Design should be purposeful, uplifting, and beautiful—harmonious with the environment and respectful of all its inhabitants.

It should nourish the human spirit and honor the craft required for its realization.

I believe in creating designs that bring joy.

About

I have been practicing architecture for over 20 years in Miami and New York, with experience ranging from the industrial design of small products to the architecture of large, complex buildings.

I am the co-founder of PELLETIER SALGADO, where I currently practice.

Before establishing my own practice, I was an associate at Grimshaw from 2012 to 2020. At Grimshaw's New York office, I played a key role in several major projects, contributing both design and technical expertise while leading large multidisciplinary teams.

Previously, I worked as a designer and project architect at Francois de Menil, Architect PC, where I was project architect on the award-winning Seneca Art and Culture Center in Victor, New York. At Morris Sato Studio, I specialized in high-end residential projects, including two ground-up houses in Shelter Island, NY.

Before pursuing my graduate studies, I was a designer at Arquitectonica in Miami, collaborating closely with one of its founders on various architecture, interiors, and product design projects.

EXPERIENCE

2021 - Present

PELLETIER SALGADO Brooklyn, NY Principal

Co-founder of this independent practice which is a full-service architecture and multidisciplinary design studio founded with Jarrett Pelletier.

Our practice specializes in in residential, commercial, and hospitality projects as well as furniture and product design.

2012 - 2020

Grimshaw Architects New York, NY Associate

A design-focused member of the New York office, I had a key role in the development of several notable projects. Among my diverse experiences, I was a project architect helping lead a large team developing the Expo 2020 Dubai Sustainability Pavilion, an innovative and complex LEED & Al Safat Platinum exhibition and future museum building. A key member of the design competition winning team, my focus was on developing its design which included consultant coordination, specification development and client presentations. I also worked with both client and consultant team in fee negotiations, assisted in contract management.

I was a key design team member for various building projects including project architect for tram stops at Education City, and a design lead for the Airport Visitors and Information Center, both in Doha.

Team member for several design competitions, and RFP teams.

Led the firm’s internship program for two years, and helped hire and mentor young designers.

A member of the practice’s global sustainability group aimed at making all new projects net-zero carbon ready within the decade.

Represented the practice in outreach to potential domestic and international clients.

2010 - 2012

Francois de Menil Architect New York, NY Project Architect

Developed the complete design and documentation from Concept to Design Development for The Seneca Art and Culture Center at Ganondagan. Worked with various client groups including the Seneca tribe, private donors, and NYS parks. Coordinated with the consultant team on design development, and collaborated with the cost estimator to realize economical constuction solutions. Developed the design for LEED Gold certification, and obtained state funding under the NYSERDA New Construction Program. Worked with the client’s fund-raising team to secure grant monies through the New York State Regional Economic Development Initiative.


2005 - 2010

Morris Sato Studio New York, NY Project Architect

Performed the complete scope of work for two design-build residences on Shelter Island through construction administration. Coordinated with consultant teams, managed and produced contract documents, collaborated with contractors to resolve logistical construction issues, and performed on-site reviews of construction quality, conformity with design, and progress.

Worked on design and construction of interactive art installations exhibited in the US and South Korea.

Developed various product design prototypes with manufacturers.

Wrote proposals for various building projects and academic research endeavors including a key role in initiating a relationship with NASA.



Summer 2004

Peter Marino Architect New York, NY Architectural Intern

Developed interior design and products for the Chanel Ginza Flagship Store & attached restaurant in Tokyo. Worked as part of the design team on Fendi in Florence.


2000 - 2002

Arquitectonica Miami, FL Architectural Designer

Worked with principals and design teams on several high-profile hospitality, cultural and product design projects.



EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS

Licensed Architect in the State of New York

2002 - 2005

Columbia University
Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation [GSAPP] New York, NY
Master of Architecture [M.Arch.]


1995 - 2000

Florida International University Miami, FL
Bachelor of Design in Architectural Studies [B.D.], Cum Laude


AWARDS

  • 2016 AIA NYS Design Award-Citation for Unbuilt Projects: The Seneca Art and Culture Center at Ganondagan, Victor, NY

  • 2016 AIA NYS Excelsior Award: The Seneca Art and Culture Center at Ganondagan, Victor, NY

  • 2000 First Prize: Monument Design Competition Florida International University, Miami, FL

MEMBERSHIPS

ACADEMIC & LECTURES

  • 2020 Pratt Institute Brooklyn, NY. Final Review Design Jury: Undergraduate Architecture Core 2nd Year Studio

  • 2018 A/D/O Booklyn, NY. Lecture: Sustainable Design in Extreme Climates Link

  • 2019 Yale School of Architecture New Haven, CT. Presentation of key Grimshaw projects & review of student work: Systems

  • Integration and Development in Design, Spring 2019 Link

  • 2016 UNAM (Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México) Mexico City, Mexico. Lecture on key Grimshaw projects:

  • Eleventh International Congress on Architecture with High Bioclimatic Technology and Sustainable Design Link

  • 2010 Columbia University GSAPP New York. Substitute Studio Critic: 1st Year Studio. Yoshiko Sato Studio

SKILLS

Applications

  • Autodesk Revit, AutoCAD, Navisworks, 3D Studio Max, Rhino 3D, Enscape

  • Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, After Effects, Acrobat, Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word

Languages

  • Native English

  • Native Spanish