Rodrigo Carmona-Monroy, Principal Designer

Drawing from Life.

Rodrigo Carmona-Monroy found his early inspiration in sketching homes and airplanes as a child, At 16, Rodrigo graduated from high school and began working with disabled children and adults as a paraeducator in Ventura, California, fostering their integration and their flourishing within the community.

Pivoting into the realm of lifestyle hospitality, Rodrigo honed his skills at the Ojai Valley Inn, delving into the intricacies of customer service and the art of hospitality & brand management. Little did he know, these human relationship skills and hospitality experiences would become invaluable assets in his future architectural endeavors.

Relocating to Los Angeles in the early 2000s, Rodrigo immersed himself in the world of high-end real estate development, working for esteemed firms such as The Kor Group (Viceroy Hotels & Proper Hotels), and Sbe Entertainment (SLS Hotels) under the mentorship of world-renowned architect and designer Philippe Starck, where Rodrigo contributed to various projects, including hotels, restaurants, spas, and wellness centers.

Despite facing a recession in 2008, Rodrigo’s determination led him back to academia to pursue his passion for architecture. He obtained an architecture degree from Otis College of Art & Design, with a focus on building sustainability and a double minor in lighting & landscape design. Rodrigo received his education under the guidance of internationally celebrated architects such as Elizabeth Diller of Diller-Scofidio, Marcio Kogan of Studio MK27, Bernard Koury, and received a strong fine-arts foundation by artist lecturers; such as, Joep van Lieshout and Doug Aitken .

Post-graduation, Rodrigo brought his expertise to prominent companies such as Virgin, Google, and Aman, contributing to a variety of architectural design projects and overseeing developments of different scales. Notably, he spearheaded the design of over two million square feet of Google real estate hospitality and prestigious campus buildings; as well as, working for private clients on upscale resort-style residences in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Laguna Beach, La Quinta, & Palm Springs, California.

Rodrigo layers inspiration from sources such as cuisine, art, music, nature, and spirituality; believing that architecture, similar to music, embodies rhythm, texture, and harmony. His fondest experiences are of moments saturated with sound, whether experiencing a live concert performance or sitting around the record player with friends.

Rodrigo’s most valued memories are of being surrounded by family preparing meals in captivating architectural settings, particularly relishing the experience of outdoor entertainment near a campfire. His upbringing instilled in him a love for cooking, nature, and music, influencing his expertise in crafting spaces conducive to communal gatherings.

Rodrigo’s passion for architecture permeates his work, where every facet of his life converges to create spaces resonating with those who appreciate life's offerings. His ultimate fulfillment lies in sharing his creativity and ingenuity, while enriching lives through every space he designs.