IVEANETTE SANTIAGO RIVERA
MITHUN
SAY IT LOUD - CALIFORNIA Exhibitor
California Based Designer
Who or what inspires you professionally?
I am inspired by my fellow designers, clients and communities who desire to do better together. Specifically for my work, I pull inspiration from my latin@ culture's principles and values, including a focus on family and building community.
IVEANETTE SANTIAGO RIVERA
Bio:
Iveanette is a designer born and raised in Puerto Rico. She began her studies at the University of Puerto Rico and received a master's in architecture at the Rhode Island School of Design. Ivea relocated to California in 2007 and joined Mithun in 2012, where she manages mixed-use affordable housing projects and advocates for integrated design. She believes in the practice of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion values to effect positive change in the projects and communities she serves.
How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
My passion for design sparked at the age of 7 when I joined the Liga de Arte, a non-profit organization dedicated to developing youth in the arts in Puerto Rico. My mentor introduced me to architecture as an agent of positive change for communities.
What do you do?
I am an Associate Principal at Mithun managing mixed used infill affordable housing projects. I strive to impact the built environment positively by designing inclusive spaces. I spend portion of my time mentoring youth to engage in our profession..
What excites you in the work you do?
My career has focused on public service projects, specifically housing with a strong social impact. I am excited to continue exploring how I can be an agent of positive change to improve the well-being of all communities I serve.
Who or what inspires you professionally?
I am inspired by my fellow designers, clients and communities who desire to do better together. Specifically for my work, I pull inspiration from my latin@ culture's principles and values, including a focus on family and building community.
What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
Seeing a project getting built and completed. Seeing people inhabiting those spaces will always be satisfying, and a constant reminder of the power of architecture. Every time feels like the proudest moment.
Featured Project Name:
Kapuso at the Upper Yard
Featured Project Location:
San Franscisco, CA
Featured Project Completion Date:
June 2023
Role in Featured Project:
Project Manager/ Project Architect
Featured Project Description:
Kapuso at the Upper Yard provides permanently affordable housing, community-serving ground-floor uses and a new transit plaza. The building will be home to 131 households earning less than 60% of area median income. Sustainability features include energy-efficient all-electric systems, low-carbon concrete and design to support resident health and wellness. Conversion of this former parking lot into transit, social and cultural infrastructure demonstrates the power of community-driven design.
