Today, I’m joined by someone very special: Karla Armas. We met back in 2019 at Miami Dade College and went through the highs and lows of architecture school together at FIU.

Karla’s journey stands out because she didn’t follow the conventional path after graduation. Instead of joining an architecture firm, she stepped into the real state development and construction world, where she found a passion she never expected.

This episode is all about exploring how a background in architecture can lead to so much more and why success doesn’t always mean following the traditional route.

I’m thrilled to welcome two incredibly inspiring guests: Laura de la Vega and Adrián Aranda, the creative force behind "Estudio Laava", a Miami-based studio known for their thoughtful and expressive approach to residential, commercial, and artistic projects.

You might already be familiar with one of their standout works—an unforgettable art installation along "The Underline" here in Miami. But what makes their story even more compelling is how it began. Laura and Adrián have a long story of friendship, who eventually grew into a shared creative journey that led them to collaborate professionally. After pursuing their studies —Laura at FIU and Adrián at FSU— their paths crossed again with "The Underline" project, which marked a turning point. The success of that work sparked a wave of new opportunities and ultimately gave birth to "Estudio Laava" as a full-time practice.

I can’t wait for you to hear more about their journey, their process, and what’s next for them.

Joining us is Ecem, an undergraduate architectural student completing her Master's Degree at FIU. Ecem brings a unique perspective shaped by her personal journey. Originally from Turkey, she moved to the U.S. nine years ago with her brother and sister-in-law, embarking on a challenging path filled with cultural and language barriers. Despite these obstacles, Ecem has forged her own path in architecture, embracing the opportunities at Florida International University to grow as a designer and as a person. Today, she’s here to share her inspiring story of perseverance, her experiences as an architecture student, and the perspectives through which she views the built environment. Let’s get started!

Today we have a truly inspiring guest, Ephraim James. He graduated in architecture in 2024 from Florida International University, completing a remarkable journey of resilience and determination that spanned a decade. His story is one of perseverance through challenges, showcasing his passion and unwavering commitment to his dreams.

Ephraim is not just a designer but also a talented artist with a deep love for sports, particularly basketball. This year, he combined his passions in a unique way by winning a design competition for a basketball court created specifically for a homeless shelter, a powerful testament to his belief in using design to make a meaningful impact.

Currently working full-time at an architectural office, Ephraim is continuing to build his career and aspires to obtain his architectural license in the future. His journey is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the pursuit of making a difference through design. Let’s dive into his inspiring story.

Hoy conversamos con Samuel Hurtado, un diseñador, artista y tatuador cuyo enfoque combina creatividad, innovación y una gran versatilidad. Samuel emigró de Venezuela, enfrentándose a barreras como el idioma y la adaptación a un nuevo entorno. Con determinación, ha superado estos desafíos, estableciéndose como un profesional destacado en múltiples disciplinas. Actualmente, trabaja en DOO Architecture, también comparte su conocimiento como profesor en la Universidad Internacional de la Florida (FIU). Es un apasionado de la tecnología, especialmente del uso de la máquina CNC, con las que da vida a sus ideas. Exploramos su viaje único en el mundo del diseño, el arte y la enseñanza.

I’m excited to introduce Claudia Lopez, a talented designer currently working at G. Alvarez Studio in Miami. Claudia and I go way back to 2018 when we first worked together at 2 Plus Architects. Since then, I’ve had the pleasure of watching her career unfold, staying in touch as we both navigated our paths in the architecture and design world.

At G. Alvarez Studio, Claudia has found a space where she’s been able to truly grow. Her journey there reflects not only her dedication to her work but also her incredible patience, courage, and the way she holds onto her beliefs. G. Alvarez Studio, known for its innovative and community-focused design approach, has given her a platform to develop her skills and make an impact. I can’t wait to dive into her journey, hear more about her role, and explore the exciting projects she's been part of.

We are diving into the world of the young and talent designer, Shend Bejkollari, a rising architect originally from Tirana, Albania. Currently an undergraduate at Florida International University, Shend has already made an impact, working alongside Professor Fernando Herrera on FIU’s Microhousing competition and co-founding Escape Studios, which is dedicated to creating immersive spaces that provoke thought and push the boundaries of conventional design.

Beyond architecture, Shend has a passion for painting, photography, and politics, all of which fuel his creative vision. Let’s get into his journey and inspirations!

Greg Rendon is a distinguished designer from the office STRANG Design in Miami. He has been recognized for his impressive contributions to architecture, including a Merit Award for Camp Wesumkee and both Citation and Design Awards of Honor for the Langston Hughes Literary Center.

His Master's project, "The Wall: Redefining Limits in Suburban Corridors", also received high acclaim. His published works, Infill Housing, Park-ing, and Heart of the City, highlight his innovative approach to urban challenges.

Alanis Barreiro, Interior Architecture student at Florida International University (FIU). His passion for design is reflected in his portfolio, with an innovative approach to his projects. Seek beauty in life and promote a positive outlook to thrive.

Mariana Lora is a Master of Architecture student at FIU and a Verdora Studio intern. Her innovative approach and dedication set her apart in the world of architectural design. Discover their vision and projects in our podcast.