AIA Puerto Rico, A Chapter of the American Institute of Architects
Is a licensed architect with experience in California and Puerto Rico. He is currently an Adjunct Professor of Advanced Design at the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico and previously served as Director of Architecture Programs at Universidad Ana G. Méndez.
He holds a Doctorate in Design from Florida International University (FIU), a Master of Science in Architectural Technologies from SCI-Arc, and a Bachelor of Architecture from the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico, with minors in urbanism and law. He contributes as a visiting team member for the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) and has participated in developing the ARE 5.0 exams with NCARB, while also volunteering with the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI).
In 2024, he served as President of AIA Puerto Rico and Chair of the Jury for the Honor and Design Awards of the AIA Miami and AIA Florida Southwest chapters.
Is a highly critical and creative professional, passionate about artistic expressions that transcend the conventional. His approach as an architect focuses on capturing the unique qualities of each project, materializing designs driven by innovative concepts at multiple scales.
Candelaria earned his Master of Architecture from the Savannah College of Art and Design in Georgia, where he enriched his experience by participating in a design project for a Cultural Center at the Ruins of the Convento La Recolección, in collaboration with the University of the Isthmus in Guatemala.
Upon returning to Puerto Rico, Candelaria has spent the last five years of his career working on residential and commercial design, collaborating with local firms. He is an Associate Member of the AIA and the Architects and Landscape Architects Association of Puerto Rico, organizations that support his commitment to excellence and ongoing professional development.
Born in Rome. She holds a degree in architecture from the Università degli Studi di Roma and a Master’s in Lighting Design and LED Technology from the Polytechnic University of Milan. She has worked with architecture firms in both Italy and New York, managing national and international architecture and lighting design projects.
A certified architect in Italy, Sara is also a prominent lighting designer and an Associate Member of the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD). In 2020, she co-founded her own architecture and lighting design firm with Arq. Daniel Robles, focusing on high-end residential and commercial projects.
In addition to her professional practice, Sara is a dedicated educator, teaching Lighting Design and Fourth Year Design Studio at the University of Puerto Rico School of Architecture, and she is also a speaker at industry events.
Has over 25 years of professional experience, working as a licensed architect in Ponce for more than twenty years. During this time, she has been involved in various government and private sector projects.
Since 2009, she has been an Adjunct Professor at the School of Architecture of the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico. She is also a Senior Architect and Partner at Moya Design Partners, a culturally diverse firm based in D.C., focusing on multifamily and institutional projects. She earned her Bachelor of Architecture from Cornell University (Ithaca, New York).
During her formative years, she had the opportunity to travel extensively throughout Europe. She also spent a semester in Rome studying design, photography, and architectural history.
Eliseo Berríos Rosado is a licensed architect with 20 years of experience in teaching, architectural and interior design, construction supervision, and real estate. He is the founder and principal architect of ALMATERIA, leading residential, commercial, and institutional projects.
He earned his Bachelor’s in Environmental Design and Master’s in Architecture from the University of Puerto Rico, complementing his education with seminars at the National Autonomous University of Mexico and the Polytechnic University of Catalonia.
In the academic field, he has been an instructor at the School of Architecture of the University of Puerto Rico (UPR) and the School of Plastic Arts and Design of Puerto Rico, as well as an adjunct professor at Universidad Ana G. Méndez, the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico, and UPR Carolina Campus. Additionally, he has served as a mentor and lecturer at the Puerto Rico Architects and Landscape Architects Association.
Since 2023, he has been a member of the Board of Directors of AIA Puerto Rico, holding the positions of Secretary, President-Elect, and currently, President.
Earned her Bachelor of Architecture from the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico in 2011. She is currently a partner at Manuel Bermúdez Arquitecto CSP (MBARQ), an architecture and urban planning firm based in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Active in professional development since 2008, Mariela has held leadership roles, including Vice President and President of the AIAS chapter at the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico and Delegate of the Emerging Professionals Commission at the Puerto Rico Architects and Landscape Architects Association (CAAPPR). During her time at CAAPPR, she created an online platform to help emerging professionals prepare for the Architecture Registration Exam.
She has led MBARQ’s Construction Observation Department since 2014. Since 2017, following Hurricanes Irma and María, her work has focused on disaster recovery projects with MBARQ in Puerto Rico.
Is the Director of U.S. Disaster Coordination for Habitat for Humanity International, where he collaborates with the global team to support affiliates in leadership, design, and disaster recovery.
He holds a Master of Architecture with a sub-specialization in Landscape Architecture from the University of Pennsylvania. After graduation, he worked as a designer and project manager at the Bayamón Municipality’s Office of Design and Construction, leading urban revitalization projects.
In 2019, he joined Habitat for Humanity as Director of the Puerto Rico Recovery Program, assisting disaster survivors. He is actively involved in various professional and community boards, including AIA Puerto Rico and the Bayamón Museum of Art, and is also a design professor at the University of Puerto Rico School of Architecture.
Eliseo Berríos Rosado is a licensed architect with 20 years of experience in teaching, architectural and interior design, construction supervision, and real estate. He is the founder and principal architect of ALMATERIA, leading residential, commercial, and institutional projects.
He earned his Bachelor’s in Environmental Design and Master’s in Architecture from the University of Puerto Rico, complementing his education with seminars at the National Autonomous University of Mexico and the Polytechnic University of Catalonia.
In the academic field, he has been an instructor at the School of Architecture of the University of Puerto Rico (UPR) and the School of Plastic Arts and Design of Puerto Rico, as well as an adjunct professor at Universidad Ana G. Méndez, the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico, and UPR Carolina Campus. Additionally, he has served as a mentor and lecturer at the Puerto Rico Architects and Landscape Architects Association.
Since 2023, he has been a member of the Board of Directors of AIA Puerto Rico, holding the positions of Secretary, President-Elect, and currently, President.
Works as an architect in training at the Design and Construction Office of the Municipality of Bayamón. He holds a Master’s in Architecture from the International School of Design and Architecture at the University of Turabo.
With experience in Interior Design, Furniture Design, and Lighting Design, Josué has contributed to prominent projects such as The Perigon in Miami, under the mentorship of Rem Koolhaas, the Cartier Mansion in SOHO, New York, and several Louis Vuitton boutiques. His work has been featured in magazines like Vogue.
In addition to his architectural background, Josué holds a Bachelor’s degree in Advertising and Graphic Design, which enriches his interdisciplinary and creative approach. He currently leads Studio 33, offering services in architecture, interior design, and advertising. Josué also teaches interior design at the University of Puerto Rico, Carolina Campus.
Holds a Bachelor’s in Environmental Design and a Master’s in Architecture from the University of Puerto Rico, in addition to doctoral studies in curriculum and evaluation in Pedagogy.
She is a professor at the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico (PUPR), with over 30 years of teaching experience in areas such as design, art history, research, and the preparation of architectural proposals. She also directed the university’s Cultural Activities Office and taught at Caribbean University. She was a founding member of the initiative to establish the School of Architecture at PUPR, where she contributed to developing its initial curriculum.
Professionally, she worked at Montilla and Latimer Architects and collaborated with Antonio Attolini Lack in Mexico. Her experience includes design, project development, and presentations. In the public sector, she served as a planning analyst at the Puerto Rico Planning Board, evaluating territorial plans and contributing to publications. She has also participated in cultural and educational initiatives, including founding the collective Licencia Poética.