Rafael Santa Ana Architecture Workshop practices with building technologies that adapt to the specific requirements of each program, while fabricating expressive contemporary interventions that contribute to the wider community in a thoughtful and meaningful manner.
The workshop believes that all good design is inherently sustainable and aims to guide the client towards incorporating environmental and social stewardship elements into the project. Our core value centres on the goal of anticipating the evolution of need and use of each intervention, thus future-proofing and ensuring maximum sustainability through adaptation.
Our design approach is participatory and collaborative, with full and meaningful dialogue between consultants and colleagues in all required disciplines throughout the design process. Innovation is key and we incorporate new systems and technologies into our design while remaining sensitive to opportunities to re-use and reflect the history of place and people.
Operations and Services Manager
Mirela holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting, and master’s degrees in banking and finance and HR management. Originally from Albania, Mirela brings over 25 years of accounting, operations, and HR experience to her role. Mirela’s ability to analyze data strategically and produce fact-based decisions result from her exceptional planning skills and attention to detail. Her experience in financial modeling and reporting, policy development and implementation, and resource deployment ensure that the processes are in place to ensure RSAAW meets its financial goals.
malika@rsaaw.comOffice Administrator
Paulina holds a diploma in real estate finance from the Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México and a BA in administration from the Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México. She is a finance and business administration professional with extensive experience in the construction, real estate, and architecture fields. Her experience in developing and maintaining detailed administrative and procedural processes have helped the firm to improve accuracy and efficiency, reduce redundancies, and deliver on organizational goals.
palvarez@rsaaw.comDesigner
Monserrat brings eight years of architectural design experience post graduation at the Universidad del Bio Bio in Chile. Her experience consists of designing urban parks, single-family homes, academic institutions, and commercial projects. In an effort to expand her design experience, she recently moved to Canada to immerse herself in the architectural practices of the Northwest.
mbizama@rsaaw.comProject Lead
Ondřej graduated from the Faculty of Architecture at the Czech Technical University in Prague with a master's of architecture. He has adapted well to vastly different environments, having spent time studying in Taiwan and as an intern at Ren Ito architecture studio in Portugal. Ondřej moved to Vancouver in the summer of 2018 with a keen interest in experiencing building design of the West Coast.
ocap@rsaaw.comDesigner
Diego received his BArch from the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México and studied advanced architectural design at the University of Buenos Aires. He is currently pursuing a postgraduate degree in business administration. He is a seasoned designer with a passion for transforming conceptual visions into tangible built forms. His journey in architectural design has spanned a diversity of projects, from intimate residential spaces to expansive commercial hubs. Diego also served as Associate Professor of Architecture at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México.
dcorzo@rsaaw.comAssociate
Diego brings a background in architectural science with a degree from the British Columbia Institute of Technology, where he had the opportunity to participate in studies at the University of Ferrara in Italy. During his studies, he developed a keen interest in sustainable design practices, and aims to deliver projects with a holistic approach to integrated design. As an Associate at RSAAW, Diego has participated in various phases of project delivery for residential and commercial projects. He has a particular interest in institutional architecture, and the positive impact quality design can have on a building’s occupants.
dchouza@rsaaw.comWorkshop Manager
Antonio brings over 25 years of experience in the architectural and design field to his work with RSAAW, including vast experience in the exercise of rezoning and planning within the GVRD where he has played an influential role in residential developments, hospitality, educational, and recreational projects. Antonio offers an unswerving eye for detail, excellent organizational skills, and a deep commitment to client relations.
acolin@rsaaw.comPractice Advisor
Alan brings a housing design background with 35 years of experience in mixed-use residential and adaptive re-use projects in London and Vancouver. He has served on advisory committees at the City of Vancouver, the AIBC, the Sustainable Design Program in Seattle, and the Vancouver Urban Design Panel in 2021. Since 2000 he has mentored at the UBC School of Architecture and AIBC Intern programs.
adavies@rsaaw.comDesigner
With a master's degree in architecture and a postgraduate degree in international development and sustainable architecture, Ander has a vast experience in different award-winning architecture studios and non-profit organizations in different cultures over the world, such as Australia, Sweden, the Basque Country or India. He shows enthusiasm for sustainability, timber construction and humanitarian aid and he really believes in the positive impact that architecture can have on each and every individual. He loves the outdoors and nature.
aereno@rsaaw.comProject Lead
With a bachelor's degree in architecture from the National Autonomous University of Mexico, Daniela has filled the role of designer and project lead on an extensive range of projects. Her pursuit to understand holistic wellness has driven her to explore and model spaces that fulfill the human balance between physical, emotional, cognitive and spiritual wellbeing. This commitment inspires Daniela's designs, which aim to harmonize human beings with their environment.
dgutierrez@rsaaw.comPractice Consultant
Originally from Australia, Genni holds an undergraduate degree from the University of New South Wales in sociology and film, a Master's degree in Anthropology from the University of British Columbia, and a Certificate in Integral Theory from Fielding Graduate University. Genni is passionate about people and culture and has consulted across a range of industries in the areas of stakeholder relationship management, content strategy, systems integration, and change management.
ghennessy@rsaaw.comDesigner
Three years ago, Edgar graduated from the Max Cetto Workshop within the Faculty of Architecture from the National Autonomous University of Mexico. His curiosity in the connection between architecture, humans, and geography led him to study one year of exchange in Chile at Finis Terrae University and Arturo Prat University. Since his time as a university student, he has worked in the area of bonding and special projects at his university and in architectural restoration projects.
ehernandez@rsaaw.comProject Lead
Socorro, a graduate of Tecnológico de Monterrey in Estado de México with a bachelor's degree in architecture, continued her professional growth by pursuing a postgraduate diploma in project management and BIM Modeling. Her completion of LEED Green Associate Training demonstrates her understanding of the intrinsic relationship between architecture, the environment, cultural context, and technology, facilitating a dynamic and cooperative approach. With a wealth of experience acquired from her tenure at various Mexican firms, Socorro specializes in residential projects, interior design, and hospitality. At RSAAW, she brings fresh insights and innovative solutions to similar undertakings, enriching the team's capabilities.
sleyva@rsaaw.comDesigner
Undine is a designer at RSAAW who completed the MArch program at Riga Technical University in Latvia. From her experience at one of the leading architecture offices in Latvia, Undine has developed knowledge in high-end residential and luxury hospitality projects lends her methodology a strategic, structured, and creative approach. Proficient in developing functional solutions and client personas, she has worked on many projects throughout Europe. Undine's passion for sustainable design drives her to consistently deliver practical and visually appealing solutions, characterized by meticulous attention to detail.
ulinde@rsaaw.comMarketing Assistant
Leire holds a bachelor’s degree in tourism management from the University of Deusto in Spain and has extensive experience in event management and client relations. Fluent in five languages, Leire has traveled extensively and brings her networking and social skills to her role within the marketing team at RSAAW. She is passionate about sustainability, wellness, and the outdoors and co-ordinates cultural, social, and educational events to promote team building and enhance wellness culture.
llopez@rsaaw.comProject Lead
Graduating with a bachelor's degree in architecture from the Universidad Iberoamericana Campus Mexico City, Carolina’s career started in 2013. With exposure to varying custom typologies throughout her career and continuing her education in business management, Carolina’s liaison experience with custom-built design types has added value to working alongside municipalities for building and development permits or something similar. Since moving to Canada, she has gained experience in Canadian code with industrial, commercial, and residential projects from schematic to construction administration.
cluckie@rsaaw.comProject Lead
Hailing from Ireland, Adam holds a Diploma in Interior Design, a B.Arch, and a Professional Diploma in Architectural Practice. He has worked on a multitude of projects including residential, industrial, and commercial, across all phases from sketch design to construction and completion. He has also worked extensively with Aldi, a German based multinational retail brand with outlets in several countries. He has a strong skill set around automating software processes to improve project timelines while using less resources and is proficient in Archicad, Revit, Sketchup, AutoCAD, Twinmotion, and the Adobe Creative Suite.
amaloney@rsaaw.comOperations and Services Manager
Paola graduated from the Universidad del Valle de México with a bachelor's in architecture. With more than 15 years of experience in conceptualization, planning, administration, coordination and project execution, Paola specializes in commercial interior design.
pmendez@rsaaw.comSenior Project Lead
Jean-Sébastien earned a Bachelor’s in Architecture followed by a Master’s in Urban Planning (urban design specialization) from the Université de Montréal. With a specialization in institutional architecture projects largely in the education and health care fields, he has acquired over 25 years of experience in architecture and urban planning. Jean-Sébastien is wonderful at synthesizing architectural and urban challenges in the creation of high-quality concepts integrated to their contexts and adapted to the needs and exigencies of clients and users.
jsmorin@rsaaw.comProject Lead
Diego graduated from Instituto Politécnico Nacional in Mexico City where he developed a passion for architecture competitions. Having worked in local Mexican studios he adapted landscape into architectural solutions. Diego’s multicultural development thinking brings an internationally innovative perspective to both urban and rural architecture. This experience has fine tuned his methodology to proactively organize conceptual material details from the onset of a project to lower risk and secure global standards of design functionality during construction. Furthermore, providing added value from varying backgrounds, his naturally adaptive perspective allows him to pivot with projects, then utilizing organized coordination and communication to remain reliable for clients, contractors, and team personnel.
dmunoz@rsaaw.comMarketing Coordinator
Aoife recently moved to Vancouver from Ireland and holds a Bachelor's degree in Communications, Management, and Public Relations, as well as a Master's degree in Digital Marketing Communication and Leadership. She is passionate about digital and print marketing and is excited to move from working primarily in the tech space to the AEC industry.
abarr@rsaaw.comPrincipal
As founder and principal of RSAAW, Rafael brings to his practice over 25 years of experience in the industry. His enthusiasm and commitment to excellence in the field are evidenced throughout his work in the private and public realm. His work for leading firms in both Manitoba and British Columbia has given Rafael a thorough understanding of the Canadian construction industry, forming a solid foundation on which to build his forward-looking practice. Rafael founded RSAAW on the principles of inherent sustainability, technological innovation, forward-looking outlook, and respect for place and people, and is involved in all aspects of projects at RSAAW. Rafael is an active volunteer for the Architectural Institute of BC Internship Program as well as for various academic and cultural programs in Vancouver.
Designer
Anna received her Master of Architecture from La Salle, part of the Faculty of Architecture at the Barcelona Technical University in Spain. With a passion for crafting innovative and functional designs, she focuses on sustainable practices, renewable energy, and minimizing ecological footprints. Anna's aim is to deliver projects with a comprehensive and inclusive approach to integrated design. As an architectural designer, she has been involved in a wide range of projects, spanning from retail to residential. Anna deeply believes in the transformative potential of architecture.
aubach@rsaaw.comDesigner
Jorge studied architecture at Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) with an exchange at the Universitat Politécnica de Catalunya (UPC) in Barcelona. After his studies, he worked for three years in architectural firms, contributing to all phases of the project, through conceptualization, architectural design, executive design, 3D modeling and visualization.
jurbina@rsaaw.comDesigner
David studied architecture at Tecnológico de Monterrey in Querétaro, Mexico. During his studies he participated in the 2015 Latin America and Caribbean Solar Decathlon, where he discovered a lasting passion for sustainability and energy efficiency. Before joining RSAAW, David worked in Mexico and Ecuador on residential and mixed-used buildings.
dvaca@rsaaw.comAssociate
Prior to pursuing a master's of architecture degree at the University of Calgary, she completed degrees in anthropology, urban geography, and community economic development. This led to creating her foundation for architectural practice. Skilled at project management and facilitation, Anna understands that the success of all projects relies on meticulous coordination, clear communication and teamwork, and is committed to ensuring that every project, regardless of complexity, benefits from an integrative approach that considers attention to detail as important as maintaining awareness of the big picture.
awex@rsaaw.comDesigner
Kevin is a versatile professional with a civil engineering background and a passion for architecture and landscape architecture. With experience in design, construction management, asset management, and system analytics, he brings a diverse skill set to his work. Relocating to Vancouver, he pursues dual master's degrees in architecture and landscape architecture at UBC while actively volunteering with community-building organizations. Kevin believes in designs that blend meticulous attention to detail, community engagement, and a deep understanding of people and place.
kwong@rsaaw.comDesigner
Luis graduated from the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. With seven years of experience working in residential projects and interior design, Luis lends his talents to schematic design, visualization and enjoys working on all the phases of the projects he works on at our architectural workshop. His background and experience in architectural design, photography, and art allow him to manage several projects from all points of view.
lzamora@rsaaw.comProjects