BARBARA LEON
Heleo Architecture + Design
SAY IT LOUD - CALIFORNIA Exhibitor
California Based Designer
Who or what inspires you professionally?
I admire Frida Escobedo, an architect from Mexico City. she is inspiring to young women architects for breaking gender barriers and creating designs that engage with social issues and cultural identity.
BARBARA LEON
Bio:
Barbara Leon is principal and co -founder of Heleo Architecture + Design, a San Diego-based firm. She's a registered architect in CA, CO, and NM, with 12+ years of experience in the commercial, mixed use and multifamily sectors. She is a graduate of the Southern California Institute of Architecture and serves on the AIA San Diego Chapter’s Board of Directors as Co-director of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Justice, and a member of the San Diego Architectural Foundation and NOMA.
How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
As a child, I loved art and desired to apply it in everyday life. My decision to pursue architecture was solidified in high school when an architect demonstrated how renderings were made in my AP art class.
What do you do?
I am a co-founder and principal of Heleo Architecture + Design, a boutique architectural practice I began with my husband located in San Diego, California. We specialize in the commercial, mixed use, residential and multifamily sectors.
What excites you in the work you do?
Architects educate, build relationships, create memories, and enhance lives through the built environment. We aim to imbue meaning and lasting experiences, not just creating a building for a building's sake.
Who or what inspires you professionally?
I admire Frida Escobedo, an architect from Mexico City. she is inspiring to young women architects for breaking gender barriers and creating designs that engage with social issues and cultural identity.
What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
Becoming licensed, and subsequently starting and successfully growing my own architectural practice with my husband to create meaningful architecture is one of my proudest achievements.
Featured Project Name:
Insurgente Brewery
Featured Project Location:
Tijuana, B.C.
Featured Project Completion Date:
2018
Role in Featured Project:
Design Architect
Featured Project Description:
Insurgente Brewery in Tijuana, Baja California, is a 6,500 sq. ft. facility with brewing facilities, a tasting room, kitchen, and beer garden. The design showcases the beer-making process and maximizes energy efficiency through stainless steel framing, poured concrete walls, thermal mass, and natural insulation. The rooftop has fans for air circulation, and natural ventilation cools occupied spaces. Insurgente Brewery promotes Tijuana's unique cultural heritage, creativity, and positive change.
