Published on: Apr 1, 2024
By: C.J. Rojas
Andrea Machado, passionate and visionary architect, shares her inspiring journey into architecture, revealing the roots of her penchant for design and her commitment to a socially and ecologically conscious future.
Her story begins within a family where architecture was more than a profession, it was a lifestyle. Growing up under the influence of her architect father gave her the opportunity to explore the fascinating world of architecture from an early age. Her family trips became educational expeditions, where visits to iconic buildings and museums sparked her curiosity and love for architectural design.
But her passion for architecture goes beyond aesthetics and creativity. Raised in Cali, Colombia, Andrea witnessed firsthand the transformative impact that architecture can have on marginalized and vulnerable communities. Her experience of seeing how the design of spaces can influence people’s quality of life prompted her to dedicate herself to designing a more inclusive and sustainable future.
Andrea graduated in Architecture from the prestigious Rice University in Houston, Texas. She also had the opportunity to broaden her academic horizons by studying abroad at the Rice School of Architecture Paris in Paris, France, and studying a summer in Rome, Italy.
Among all the areas in which she works, Andrea finds the greatest satisfaction in the design and execution of museums and public spaces. For her, these spaces are not only places of gathering and contemplation, but also powerful tools to improve people’s health and well-being through careful considerations of light, ventilation and vegetation.
What sets Andrea apart from her colleagues is her unique experience in the Construction Management process, which has given her a deep understanding of how buildings are actually constructed. Additionally, her multicultural influence as an American-educated Colombian and avid traveler has enriched her perspective, adding layers of depth and diversity to her design approach.
Andrea Machado’s journey is a testament to her passion, dedication, and commitment to architecture as a tool for positive change. Her inspiring story reminds us that, with determination and vision, we can transform the world around us and build a brighter, more equitable future for all.