate accredited by the U.S. Green Building Council. Currently pursuing the

Architectural professional license.

Kimberly Galán Pérez is a graduate of the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico. Throughout her academic journey, she actively participated in various social workshops across Latin America. With five years of experience, the majority of which has been dedicated to inspection work, Kimberly has contributed to projects for the Department of Education and the Municipality of San Juan. She was also involved in the inspection of "The Bookmark" project at "Liberty Square," located in San Patricio Plaza.

Additionally, Kimberly is a nurse and graduated from the University of Puerto Rico in Arecibo. Among her hobbies are reading, as well as collecting exotic plants and cameras.