Architecture is more than just a blueprint or a building; it's a testament to creativity, perseverance, and the pursuit of a dream. This is reflected in the remarkable journey of Anny Karol and Maggi, two architects who left their homeland, Venezuela, to grow and shine on the neighboring island of Aruba.
With their shared passion for design and excellence, they have not only overcome challenges but are demonstrating who they are in their work under the name of their company, Kairos.
Anny Karol's architectural journey began during her teenage years when she had to choose her career path in school. At this early stage, she felt drawn to civil engineering construction. "The work I experienced in technical classes, the manual labor, and the tools we used sparked my passion. As I progressed through my studies, it became clear that architecture was the perfect match for me."
Going back to her younger years, there's no doubt that Maggi's calling for architecture emerged during family vacations in Venezuela. She always found herself sketching landscapes, houses, and unique places. "I used to see the world through my sketches." The transition from these early drawings to shaping her future is truly unique.
Their destiny brought them together during their architecture studies. Here, they discovered a shared love not only for design but also for each other.For this moment, they embarked on their journey as companions in life and business. 'Our partnership in life and work is our greatest strength,' Maggi says. Their relationship has become a source of inspiration for their clients, colleagues, and anyone striving to maintain an effective balance between personal and professional life."
Anny and Maggi arrived in Aruba in 2018 for a project that was expected to last 3 to 6 months. However, little by little, they started paving the way for new projects. "Aruba captivated us with its tranquility and unique landscapes. The people of Aruba treated us like family. We decided to make this our home and share our expertise with Aruba." But in 2020, the pandemic reached Aruba, forcing Anny and Maggi to adjust their plans. After much consideration, even considering returning to Venezuela, they found opportunities to work remotely, designing 2D and 3D projects for different clients.
"Certainly, the challenge during the pandemic taught us to find the positive side of this season, and that's when our business, KAIROS, was born." (Kairos; a Greek word meaning 'the opportune, right moment when something important takes place) 'Despite all the negativity surrounding us, this was our chance, and we took the determination and strength to achieve our goals.'"
While the construction world has traditionally been dominated by men, for Anny and Maggi, their experience as architects in this field shows that this dominance is changing. Even in Aruba, where this field is also led by men, they have found allies who respect their expertise without gender limitations.
In their specialization in 2D and 3D design, they've seen women excel, and clients appreciate the feminine touch in their designs. In conclusion, their innovation and creativity in their work surpass any gender-related challenges.
Maggi
Maggi
The use of 3D design software has proven to be a crucial tool in providing detailed and precise results for their projects. "Many times, clients approach us with a 2D design, and we transform it into a 3D format to give them a more realistic view of the finished project. This provides a clearer idea of colors, dimensions, the facade, and more. For us, it's a strength to offer the image of a complete product before the actual construction begins. This allows us to prepare every detail that needs to remain consistent."
Anny
Anny
In the world of architecture, one key requirement for optimal work is preparing for long hours. "We can't deny that our professions demand long hours sitting behind a computer and meticulous attention to detail when creating 3D designs. There are also other obstacles that can arise when starting construction, like challenges on the construction site. All of this can make the journey demanding." This is why Anny and Maggi rely on excellent communication in every project, and that's the strength of their teamwork. "We communicate with each other in every step of a project, and we get involved in each other's processes to support and provide different perspectives when needed. This ensures that the design process and construction technique are well-planned, helping precision during construction."
"We consider ourselves fortunate for every project that comes our way, regardless of its size. Each one has been unique and special to us, enriching our knowledge and skills for execution. A smaller project for us typically lasts between 3 to 4 months. An example of such a project is the coffee bar in the lobby of the Holiday Inn Hotel, which we developed with our colleague Barbra Zavala, an expert in Interior Design Architecture. We've also worked on renovations inside and outside homes, constructed apartments for Airbnb condominiums, house projects, commercial spaces, gazebos, and even garden designs. So far, our largest project in terms of size is a residential project in Paradera, Reina Sophia Residence, on a plot of approximately 18,000 m2, where the plan is to build 37 housing units. Creating a multi-functional, pleasant design considering the different families who will make this space their home has been an unforgettable experience for us."
Anny and Maggi have a message for all women: "Don't stop working towards your goals. There will always be an opportune moment for you to excel. There will be more and more women supporting and leading innovative projects. The best thing about professions like architecture and engineering is that there are many areas within the same field where women can excel."
Built with Shorthand