Team

Maria Bolivar Arrieta

Where were you born?

Colombia

Where is your favorite travel destination?

Medellin – Colombia

What’s something you’d still love to learn?

I would love to learn to play an instrument!

What are some of the projects you’re working on?

Kelner Builder residential projects

Describe our company culture in one word?

Flexible

What kind of projects do you want to work on (or technology you want to use) in the future?

For now, I’d like to stick with residential projects and get involved in the 3D design and rendering aspect of it. I wouldn’t mind dabbling in commercial projects as well to continue expanding my experience.

What do you hope to see in the future in the world of architecture and design?

Architecture that is more inclusive of animals, as in their protection, security, comfort, and enjoyment.

When did you know you wanted to be an architect/designer? (Or whatever you are, if you’re not an architect/designer!)

I always loved to draw and loved animals. At some point I thought of becoming either a fashion designer or a veterinarian, but realized there’s not much money as a fashion designer and becoming a vet would mean facing sad situations with animals. So, since I considered myself a creative person, I got into architecture to create and make money, and here I am but no money yet.

What is something you collect?

Clothes and shoes I don’t wear.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

Reading is the key to knowledge my dad used to quote this to me all the time.

What is your favorite hobby?

Dancing

Who inspires you the most in your field?

My friend and mentor from school who’s a registered architect from NY and Boston made me the inheritor of his young days’ architecture supplies and tools such as a drafting table he made from an old door from a renovation project of a Historic Building on the Law School campus he worked on at Harvard. His humble beginning and where he is now is proof that success is possible as long as you truly desire it, work hard for it, and are disciplined.

Do you have any hidden talents?

Drawing

Any other interesting fact about you?

I’m an identical twin and I drive a manual transmission car.