Uribe Schwarzkopf and LA Arquitectos

Specialized in Design.

Uribe Schwarzkopf and LA Arquitectos

About Uribe Schwarzkopf and LA Arquitectos

Our office has been formed from our personal experiences. The fact that both partners transitioned from a more traditional background to contemporary education has influenced us and nurtured our growth and also allowed for a better understanding of our different surroundings. Having worked in multiple countries and traveled around the many extremes of the world gave us the tools to help move a local Ecuadorian architecture to a global perspective and push our personal agendas of materiality and form. The unique experiences constantly provoque conversation for the opportunities of creating a better place with the simplicity of good design.

  • Winner of the A' Design Award.
  • Specialized in Design.
  • Original Design.
  • Creative, Diligent and Innovative.
  • All Designs

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Interview with Uribe Schwarzkopf and LA Arquitectos

Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?
My background starts with my personal connection to nature by growing up in the woods. Nature inspired me to be a designer from early age.
Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
In our design studio we try to bring international and diverse backgrounds that help us produce diverse projects.
What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
A tree. Because they have so many qualities that are impressive. A tree is aesthetically pleasing, has a strong sense of materiality, and is complex and it has a function.
What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
I have many favorite materials, platforms and technologies. They all go in cycles and they depend on the projects.
Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
The sculptural aspect and the playfulness during the early stages of design.
What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
More than emotion, an accomplishment that I have learned something and also sense of relief.
From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
A designer has a responsibility to create a product that is efficient and aesthetically pleasing.
How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?
Contemporary. Be connected to what is happening now and what will happen in the future.
Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?
I have lived in Northern Michigan, Los Angeles, Detroit, Seattle, Italy, Dubai and Ecuador. All of these places have had an major impact on my design process.
Can you talk a little about your design process?
I start with a 3D cube based on the site of the project. This is a cube that gets modified, sculpted and perfected with the understanding of different constraints. Needs and energies continually shape the object.
Can you describe a day in your life?
Every day is different depending on what needs to be done. But it always starts with a good cup of coffee. Site visits, clients calls, research, emails... etc.
From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
The positive is to be part of making the community better and creating inspirations that can amazed in others. The negative is to fight to break the rules.
Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
I reach into my past education and continuing education. I use anything and everything available to me, there is no one thing i use more than the other.
Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
Designing small or big things is equally demanding. Therefore I try to see the big picture first to use my working hours accordingly and efficiently.
What are your future plans? What is next for you?
We are working on a private residence on the outskirts of Quito. Always looking for the next project to see where it will take us.
Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
It depends on the project. I typically work in the design phase with my partner Gabriela Anker and then we open it up to the rest of our team.
Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
We have in the works a 24 story residential tower named “ONE”, also, a private residence known as Selva Alegre, among others.
How can people contact you?
You can contact me via phone at +593 98448 4987 or via email at aaron@laarquitectos.com

Extended Interview with Uribe Schwarzkopf and LA Arquitectos

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?
My firm has two principals with two very different backgrounds. I am from the Upper Peninsula in Michigan. I grew up in Upper Michigan and went to the University of Michigan for my undergraduate studies in Architecture. I have worked in Seattle and Detroit before moving to Los Angeles for my Masters at SCIARC. My partner Gabriela Anker was raised and born in Quito Ecuador. She did her undergrad studies at the University of Virginia, and then move to New York for a couple of years before her entering her masters studies. She also did her masters at SCIARC where we met. We have two very different backgrounds and travel experiences that enriched our practice. We solve our design projects from different perspectives but merge them to make for a more rich result. We love to add personality to our designs and by being different we are able to provide that.
How did you become a designer?
As a designer we are able to reach into the natural needs and interests of human beings. For me it is fascinating to bring this kind of services and influence the way a person sees its surroundings and start respecting and caring for it.
What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?
I decided to become a designer since I can remember. I always have liked buildings, creating things with my hands and mind. For me it was mind blowing to think that the elements and spaces within my mind could be represented and materialized. Even more mesmerizing was to think that some else can be part of this idea and eventually occupy, enjoy and share it
Which emotions do you feel when designing?
Anything that is unconventional that demands creative solutions. My practice is particularly in Architecture. But for me our design is everywhere so I am always open to interesting projects
What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?
Work hard, do not give up and give it a chance. If you fail learn from it and get up. If you succeed take it with a grain of salt and keep moving.
What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?
Try new things never be satisfied. Having motivation. Always keep learning and experimenting. Also, having a little luck to be able to show and prove how good you can be.
What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?
Great design has heart, and lives of its self. Good design keeps growing and reproducing, as well as being adaptive and changing. When a design is able to become iconic and essential for living you have created a good organism. If it creates an impact and improves the way you live then you have created really good design.
You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?
The value of good design is the appreciation for creative and alternative solutions for unknown outcomes.
What is your day to day look like?
I would design essential living tools for people that do not have the opportunity to hire an architect.
How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?
My recipe is dedication and iteration. Do it over and over again until you get it right, and it evolves into what it needs to be.
What is your biggest design work?
John Lautner, because he was a forward thinking architect, under appreciated for his time. He created harmonious relationships between his clients, the surroundings and nature. The relationships between these elements were flawless and in sync.
Who is your favourite designer?
The creation of humans (our kids). For me they are the perfect organisms that are perfectly design to its smallest part.
Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?
Keep your eyes open, pay attentions to your surroundings and its behaviors. Just remember to look up and enjoy each day.
Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?
Inventor, Architects are limited to physical objects and inventors have no limitations.
What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?
Everyone in my life had an influence on my career. I think that learning to appreciate your surrounding have been my biggest support.

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