Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Alvarez.
Hi Andrea, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born and raised in Guadalajara, Mexico, and spent most of my summers in Houston, where I visited museums and discovered art, thanks to my oldest sister. Fascinated by the natural light filtering through The Menil Collection’s structure and the quiet serenity of its patios; then captivated by the paintings at the Rothko Chapel and the entire experience at the Dan Flavin installation. Those subtle but powerful moments, were the beginning of my interest in architecture.
Spending a year in Florence, Italy after graduating high school, confirmed my decision to pursue Architecture in college. Fortunate to learn from inspiring professors such as Magui Peredo (Macias Peredo) and Alejandro Guerrero (Atelier ARS) as well as Studio trips to Mexico City and Portugal, deepened my passion for the profession, moved by the poetic potential of design.
Life opportunities brought me to Dallas nearly a decade ago. After working with several small firms, I launched my own practice, Andrea Alvarez Studio, in April 2024. My first project was designing the new office space for my dear friends at HOCKER, marking the beginning of an incredible journey that continues to evolve through new collaborations and opportunities.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Aware that many of the challenges I have faced come from a place of privilege, the path that has shaped me has always required resilience, intention, discipline, and a constant pursuit of growth. From my early teens, I learned how to be financially responsible for myself. My time in Florence required me to be completely financially independent if I wanted to remain there. Later on, securing financial aid for college, and working internships to cover tuition, supplies, and everyday expenses.
The journey has never been easy or straightforward, but my curiosity and high personal standards have continually pushed me to set ambitious aspirations. My passion for life, combined with determination and perseverance, has allowed me to move forward achieving my goals, adapting, and evolving. I am deeply grateful to have faced each step with the support and encouragement of my mother, siblings, and closest friends.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Andrea Alvarez Studio focuses on creating thoughtful, site-responsive designs that enhance the human experience through natural light, materiality, and spatial quality. Prioritizing how a space is going to feel—its atmosphere—rather than only how it will look.
My work ranges from residential new construction, additions and remodels, to pavilions, boutique commercial projects, and interiors. I see each project as an opportunity to collaborate with peers and other professionals, but what matters most to me is how these carry the opportunity to impact lives through space.
Beyond the studio, I am actively involved in teaching, mentorship, and community engagement. As an adjunct assistant professor at the University of Texas at Arlington, one of my goals is to spark curiosity and inspire students, believing that this is what shapes them into not only better designers, but ultimately more conscious and empathetic humans. This involvement deeply informs my professional practice, reinforcing my belief that Architecture is most meaningful when it builds relationships—between people, disciplines, and the environments we inhabit.
How do you think about happiness?
As you can probably tell from my other responses, I like to live life intensely. I try to be fully present in everything I do and rarely sit still—but when I do, I enjoy every second of it. To me, there is a quiet poetry in the ordinary: observing the passing of time through light and shadows, is my favorite one. To notice and experience these moments is to remember that life is not only made of grand milestones, but also of the simple gestures that shape our days.
Spending time with my family, traveling and eating good food are always at the top of my list. Swimming in lakes, running, training, and racing have been constant sources of joy in recent years. Since August, teaching at UTA has brought me immense fulfillment—sharing experiences with my students and hoping to offer even a fraction of the guidance and inspiration my own professors gave me.
In short: a balance between solitude and silence, & the warmth of deep conversations and community. Being present and living purposefully; reacting to life, not just going with the flow.
Contact Info:
- Website: andreaalvarez.me
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/andreaalvarez.studio/
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-alvarez-studio/
Image Credits
Zach Warner Adam Stewart VER3D RAUM
