Interview with Carlos Arnaiz

WHAT’S YOUR NAME?

Carlos Arnaiz

WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO CHOOSE THE FIELD OF ARCHITECTURE?

I studied philosophy and environmental sciences before pursuing architecture. I was deeply curious about abstract philosophical concepts, and I discovered that architecture was where I could draw those connections and combine an abstract way of thinking with something more tangible and grounded.

WHAT TYPE OF WORK ARE YOU MOST INTERESTED IN?

I’m interested in projects where the clients want to create a positive impact on communities. They can be of all scales, small or big. What’s key is that the client wants to do something good, and sees architecture and space as an opportunity to intervene and create some kind of alchemy.

WHAT HAVE BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGES SINCE OBTAINING YOUR ARCHITECTURE DEGREE?

Expanding into new markets. We’re lucky to have clients from Asia, South America, and North America. It’s always an interesting challenge to break into new geographies, build relationships, and establish trust in those environments.

WHAT DID YOU LIKE ABOUT ARCHITECTURE SCHOOL?

I loved it. I got to dabble in urbanism and landscape while I was studying architecture. I was constantly surrounded by different ideas and different professionals who had new approaches and perspectives on how to create all sorts of outcomes and impacts on the environment.

ANY CRITICISMS OF THE ARCHITECTURE EDUCATION EXPERIENCE?

It doesn’t highlight the business side of architecture, which is considered to be boring and dirty. I think it’s actually very interesting. There’s a lot of impact and development that happens there, and there’s plenty of room to innovate in that space. It’s underappreciated.