We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ivett Flores. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ivett below.

Ivett, appreciate you joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

The most significant risk I have ever taken as an entrepreneur developing projects as part of my architectural practice is studying for a Ph.D. in Germany in a parallel time framework. This conjuncture has become my life’s most challenging and rewarding experience, offering unique opportunities and considerations.

I have always believed that science and business (or, in other words, theory and practice) are complementary concepts, especially in a field like architecture. Since I was preparing my application for the Ph.D. acceptance, I started my approach to Research Opportunities in the area I am passionate about, Energy and well-being in the built environment, which can lead to valuable contributions to the field and innovation potential. And now, I am celebrating a vital Networking with professionals in the architecture community, locally and globally; Financial Support from the National Council of Science and Technology of Mexico; Career Advancement in research institutions; and personal fulfillment. Not even mention that the development of a Ph.D. confronts me intellectually daily.

Balancing the demands of a doctoral program with the responsibilities of running a Studio (at a distance at this moment) requires careful planning, time management, and a clear sense of priorities. Two of the most essential strategies for me are:
Set Realistic Expectations about what I can achieve within a given timeframe (4 years). Avoid overcommitting to either my Ph.D. or my Studio. Set achievable milestones and celebrate my successes along the way.
Utilize Resources available to me, such as research grants, partners, mentorship programs, and academic support services. These resources lighten my workload and help me excel in both areas.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Ensamble Arquitectura is a creative laboratory where I can express my understanding of life, society, and the human experience. The spaces we shape reflect our unique way of seeing and interacting with the world.

After finishing my 1rts Master´s Degree, I joined Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City as a part-time professor. Starting to share ideas with students was a threshold in my professional life, which has led me to study for a PhD.
After 13 years of working in two different architectural firms, I collected experience, a personal perspective about what the “craft of architecture” means to me, and a strong network; I decided to start my own architectural practice.

Ensamble Architectura was founded ten years ago as a collaborative space to develop projects on different scales and as a field to reflect on and participate in academic platforms. Initially led by the architect Sergio Zermeño, I am now in charge besides my Partner Marco de la Concha, who was incorporated at the beginning of 2023.

My professional practice intends to be consistent with the concept that led to my academic research: The Energy and Carbon paradigm as drivers of the Built Environment Deconstruction, or in other words, Un-building as another way of Architecture.
Most of the projects we have developed have been corporate interior designs, where we try to reuse or adapt the materials that already exist in a space, especially in adaptation and reuse projects, which increased after the pandemic.

In architecture, as in other fields of knowledge, it is not a question of the black thread but to find the correct answer to the right question. Every client has different variables and context, which requires our practice a lot of creativity, order, and sharp skill to listen to them and thus be able to manifest a response spatially.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

In architectural innovation, where creativity meets responsibility, the mission propelling Ensamble Arquitectura’s visionary odyssey is to weave together the threads of aesthetics, innovation, and sustainability while embracing the transformative power of the Energy and Carbon paradigm.

Our mindset emanates from the belief that architecture is not solely a creation of form and function but an eloquent testament to the profound connection between human aspirations and environmental stewardship. Our goal, therefore, is to meld design and sustainability into an indivisible whole, wherein structures transcend the ordinary and become exemplars of harmonious coexistence.

At the heart of our creative expedition lies the understanding that energy is the currency of life and creation. We seek to harness this energy potential as a catalyst for reimagining the built environment. Our designs are meticulously crafted to be energy-efficient and act as dynamic entities, engaging with their surroundings, adapting to changing needs, and inviting inhabitants into a dialogue of synergy.

Once considered an inevitable byproduct, carbon becomes our raw material for innovation. Our mission extends beyond mitigating carbon emissions; it encapsulates the ambition to confer a regenerative touch to every structure we conceive.
The architectural narrative is no longer linear; it’s an intertwined network of human needs, ecological balance, and technological advancement.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Indeed, I consider having a consistent career path as an architect who has worked in a couple of architecture firms where I acquired experience and skills and later combined an academic teaching and research platform with my own architectural practice. However, doing research in Germany gives me another perspective, knowledge, and growth. It is definitely a huge milestone in my career, which has made my own architectural practice much slower than the rest of my colleagues, fact that I embrace trying to have a lot of clarity in direction, not speed.

Contact Info:

• Website: Diseño arquitectónico a cualquier escala | Ensamble Arquitectura
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ensamble_arq/
• Linkedin: ENSAMBLE ARQUITECTURA: Resumen | LinkedIn
• Other: [email protected]

Image Credits
Marco de la Concha. Pictures 1 to 4.