Building Vision: A Behind-the-Scenes Look with Our In-House Architect

Ever wondered what goes into designing the spaces where ideas come to life? We sat down with our in-house architect to explore the inspiration, process, and passion behind their work. From concept sketches to completed spaces, get a behind-the-scenes look at how architecture shapes not just buildings—but experiences.

Meet Dulce Andino. Dulce is an Architect with a Master’s degree in Architectural Sciences from National Cheng Kung University in Taiwan, she has advanced training in architectural visualization and representation, as well as international courses in timber structures, interior design, and digital fabrication.

Passionate about digital visualization, she brings 12 years of experience creating renderings for a wide range of projects in the United States. Extremely detail-oriented, she collaborates closely with design teams to ensure each image faithfully represents the designers' vision for their clients. Her work focuses on atmosphere, materials, interior styling, and composition.

9 Questions for Our Architect

From Vision to Reality:

What’s the first thing you consider when designing for a commercial space or real estate development?

As an architect specializing in digital visualization, the first thing I focus on when designing a commercial space or real estate development is the overall vision and how to communicate it clearly to both clients and end users. This begins with understanding the project’s purpose.

Next, I study the site context, project requirements, and spatial needs. At the same time, I start thinking about how the design will be experienced visually. My role is to turn abstract ideas into compelling, photorealistic visuals, which are essential tools for decision-making and marketing.

Visualization is not just the final step—it is part of the whole process. It helps to test spatial concepts, lighting, materials, and flow early on, so clients can fully understand and engage with the design.

Designing for the Bottom Line:

How can thoughtful architectural design increase a property’s market value or leasing potential?

Thoughtful architectural design has a strong impact on a property’s market value and leasing potential because it connects the space with both user needs and market expectations. Good design improves functionality, makes better use of space, and creates an emotional connection for the people who experience it.

From my side, working in digital visualization, I see how important this is early in the process. When we can clearly show the design vision—through renderings, animations, or 3D models—it helps clients and investors understand the value of the project right away. It builds confidence, attracts interest even before construction starts, and can even support decisions around funding and leasing. Visualization helps make the potential of the design real from the very beginning.

Lessons from the Field:

Can you share a challenge you’ve faced on a commercial project and how you solved it creatively?

One challenge I faced was working on a commercial fit-out for an aesthetic clinic, where the space was much smaller than what the client had imagined. They had a long list of needs: several treatment rooms, a reception, a waiting area, and storage. At first, it seemed impossible to fit everything without losing comfort or functionality.

Instead of only giving technical explanations, I created detailed 3D visualizations and spatial simulations to show how the layout could work with smart design solutions. I used multi-functional elements—like built-in storage inside partition walls and flexible furniture—to make the most of the space without making it feel crowded. These visualizations allowed the client to ‘walk through’ the design and understand how we could meet their goals, even with the space limitations.

In the end, we delivered a layout that was efficient, elegant, and in line with their brand image—all within a small footprint. This project really showed how visualization can help solve problems and give clients confidence in the design, even when space is tight.

Adaptive Design Trends:

What trends are you seeing in commercial architecture that developers and business owners should be paying attention to?

One of the biggest trends in commercial architecture today is the move toward flexibility and experience-focused design. Developers and business owners want spaces that can adapt—like offices with flexible layouts, modular retail spaces, or shared wellness and amenity areas. These features help the building stay relevant over time.

Sustainability is also becoming something that can’t be ignored. More clients are asking for energy-efficient systems, eco-friendly materials, and designs that support long-term environmental goals.

In my opinion, the developers who focus on flexibility, technology in design, and sustainable strategies are the ones who will be most successful in the future.

Interior + Architecture Synergy:

How does working with an integrated interior design and architecture team benefit a project versus hiring separately?

Working with an integrated architecture and interior design team creates a level of harmony and efficiency that’s difficult to achieve when those parts are done separately. When both teams collaborate from the beginning, the whole design—from layout to finishes and lighting—feels more consistent and well thought out. It also helps avoid problems with scale, materials, or function that often happen when interior design comes too late in the process.

Functionality First:

How do you approach designing spaces that are both beautiful and operationally efficient—especially in retail or hospitality?

In retail and hospitality, beauty and operational efficiency are not opposite goals—they need to work together. My approach always starts with understanding how the space will function for both users and staff. I study how people will move through the space and how it needs to work on a daily basis.

Once that foundation is clear, I add design elements that create atmosphere—like lighting, materials, spatial rhythm, and brand expression. But for me, aesthetics must always support function. Every design decision is based on how the space will actually be used.

Using digital visualization, I can connect beauty and efficiency even more effectively. I build immersive visual experiences that help test how the space will look and feel in real time.

Building with the Brand in Mind:

How do you ensure the architecture reflects a commercial client’s brand identity?

To make sure the architecture reflects the client’s brand, I always start by understanding the brand deeply—not only the visual identity, but also the values, personality, and target audience. I think about how the brand wants people to feel when they enter the space. Should it feel high-end and exclusive? Warm and welcoming? Or maybe innovative and modern? This emotional feeling becomes the base for the design.

In the architecture, this is shown through choices like shape, materials, lighting, and layout. For example, a luxury brand might need clean lines and natural stone, while a bold, youth-focused brand might need bright colors, digital elements, and a more playful space.

As an architect, specialized in visualization, I can test and show how all these elements work together. I create visuals that show not only the look of the space, but also the mood and atmosphere. This helps clients understand if the design is telling the right brand story. That way, the final result is not just functional, but also feels like a real extension of the brand.

Sustainability & Long-Term Thinking:

What sustainable or energy-efficient design strategies are most cost-effective for developers today?

Some of the most cost-effective sustainable strategies for developers today are passive solutions that need smart planning more than big investments. Things like orientation, shading, natural ventilation, and daylighting can reduce energy use a lot—especially when you think about them early in the design. These solutions also improve comfort and make the building more attractive, which is a big plus for commercial success.

Material choice is also important. Using local or recycled materials, low-VOC finishes, and good insulation can reduce environmental impact and improve building performance.

Efficient systems—like LED lighting, low-flow fixtures, and smart ventilation—are now affordable and usually pay off quickly.

Advice to Developers:

If you could give one piece of advice to a developer planning a new commercial build, what would it be?

If I could give one piece of advice to a developer starting a new commercial project, it would be: always think about the people who will use the space—and use visualization as a tool from the beginning.

Many projects focus only on numbers, like square meters or budgets. But in the end, the success of a commercial space depends on how it feels and works for the people inside—tenants, clients, or visitors.

Visualization helps a lot in this process. It allows everyone—developers, designers, investors—to see and understand the space before it’s built. It saves time, helps avoid mistakes, and creates stronger, more valuable results.

Designing with Purpose: Final Thoughts from Our Architect

From creative sparks to structural strategy, our architect’s insights remind us that great design is as much about purpose as it is about aesthetics. These questions offered just a glimpse into the thinking that shapes our spaces every day. As we continue to build and evolve, it’s clear that architecture isn’t just about walls and roofs—it’s about creating environments that inspire, connect, and endure.