SPECIAL MENTION
Louie Rodriguez Ferrer & Gabriel Rivera Leon
Louie A. Rodríguez Ferrer
Louie A. Rodríguez Ferrer is a junior architect in training from Puerto Rico who graduated with a Master of Architecture from the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras campus in 2023. He is passionate about the architectural profession and is currently working toward obtaining his professional licensure. His interests lie in sustainable, organic, and parametric architecture, and he is a firm believer in contributing positively to both community and environment through thoughtful design. One of his long-term goals is to establish his own design firm focused on sustainable tropical architecture. Outside of architecture, Louie is an avid baseball enthusiast, having competed at a high level, and enjoys creating craftwork with various materials while actively supporting his local community.
Gabriel A. Rivera León
Gabriel A. Rivera León is an architectural designer from Puerto Rico who earned his Master of Architecture from the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras campus in 2023. He has a strong interest in hands-on building, materials, and craftsmanship—an interest that was sparked during a study abroad program in Oaxaca, Mexico, where he worked with traditional adobe construction techniques. Since then, he has gained practical experience in architecture studios and with a general contractor, focusing on interior remodeling, construction detailing, and design development. His academic work has been recognized with awards and honorable mentions in both national and international competitions. Gabriel currently works at a small architecture firm while also pursuing independent projects that explore the intersection of design and making, including woodworking, digital fabrication, and material experimentation.
HONOURABLE MENTION
Ecem Aksoy & Jack Pearce
Jack Pearce:
Jack Pearce is an architectural designer with a Master of Architecture from Florida International University. His design approach is rooted in rhythm, spatial clarity, and material expression—often drawing inspiration from music and movement. With a focus on technical precision and emotional resonance, his work seeks to create architecture that feels both grounded and poetic. The project embodies this philosophy, using a musically driven framework to explore structural harmony, repetition, and sectional interplay within a residential context in Japan.
Ecem Aksoy:
Ecem Aksoy is an architectural designer with a Master of Architecture from Florida International University. Her design approach centers on empathy, adaptability, and cultural sensitivity, responding to both environmental and social contexts. Through community-driven projects and material exploration, she seeks to create inclusive spaces that foster resilience and connection.
HONOURABLE MENTION
Aniruddha Nirmal, Krishna Ram Sagar & Sudiksha Patil
Aniruddha Nirmal is a Bachelor’s student at the School of Planning and Architecture, Bhopal, with a design approach that explores curves and forms challenging conventional boundaries. His work reflects a strong focus on purposeful expression—where simplicity and clarity guide the design process. Through projects like his minimal dwelling, he aims to create spaces that feel both unique and grounded, with a deep connection to the natural environment and architectural intent.
Sudiksha Patil, a Bachelor's student at the School of Planning and Architecture, Bhopal, is passionate about user-centric design. Her academic work focuses on how architecture can shape experiences by responding to human needs and behaviors. She believes design should be purpose-driven and context-evolved, aiming to create intuitive, engaging, and people-connected spaces.
Krishna Sagar is a Bachelor’s student at Symbiosis College of Architecture, Pune. He approaches design with a focus on clarity, balance, and purpose—believing that good design comes from thoughtful simplicity. His interest lies in how light, form, and materials come together to shape meaningful spaces. With a growing inclination toward simple and responsible design practices, he hopes to explore minimal and sustainable architecture further in his journey ahead.
HONOURABLE MENTION
Jiyeon Seo
HONOURABLE MENTION
Alejandro Lecon & Briana Mesa
HONOURABLE MENTION
Leesley Polanco & Justina Vaicelionyte
Leesley Polanco is an emerging architectural designer and recent Master of Architecture graduate from Florida International University. Her design philosophy centers on the belief that playfulness and functionality can coexist to create meaningful experiences that foster deeper connections between families and communities. Drawing inspiration from cultural contexts and personal heritage, Leesley infuses her work with a thoughtful yet playful approach. Her goal is to design spaces that not only enhance daily life but also spark emotional and social connections. Leesley through design explores places that resonate with both the hearts and minds of those who experience them.
Justina Vaicelionyte is a designer from Lithuania currently working at Studio Plasencia who sees architecture as a way to listen, respond, and connect with people, place, and the natural world. With a background in Sustainability and the Environment and a Master of Architecture from Florida International University, she approaches design with curiosity, sensitivity, and care.
Her work is guided by a deep respect for nature and an interest in spaces that feel quiet yet alive. She is drawn to architecture that grows out of its surroundings, shaped by light, shadow, material, and memory. In her career, Justina has contributed to high-end residential projects where she focused on custom detailing and immersive spatial experiences. Whether designing homes, shared spaces, or objects, she believes in creating environments that feel rooted, open, and become an extension of the natural environment.
HONOURABLE MENTION
HONOURABLE MENTION
HONOURABLE MENTION
HONOURABLE MENTION
HONOURABLE MENTION
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