Today, I’m joined by someone very special: Karla Armas. We met back in 2019 at Miami Dade College and went through the highs and lows of architecture school together at FIU.

Karla’s journey stands out because she didn’t follow the conventional path after graduation. Instead of joining an architecture firm, she stepped into the real state development and construction world, where she found a passion she never expected.

This episode is all about exploring how a background in architecture can lead to so much more and why success doesn’t always mean following the traditional route.

I’m thrilled to welcome two incredibly inspiring guests: Laura de la Vega and Adrián Aranda, the creative force behind "Estudio Laava", a Miami-based studio known for their thoughtful and expressive approach to residential, commercial, and artistic projects.

You might already be familiar with one of their standout works—an unforgettable art installation along "The Underline" here in Miami. But what makes their story even more compelling is how it began. Laura and Adrián have a long story of friendship, who eventually grew into a shared creative journey that led them to collaborate professionally. After pursuing their studies —Laura at FIU and Adrián at FSU— their paths crossed again with "The Underline" project, which marked a turning point. The success of that work sparked a wave of new opportunities and ultimately gave birth to "Estudio Laava" as a full-time practice.

I can’t wait for you to hear more about their journey, their process, and what’s next for them.

Joining us is Ecem, an undergraduate architectural student completing her Master's Degree at FIU. Ecem brings a unique perspective shaped by her personal journey. Originally from Turkey, she moved to the U.S. nine years ago with her brother and sister-in-law, embarking on a challenging path filled with cultural and language barriers. Despite these obstacles, Ecem has forged her own path in architecture, embracing the opportunities at Florida International University to grow as a designer and as a person. Today, she’s here to share her inspiring story of perseverance, her experiences as an architecture student, and the perspectives through which she views the built environment. Let’s get started!