Can you tell us about your journey into architecture?
I’m Colombian, but it was in Spain that I truly found my direction. I began my studies in Colombia, but when I arrived at the Polytechnic University of Madrid, I discovered a more rigorous, technical approach—and I loved it.
Since I was a kid, I’ve loved shaping things, playing with clay, and building little structures. That childhood curiosity evolved into a deep desire to understand how things are built. At university, I took every structural course available. I ended up specializing in construction systems because I didn’t just want to imagine buildings—I tried to make them real.
What was the project that shaped your career the most?
There have been several, but the most defining one was a pharmaceutical complex in Madrid, over 100,000 m². I was hired to model a few things, but I did everything—structures, MEP, even pest control systems. We created a complete digital twin before people even used that term.
Everything was managed from the model: room temperatures, valves, plant data… In 2015, Autodesk recognized it as a success story. That project confirmed how transformative good technology can be when applied thoughtfully.
What tools and technologies do you use today?
Revit is still the core of my modeling work. For cost and quantity planning, I use Presto. Autodesk Construction Cloud allows me to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. And more recently, I’ve been using AI tools like Gemini and NotebookLM. They help me organize thoughts and structure complex information. Sometimes, asking an AI how to manage something is faster than manually figuring it out.
I also use platforms like SNAGIT to create tutorials and visual guides. It’s often easier to explain something with an image than with words.
Who inspires your practice?
Álvaro Siza impacted me early on. I once saw him solve a design issue with just three lines—it felt like watching magic. He had a poetic connection to space and landscape. On the tech side, I deeply admire Fernando Valderrama, creator of Presto. He’s a visionary with a systems mindset, not just a tools mindset.
What does community mean to you?
Community means everything. I’m actively involved in groups like EUBIM, where I was recognized as a standout expert and part of networks in Colombia and Madrid. For me, growing professionally isn’t about knowing everything; it’s about having people around you who know, and building together.
Teaching is also central to who I am. Being a professor keeps me grounded and always learning. My students sometimes push me out of my comfort zone, which I love.
What advice would you give to young architects?
Embrace change, stay curious, and don’t be afraid of technology. University is just the beginning. Today, we can access incredible tools—AI, free courses, and whole communities. You need motivation and consistency.
How do you see the future of architecture?
BIM is evolving into a decision-making platform, not just a modeling tool. It’s not about drawing in 3D—it’s about managing data and making wise decisions at every stage.
Technology should enhance our judgment, not replace it. That’s the future I believe in.
