CARINA COEL
Restructure Studio
SAY IT LOUD - TEXAS Exhibitor
Texas Based Designer
Who or what inspires you professionally?
I am inspired by women. In pursuit of my own work-life balance I have interviewed many female peers. I am in awe of their perseverance, generosity and grace, and it has inspired me to present lectures on a work-life balance for women in architecture.
CARINA COEL
Bio:
The great designer, Carina Coel is the Founder and Principal Architect of full-service architecture firm Restructure Studio and sustainable home plan provider Arbor Plans. Carina has worked in the architectural field since 2003 and is recognized in the community for her ability to create well-designed, sustainable dwellings in a way that clients feel they have been heard and represented in the process. Carina became licensed in 2005 while working at Miro Rivera Architects. She lives in South Austin with her family.
How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
Growing up my best friend’s dad was an architect. I watched him at his drafting table, and I was even invited to go on site visits. I was good at math and I loved to draw, and in high school it clicked that architecture provided my creative outlet.
What do you do?
As an architect and mom I was inspired to create a flexible workplace that promotes and caters to the unique needs of women in architecture. In 2010 I formed Restructure Studio to design custom homes. In 2019 I started Arbor Plans to sell home plans.
What excites you in the work you do?
My passion for sustainability began while studying at Rice University. Throughout my career I have always pursued building green, that being one of the core reasons why I started my firm. I am also excited about incorporating wellness into our work.
Who or what inspires you professionally?
I am inspired by women. In pursuit of my own work-life balance I have interviewed many female peers. I am in awe of their perseverance, generosity and grace, and it has inspired me to present lectures on a work-life balance for women in architecture.
What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
Many women do not get credit for their work when employed by others. I started Arbor Plans with the intent of amplifying the talents of my all-female office, who oversee plan designs from beginning to end and claim their work publicly on our site.
Featured Project Name:
Oak Hill Residence
Featured Project Location:
Austin, TX
Featured Project Completion Date:
June 2018
Role in Featured Project:
Architect
Featured Project Description:
Designed for a local artist and nestled in a hill, this home uses the steep sloped lot to cultivate privacy and take advantage of sweeping views. Local limestone and native landscaping were chosen to pay homage to its location and further integrate with the surroundings. Inside, natural materials such as wood, concrete and steel are paired with bright colors to reflect the owner’s eclectic style. With 12’ ceilings and at just over 1500 SF, this home provides a unique space in a small footprint.
Photography Credit:
Max Kelly Photography
Featured Project Name:
Bouldin Creek Residence
Featured Project Location:
Austin, TX
Featured Project Completion Date:
December 2012
Role in Featured Project:
Architect
Featured Project Description:
The Bouldin Creek Residence was designed to house a family of 6, as well as fit within the fabric of its neighborhood. From the street the project appears to be a two story home, yet opens up to three stories, wraps around a heritage oak tree, and captures stunning views. Due to the sites’ natural fragility, sustainability was considered in every decision. The foundation was carefully designed with a cantilevered slab, allowing the half-critical root zone of the heritage oak to remain untouched.
Photography Credit:
Michael Hsu Photography
Featured Project Name:
Lockhart Residence
Featured Project Location:
Austin, TX
Featured Project Completion Date:
October 2017
Role in Featured Project:
Architect
Featured Project Description:
The Lockhart Residence demonstrates that a well-designed home can be sustainable and affordable. With a tight budget and a lot size of only 5461 SF, buildable area was limited. The home exemplifies indoor-outdoor connections including a 100 SF screened porch, and creative use of materials such as a gravity roller entry screen. Universal Design and ample natural daylight are amongst the thoughtful, common sense strategies that helped to earn the home a 5-star Austin Energy Green Building rating.
