In today’s evolving cultural landscape, architectural design has become more than creating functional spaces. It’s about shaping environments that evoke emotion, respond to sustainability, and inspire those who experience them. Designers like Ana Avanzini are rethinking how we live, work, and connect with our surroundings as cities grow and cultures shift. Contemporary design blends creativity with purpose, embracing innovation while honoring the histories embedded in the spaces we inhabit.
At the heart of this movement is Ana, an architectural designer whose journey from Spain to New York mirrors the evolving spirit of contemporary design. Her projects range from sustainable retreats to the renovation of historically significant spaces in bustling cities. Ana’s work goes beyond mere structures—it forges a deep connection with the environment, blending aesthetics with sustainability.
Rooted in Spain: The Beginnings of a Design Journey
Ana’s journey began in Spain. While still studying Architecture at the Complutense University of Madrid, she took her first professional steps at MAAV, an award-winning studio known for its innovative approach to residential and public spaces. From the start, Ana stood out by going beyond structural integrity. Her contributions to MAAV’s projects were creative and thoughtful, reflecting a balance of contemporary techniques and respect for history and cultural context.
One of her standout contributions, the Ojacastro Hayloft, highlighted her ability to merge the past with the present. This project transformed a piece of Spain’s architectural heritage into a space that felt both timeless and modern. Ana’s work wasn’t just about designing buildings—it was about honoring tradition while embracing the future. This sensitivity to innovation and history became a hallmark of her work.
Spain, with its rich architectural history, provided a solid foundation for Ana’s career. Projects like the Abanto Zierbena and Otxarkoaga Housing demonstrated her creative thinking. These public housing projects earned first-prize competitions backed by the Basque Government. They became more than functional spaces—Ana designed environments that fostered community and connection. Her philosophy was never about meeting basic requirements but about creating spaces that improve lives, a principle she carried throughout her career.
New York: Expanding Horizons
After her success in Spain, Ana’s journey led her to New York, a city known for its vibrant design scene. New York, with its mix of historical landmarks and cutting-edge architecture, provided the ideal canvas for Ana to expand her vision. She joined Garrison Architects, a firm renowned for its innovative, sustainable designs, and worked on some of the studio’s most notable projects.
One standout project from her time at this prominent firm was the Piaule Catskill Landscape Retreat. This project wasn’t just about creating a luxurious escape—it was about crafting a retreat that harmonized with its natural surroundings. Ana played a crucial role in blending man-made elements with organic, creating a space where guests could connect with nature without sacrificing comfort or elegance.
The Piaule Retreat earned The American Institute of Architects – Brooklyn 2022 Award for Excellence and the 2022 Hospitality Design Award for its seamless integration with the landscape. But for Ana, the real success lies in how space makes people feel. It wasn’t just a place to stay; it was a place to reconnect—with nature, oneself, and the world. This project shows how Ana’s designs go beyond creating experiences enhancing how people interact with their environment.
Reviving History: The Apthorp Project
New York also gave Ana the opportunity to work on a project that would challenge her skills in historical design and preservation—the renovation of the guest house at the Apthorp Building’s Guest House in Manhattan’s Upper West Side. A landmark standing for over a century, the building required a balance of old and new. Ana’s approach was rooted in respect for the original design while modernizing it to meet contemporary needs.
Working with Primary Architecture, Ana helped preserve the Apthorp Guest House’s historic charm while making it functional for modern living. The challenge wasn’t just technical—it was creative. How could the integrity of such an iconic structure be preserved while making it livable? For Ana, this project perfectly reflected her philosophy: architecture should bridge the past and the future, honoring history while embracing progress.
The Apthorp project demonstrated Ana’s ability to breathe new life into historic spaces without losing their essence. This nuanced understanding of architecture’s role in preserving cultural heritage sets her apart. Every project she takes honors the past while creating spaces that inspire future generations.
Sustainability at the Core: Building for Tomorrow
Her commitment to sustainability is a thread running through all of Ana’s work. For her, sustainability isn’t just about meeting environmental standards—it’s about designing with the future in mind. Her work on the CC-HH House with Barn in Hillsdale, NY, is a prime example of how she integrates eco-conscious design with thoughtful architecture.
Developed with Primary Architecture, this project goes beyond typical green building. The house incorporates innovative photovoltaic panels, allowing it to generate its own energy while maintaining a modern aesthetic. For Ana, sustainability isn’t about compromising design for function—it’s about finding ways to make beautiful spaces that also contribute positively to the planet. In her hands, sustainability becomes a form of creativity where technology and design work together to shape a better future.
A Global Influence
Throughout her career, Ana Avanzini has proven that great design transcends geography. From the historic streets of Spain, where she learned to appreciate the stories within structures, to the iconic skyline of New York, Ana’s work reflects her respect for the places and people she designs for. Every project is a testament to her ability to blend the past and future, creating spaces that are functional yet alive with purpose.
For Ana, architectural design is about more than shaping buildings—it’s about creating environments that foster connections between people and the spaces they decide to inhabit. Her dedication to thoughtful, human-centered design is evident in every detail, from the integration of nature to the fusion of sustainability and elegance. As architectural design continues to evolve, Ana remains at the forefront, challenging conventions and inspiring others to think beyond the ordinary. Her journey reminds us that great architecture isn’t just about structures—it’s about the stories that unfold within them and the lives they touch.
