· about me ·
Paula López Velazco
Currently living in the north of Spain, I am an enthusiast, sociable, half spanish-half argentinian humanitarian architect, nature and acrobatics lover, but mostly: curious person.
Since young, this curiosity has made me know places with very different cultural background: From the US, where I learned to handle with great dimensions and distances, to a volunteer’s commune in Nepal, where I saw (and learned to adapt to) how little humans need to live simply.
From designing a self-sufficient socio-cultural center in the rural north of Spain, to provide technical support to rebuild homes in Bahamas after Hurricane Dorian, each experience has made me grow and develop a quick adaptability to new situations and most important: learn that the best way to address challenges is with a positive, proactive and constant learning attitude.
Willing to make us jump into a more sustainable way of living, I gladly choose the bicycle for the 95% of my displacements or pleasure travels.
Feel free to say hi and share any interesting ideas!
I FEEL VERY COMFORTABLE WORKING WITH:
Revit
Autocad
MSproject
APPs
GROUP FACILITATION
FIRST AID
· testimonies ·
"I had the pleasure of working with Paula in the Bahamas where she was the Project Manager for a Hurricane Dorian relief programme that retrofitted homes for impacted persons. She is a true go-getter, problem solver and leader. Her can-do attitude where no challenge is too big to handle, attention to detail and time management is unmatched. Without hesitation, she goes above and beyond to get the job done, making the impossible possible. I have never met a more positive person who uplifts, builds and motivates a team not only with words but by her actions. Paula has the energy of four persons and even after a strenuous day, not only does she manage to have the same energy level, but she also has the biggest smile on her face! She kept the project on track in its entirety hence delivering a highly successful project that surpassed all expectations. Without a doubt, Paula is a hardworking, genuine, kind-hearted soul and I am forever grateful for having the opportunity to work and grow under her leadership. I hope I am able to cross paths with her in the near future better yet work alongside her again."
Krysta Johnson
Assistant Project Manager, Bahamas IV Recovery Program
"Paula came to visit us in the Community of O Couso and we soon felt the call to work together on an ambitious project, not only because of the technical complexity of its material construction, but also because of the internal philosophy, which required a special sensitivity. Paula not only captured that sensitivity when planning the future School of Gifts and Talents, but she was conscientiously involved in it until we achieved an excellent result. Her work, her passion and determination made the result live up to our expectations. Paula's involvement was such that she came to live with us while she was designing the plans and she was with us until she finished her work. Her talent, her values, her good work, her integrity and her generosity have been infinite. Her professional rigor, her good sense, honesty and involvement we have rarely seen in other trades and professionals. We are left with the joy of having met a great professional, but above all, with the fortune of having a great friend in our lives forever. Thank you Paula, from the heart, for being and for taking your gift and your talent towards the common good. Thank you for believing and putting into practice the construction of a new world."
Dr. Javier León
President of the Dharana Foundation
O'Couso Project (2021)
"Paula is bright. I mean it in the several possible meanings of the word. She is not only intelligent and skilled, but her personality shines through her with enthusiasm, creative energy and resolve, even in difficult personal and professional situations. She is also one of the most responsive and efficient people I have worked with. I'm still not sure how she managed to do so many things across so many different contexts. She made the project leap forward while keeping an eye on the back mirror so no one was left behind or aside, always aware of the social challenges that arise during participatory processes. I know all this because I had de opportunity to work with her on a complex cohousing project, all while bridging the physical distance across four hundred kilometers and a global pandemic. It was a blast, and I'm looking forward to the next opportunity to collaborate with her!"
Jorge Toledo
Project manager and facilitator
Alicante ConVivencia (2021)
www.alicanteconvivencia.es
"Paula and I worked together in Chicago for about a year. She was an intern architect at our small design/build firm and having her on the team during that time was transformational. She often took on the most complex tasks without question and with enthusiasm. She has a keen eye for design and construction details and was never hesitant to jump into something she did not have previous experience with. This ability to ask intelligent questions to get at the heart of the matter quickly and succinctly will serve her well in her career. I am happy to have worked with Paula and only wish she were still in my city so I could continue to benefit from her spirited and intelligent work ethic."
James Silvestro (2019)
Architect, AIA, LEED AP
"I met Paula when she came to the Foundation as a volunteer to guide during the Openhouse days. I immediately noticed her enthusiasm and I got her information in case I needed future help.
She has collaborated in the Alejandro de la Sota Foundation as guide for the tour visits to the Maravillas gymnasium, especially with the groups of students and teachers of foreign architecture schools. She has also collaborated in the “Pioneros de la Arquitectura Moderna Española” Congresses as organization assistant and as coordinator of the student volunteers during the congresses.
Paula is a tireless worker that provides facilities and is present when work is harder, always with a smile. You can delegate to her with confidence because you know that she will give everything of herself. But above all, she enjoys what she does and you can feel it, so it's a pleasure to work with her."
Teresa Couceiro (2019)
Doctor arquitecto. Directora
FUNDACION ALEJANDRO DE LA SOTA
"I had the pleasure of working with Paula on the Bachchhala School in the foothills of the Nuwakot region of Nepal in March and April of 2017. I’ve had a private Architectural practice in Salt Lake City, Utah for about 30 years and have been spending some time with a disaster response group for the last 9 years. I had been Project Manager on this school and some others at the end of 2016 and had come back to volunteer on this school to help finish it. Paula was an especially good addition to the team. As a young architect who wanted to learn about the basics of construction she built forms, tied rebar, dug holes and mixed, poured and finished concrete with her typical enthusiasm and developed skills at all of these. This was mostly hand work, the only machines were a small gas powered mixer and (sometimes) a lift to get concrete to the upper levels, and different from modern construction, but the principles are the same and she thoroughly understands what it will take to build the projects she designs. Paula does everything well and with a smile and is a joy to work with."
Bill Arthur (2018)
Volunteer Architect Leader at All Hands