What defines an architect’s success? Why do projects develop in a certain way? Where does the inspiration to create large-scale works of art come from? In an interview with Nolab Alonso de Garay shares his perspective as an experienced architect in Mexico and the world.
Architecture should speak of its time and place, but yearn for timelessness.
Frank Gehry, winner of the Pritzker Prize.
In 2013 Alonso de Garay, after having worked in the office of Norman Foster and living for several years in New York, decided to open his firm ADG Workshop on his return to Mexico.
During his stay in the United States, a turning point occurs in his professional career where he realizes that it is time to embark on his own path.
Thus begins a history of successes, challenges and projects of national and international reference that have given him the opportunity to experience and demonstrate that architectural talent is a reality in Mexico.
In Alonso’s words: “What best describes our work is the design process we follow… it is not an architecture that seeks to make and follow trends. It is simply an architecture that seeks to be as honest as possible with the project, with the client and with the site. We studied each of those variables very well and tried to come up with the most sensible solution for us.”
De Garay says that one of his main sources of inspiration during the development of a project is the environment. The qualities of the space where a new project is to be built are critical to deciphering how the spaces will actually function.
While the architect’s initial vision should inspire the upcoming work, it should always be an obligation to design and develop a space in function of the site, one that makes sense and is useful.
Beauty comes as a consequence of having a well-done design process.
Alonso de Garay, founder of Taller ADG.
March 2020: a before and after in the design process
For Alonso and his team, methodology and efficiency were decisive factors in the survival of their projects during Mexico’s major pandemic crisis. Adapting the dynamics of a workshop where the vast majority of activities are performed manually to a digital environment was a challenge that opened new vistas in their designs .
“I remember before the pandemic, making a building with a balcony, it was outside normal standards. It only increased the price of the apartment and the user had to clean it constantly. But in the middle of the pandemic, what anyone would have given to have that little balcony where you could go out and breathe air… you start to find value in things that before, it seems, didn’t have it.
Reasons to build a better country
Alonso’s personality and experience have been important factors in the development of innovative projects in Mexico. Much of his interest in rethinking and reevaluating Mexico’s urban landscape can be seen in his studio’s constant initiative to participate in competitions and tenders for representative works such as the new CDMX airport and MUTEC.
On the other hand, social awareness has been a key element in artistic and architectural creation. Shortly after the tremor that shook Mexico in 2017, Natalia Lafourcade and Alonso de Garay decided to join forces to recover the cultural space Son Jarocho Documentation Center in Jáltipan de Morelos, Veracruz.
This project represented an important challenge in terms of funding the work and a series of concerts were held with the participation of figures such as Mon Laferte, Carlos Rivera and Augusto Bracho .
For Alonso, the Son Jarocho Documentation Center is one of the best examples to communicate that a different architectural proposal is not just for a privileged social sector. And it is fundamental to represent how mankind has evolved its way of living.
Promoting public infrastructure and decent housing for people will always be a reason to continue developing unique and accessible projects.
Valle de Bravo: a blank canvas for habitability
There is no doubt that standards have changed and today luxury is no longer necessarily opulence, but can be translated as high quality spaces, design proposal, location and functionality with the environment .
Valle de Bravo, in that sense, turns out to be an idyllic scenario to develop disruptive and unique real estate projects for people looking for new living experiences. All this without having to travel long distances.
The flatness of Avándaro, the woodland surrounding the area and the orientation to the sun were key elements in achieving good lighting, eliminating internal humidity in the residences and achieving an atmosphere of adequate habitability.
New projects with functional perspectives
Looking to the future, Alonso shared with us the desire to create new living experiences oriented to the pleasure of living with a focus on innovation and functionality.
Classic and contemporary play with each other to create a balance and harmony of spaces that promote the interaction of a central community. All of this can be done in a relatively small space, but it makes the most of its resources and possibilities.
See here our full interview with Alonso de Garay of Taller ADG
We loved collaborating with Alonso and his team for the development of this material, and we hope you enjoyed learning more about his creative process.
Remember that in Nolab we have at your disposal the best properties in Valle de Bravo so you can live the adventure to the fullest. Contact us at to find the home of your dreams.
