(“Text as submitted by Architect”)
Salvador Reyes
Salvador Reyes received his degree in architecture from the Metropolitan Autonomous University of Mexico (UAM) in 1988. He received his master’s degree in design and obtained the titles of Urban Specialization and Conservation of Historic Buildings (1996- 1998) from the same university. Dedicated to developing, consulting and directing the construction of architectural projects, his work also includes furniture design. He was a partner of the last urban workshop established by wellknown Mexican architect, Mario Pani (1990-1992). He was also corporate Associate Director of Grupo Plan (1996-2000) and CEO of A+I Engineers and Architects S.A. (2001-2003). His work in architecture includes restoration and remodeling projects of historic properties, design of private residences, public buildings equipped for social activities, and public and private buildings dedicated to tourism and culture. He has published articles, prologues, and other works in national architecture books and magazines, as well as books about Mexican and international design (U.S. and Germany). He received the National Scholarship from the National Fund for Culture and Arts for Young Creatives of Mexico (1991); the “Alberto J. Pani” first prize award in Architectural Composition from UNAM (1988); As well as medals of merit granted by the Metropolitan University of Mexico City (1989) and the National Polytechnic Institute of Mexico (1984). He has been professor of design at the Universidad Marista de Merida (2012-2014); UAM-Azcapotzalco (1989-2000) and thesis director and matriculation coordinator for the U.V.M. (1995-1997). He was a sponsor of Mexico City’s College of Architects and a public works appraiser for Mexico State (1989-2000)
Josefina Larrain
Josefina Larrain is an artist, experienced in restoration, landscape design, sculpture restoration and renovation of historic buildings – she grew up in Germany, where she studied Philosophy and soon moved (1988) to New York, where she resided for several years while collaborating in the workshop of Paul Fullerton as a sculpture assistant. In addition, she helped to produce numerous short films designed by Nicki de Saint Phalle and produced by her son Philip Mathews. Later in Miami, she worked on the restoration of mural paintings and sculptures for historic buildings, such as Vizcaya, the water tower of Coral Gables and the Biltmore Hotel. In 1990, she acquired the state of an old henequen hacienda in the southeast of Mexico and converted it into her private residence. Following this, she was led to the restoration of several other haciendas in Yucatan, where she became a permanent resident. Among others, she has been the partner and co-director of a plantation dedicated to the production and commercialization of hybrid coconuts. As founding parter of Reyes Rios + Larrain Arquitectos, she has been involved in supervising and coordinating the restoration of the grounds and interiors of several haciendas and mansions that have been converted into luxury hotels as well as residencies in Merida and other parts of Mexico.
Practice Ideology
The reyes rios + larrain architect is a studio of architecture and design, located in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico. Was founded by architect Salvador Reyes Ríos and artist Josefina Larrain Lagos in 2000. Their award-winning work has established a standard for the refurbishment and restoration of architectural heritage in Mexico and has converted former colonial mansions and haciendas in the Yucatan Peninsula and other places in Mexico into luxury designhotels and private homes, while maintaining both the original personality of the buildings and the local character of the place with a contemporary vision. In addition to their restoration and refurbishment projects, reyes rios + larrain architects has executed numerous contemporary designs ranging from private homes, residential compounds, public buildings and landscape design to interior and furniture design. Throughout the conceptual design to the construction planning stages and the experimentation with local materials, the studio is always in search of a new definition of regional contemporary architecture. Furthermore, reyes rios + larrain architects offers architectural and design services to clients from abroad Mexico, providing longdistance project management, cost accounting and construction supervision to ensure each project remains on schedule and within budget. As part of their philosophy, the studio is composed of a small staff offering a personalized attention to every client. In addition, the Studio serves as a platform for young architects, which are embedded with an intensive and integral vision of the professional practice. reyes rios + larrain architects believes that the ultimate goal of design (as a discipline encompassing architecture) is to improve the quality of life of its user.
