Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mauricio Cabas. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Mauricio, thanks for joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

My architecture is a service that transforms lives by creating spaces that inspire, connect, and promote well-being.”

Always try that the client feels completely identified with the design, convinced that their investment will transform their life. I don’t just design houses but creates life experiences. I experience deep satisfaction knowing that my work positively impacts people and their surroundings.

In every new design, I ask myself: How does this space improve the client’s life? I make sure that every design reflects the client’s personality and aspirations.
I always explain the why behind each design decision in terms of well-being and connection to the environment. I present each project not just as a blueprint but as a story of life transformation, sharing examples of how architecture has changed people’s lives.
My premise is that architecture can transform and shape your life o your wellbeing . When I’m designing, I focus on people, I tray to honor the essence of that person that is going to live there.

In every project I tried to do that. Every each of my projects has an unique story. With the TL House I was awarded at the International Design Awards 2023 but with the MG House I reunite together again a family. I made that house with a big responsibility in mind. My friend Marcello came to me asking for my help. The condition that his wife and kids asked him to go back together was to built their house . Not just a house but a home!!

And after 10 years they still live there and their kids have grown happy

There are three essential premises to consider when creating an Essentia Home. A deep understanding of these concepts can transform the way we experience living spaces. These are:

1. There is an emotional contagion between place and inhabitant.

The spaces we inhabit profoundly influence our emotions, behaviors, and mental states. At the same time, inhabitants project their emotions and experiences onto the space, creating a symbiotic bond.

2. Architecture is the stage for meaningful experiences.

Every space should be designed to intensify the senses and facilitate moments that connect people with their surroundings and with themselves.

3. Architecture is a service that can transform the way we live each day.

Architecture goes beyond aesthetics; it is a functional tool that organizes and gives meaning to daily life. A well-conceived design enhances the flow of everyday activities, promotes healthy habits, and creates spaces for connection or introspection.

Mauricio, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

am Mauricio Cabas García, an architect specializing in architectural design with a master’s degree in sustainable development. With over 20 years of experience, my work is centered on creating sensory-driven architecture—designing spaces that are not only aesthetically compelling but also deeply connected to human emotions and experiences. My portfolio includes more than 4,665,000 square feet of designed spaces and over 1,650,000 square feet of completed construction, covering high-end residential, public, and institutional projects.

My Approach & Services
I provide custom architectural design, consultancy, and project supervision, ensuring each project is a true reflection of the client’s personality, aspirations, and lifestyle. My expertise extends beyond design—I focus on integrating nature, intensifying sensory experiences, and crafting spaces that enhance well-being. I solve the challenge of transforming a vision into a meaningful architectural reality while maintaining a balance between aesthetics, function, and budget.

What Sets Me Apart
What differentiates my work is my commitment to meaningful design. I don’t just create buildings; I create environments that tell a story and evoke emotions. I deeply analyze the way people interact with spaces and ensure that each project is a harmonious blend of design, context, and human experience.

Achievements & Vision
I am proud to have won the International Design Awards in 2023 for TR House, a project that perfectly embodies my philosophy of blending comfort, nature, and architectural identity. Additionally, I was recognized as Best Professor in 2018 at Universidad de la Costa, highlighting my dedication to education and knowledge sharing.

My work is for those who appreciate quality, uniqueness, and authenticity—clients who seek more than just a house, but a bespoke architectural experience. My goal is to continue shaping spaces that inspire, connect, and elevate the human experience.

My concept is called Essentia Home. Essentia Home is a vision of architecture and design born from the need to create homes with soul, character, and purpose. It’s not just about building houses but about designing spaces that deeply connect with their inhabitants, offering a unique sensory experience and a perfect balance between aesthetics, functionality, and emotional comfort.

What is Essentia Home?
Essentia Home focuses on the creation of exclusive, tailor-made residences designed to reflect the essence and lifestyle of their owners. Each project begins with a detailed analysis of the client’s needs, desires, and personality, ensuring that the final result is not just a house but a true home with its own identity.

The core pillars of Essentia Home are:

Architecture for the senses: Spaces designed to evoke emotions through light, materials, textures, and their relationship with the surroundings.

Integration with nature: Designs that respect and enhance the natural context, creating a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Functional and aesthetic design: Every space has a clear purpose, maintaining a balance between beauty, comfort, and efficiency.

Exclusivity and personalization: No two homes are alike; each design is a unique response to the client’s vision.

Sustainability and quality: The use of materials and techniques that ensure a reduced environmental impact without compromising elegance and durability.

Essentia Home is for those who seek more than just a house; it’s for those who desire a home with soul, designed to enrich their daily lives and reflect their essence.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Books have played a crucial role in shaping my management and entrepreneurial philosophy. Titles like Start with Why by Simon Sinek and The Ikigai Method have helped me refine my approach to leadership, purpose-driven work, and decision-making. Additionally, the series by David Gómez, including Bueno, Bonito y Carito, Detalles que Enamoran, and Negocios Inmortales, has been instrumental in understanding value creation, customer experience, and long-term business strategy.

From an architectural perspective, Questions of Perception by Steven Holl and almost all books by Juhani Pallasmaa have profoundly influenced my design thinking, particularly in how spaces engage the senses and emotions. These works reinforce my belief that architecture is not just about aesthetics but about creating meaningful experiences.

Above all, my guiding principle is to serve—whether through architecture, business, or leadership, my goal is to create value, enhance experiences, and positively impact those I work with.
In the past year, being part of Líderes para la Arquitectura has greatly helped me become more disciplined and organized. This experience has reinforced the importance of structured thinking, effective leadership, and continuous learning in both architecture and business. It has provided me with valuable insights and strategies to better manage projects, optimize workflows, and stay committed to excellence in every aspect of my work.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

here was a moment in my career when I almost lost everything financially. I had to sell my cars, nearly shut down my office, rent out my house, and move in with my family at my mother-in-law’s home. It was a challenging time, but instead of giving up, I used it as an opportunity to reassess, restructure, and refocus.

During that period, I redefined my approach and continued doing what I love—creating architecture. In fact, I believe that some of the best work I have ever done came from that moment of adversity. When I came back, I did so with more strength, clarity, and motivation than ever before. That experience reinforced my resilience and my belief that true success comes from perseverance, adaptability, and passion for what you do.

Additionally, I made the decision to move with my family to a new country—not out of necessity, but by choice. I had everything I needed in my home country, but I wanted to grow, challenge myself, and gain international recognition. Leaving my comfort zone and sacrificing stability was not easy, but I knew that true growth comes from taking risks and embracing change.

This journey has tested my resilience in many ways, but it has also opened doors, expanded my perspective, and pushed me to evolve both personally and professionally. Every challenge along the way has only reinforced my commitment to creating meaningful architecture and making a lasting impact in my field.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.cabasarchitects.com
• Instagram: @cabasarchitects
• Linkedin: Mauricio Cabas G

Image Credits

Juan Tapias Photos
Cabas Architecture and Design LLC renders