How important are The International Design & Architecture Awards?
I believe it is of the utmost importance to showcase your work on international platforms, to gauge what’s happening in other places, and to evaluate how close or far we are from that global perception.
What projects are you currently working on?
I’m designing several residences in the south of Mexico City, mainly in collaboration with Mexican architect Antonio Farré. I’m also working a lot in Acapulco, as it has become a place of reconstruction and renovation following the devastating hurricanes that hit this iconic city in recent years.
What was your favourite project to work on and why?
The project I’m presenting in this competition, CASA CICLÓN, is one of my favorites due to the kinds of challenges I faced and because of the amazing owners—their interest and trust in my work, while giving me a lot of creative freedom really made this project one of the closest to my heart.
What was your most challenging project to work on and why?
It’s always a challenge to work with top-tier architects; it’s essential to read and understand their architecture to then translate it into furniture and accessories that ultimately highlight the space, bring them closer to people, and make them livable. You could say I’m a person who connects bricks with human beings.
What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
To lay a strong foundation for those who will follow in my footsteps. That means continuing to write columns for specialized magazines and to work on my books and upcoming TV shows, as I have been doing so far.
Your most treasured possession?
When I finish a project that has been especially difficult—whether due to the work itself, the distance, or a demanding client—I buy myself a special watch. Each of these pieces tells a story of effort and overcoming obstacles. Every time I wear one of these watches and look at the time, I am reminded of my resilience, my perseverance, and how if I really put my mind to it, I can overcome whatever life throws my way.
Your favourite holiday destination?
In general, I like to visit culturally rich cities filled with museums, theaters, parks, and restaurants. Lately, however, I’ve begun to see the city I live in—Mexico City—as an incredible “holiday destination” because it checks all those boxes and more; it is a wonderful place to explore on any occasion.
Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?
Hotel: Las Mañanitas in Cuernavaca, Morelos, MX.
Restaurant: San Ángel Inn in San Angel, Mexico City, MX.
Bar: Colonia Meadery in Juarez, Mexico City, MX.
Your favourite book, film & song?
Books: The Art of Loving – Erich Fromm
Ethics for Amador – Fernando Savater
The Alchemist – Paulo Coelho
Silk – Alessandro Baricco
Siddhartha – Hermann Hesse
Films: Gladiator and Ben-Hur
Song: México en la piel – Luis Miguel
Your favourite food and drink?
Food: Quesadillas
Drink: Any mezcal mixology
Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
Listening to music with someone and sharing a glass of white wine.
If you weren’t in this sector, what would you alternative profession be?
Pop singer.
Anything else interesting?
These days, my greatest inspiration is music. I’m very interested in the world of opera. For me, it’s a way to connect with world history, human beings, and their emotions—how love, disappointment, failure, and triumph are understood. I find it fascinating to learn how set design and performances have evolved, while the music remains timeless and continues to resonate deeply within us.
In my life, I’ve often stood at a crossroads where fame and success seemed more attractive than other aspects of my life. But I’ve always taken a moment to reflect: What would success and fame mean if I didn’t have a husband and family to share my triumphs with? That perspective has marked me—it has made me slow down and enjoy the journey together.
