About – Ainoa Studio

ALEXANDRA, AINOA’S STUDIO FOUNDER

Mariá Alexandra Sinisterra is an architect from the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana with a Master of Science in Architecture (SMArchS) from MIT.

Prior to her graduation she worked at the Spanish architectural design studio AMP/Artengo Menis Pastrana in the Canary Islands. From 1999 to 2002 she participated in the architecture studios that developped several urban projects lead by the Mayor of Bogota Enrique Peñalosa, such as Timiza Park and Calera Corridor.

Mrs. Sinisterra has received several academic prizes such as the MARVIN GOODY AWARD for the creative use of materials; an academic merit scholarship from the Organization of American States (OAS); a merit-based scholarship/loan from COLFUTURO; and two partial tuition grants from MIT School of Architecture.

Her work has been featured in several publications, such as the design and decoration magazine MOBILIARI; the specialized architectural publication from Pontifical Universidad Javeriana School of Architecture, VERSIONES; Colombia’s specialized architectural publication ESCALA; the specialized architectural publication from MIT School of Architecture THRESHOLDS; and the Project Fecund City Spaces from the Royal Institute of British Architecture RIBA and the Byzantine Museum in the city of Athens, Greece.

Mrs. Sinisterra has been a member of the Board of Directors of the MIT HARVARD CLUB of Colombia (2 periods) and the Mujeres por Colombia Foundation.

Why Ainoa?

When were getting ready to open shop in the year 2008, we sought a word that represented our essence, and which could be easily translated into a brand identity.

After an extensive brain storming exercise with a renowned graphic designer we converged on the word AINOA, which is Finnish for UNIQUE, as uniqueness is the conceptual foundation of and each every one of our designs.

What we believe?

The merger of design and spirit to attain the sublime.The inspired use of materials.Uniqueness.Timeless elegance.

AWARDS AND MEMBERSHIPS

OUR CREATIVE PROCESS

For us, to design a project, regardless of its scale, is to embark on a creative, intuitive, and sensory journey with our client. We have no preconceived ideas as to how a project must be executed, as we believe that the end-product must naturally flow from a dialogue with our client is comprised of the following steps:

UNDERSTANDING
We hold a first meeting with our client to understand their needs and expectations regarding the project. This meeting can be in person or online.

PLANNING
We make a presentation with our general ideas and understanding of the scope of the project, with a fee estimate and a timetable for the execution of the project.

DESIGN
Once an agreement on fees is reached, we begin the design process, which is divided into the following 3 parts:
a. Drawing of architectural and/or interior design schematics.
b. Drawing of architectural and/or interior design draft.
c.Drawing of architectural and/or interior design project. Once the final design has been agreed on, the relevant technical studies, if applicable, are initiated.

CONSTRUCTION
After design approval, the relevant technical studies are initiated:
a. The timetable and the budget are approved.
b. Construction work begins.
c. Once construction is finished, we deliver a use and maintenance manual, along with the plans that have been previously approved and signed by our client and us.

UNDERSTANDINGWe hold a first meeting with our client to understand their needs and expectations regarding the project. This meeting can be in person or online.

PLANNINGWe make a presentation with our general ideas and understanding of the scope of the project, with a fee estimate and a timetable for the execution of the project.

DESIGNOnce an agreement on fees is reached, we begin the design process, which is divided into the following 3 parts:
a. Drawing of architectural and/or interior design schematics.
b. Drawing of architectural and/or interior design draft.
c.Drawing of architectural and/or interior design project. Once the final design has been agreed on, the relevant technical studies, if applicable, are initiated.

CONSTRUCTIONAfter design approval, the relevant technical studies are initiated:
a. The timetable and the budget are approved.
b. Construction work begins.
c. Once construction is finished, we deliver a use and maintenance manual, along with the plans that have been previously approved and signed by our client and us.

Services

“Good architecture is like a good therapy session, a good marriage, a good poem – gently and almost invisibly allowing you to be you, as flawed and as beautiful as you are.”

–Robert Sullivan

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ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN

Architectural design at small, medium, and grand scale, in institutional, commercial, and housing projects. We are highly oriented to detail and aim to not only satisfy our clients’ needs and expectations, but also to help them reach their spaces’ highest functional and aesthetic potential.

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INTERIOR AND FURNITURE DESIGN

Interior design of commercial, institutional, and residential spaces in different scales. When we project an interior space, we aim to create a uniquely stimulating, multisensory experience, through the intuitive exploration of colors, forms, and materials.

Personalized design, production, or guidance in the selection of furniture from third party providers (as per the specifications and budget of each project). We aim for the furniture to be a complement of the interior design of the project that reinforces all the history and the narrative behind every space.

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REMOTE DESIGN

This is a new service conceived especially for clients who live in cities located far from us and require architectural and/or interior design services for their housing or commercial projects.

We have forged an alliance with some of the best contractors in the Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Orlando areas in order to render an integral service to our clients in South Florida.

TESTIMONIAL

"As clients we can attest to the fact that Alexandra is a highly talented professional with great taste and a can-do attitude that shows in her strong work ethic and desire to go the extra mile. .. She was able to materialize our dreams of the ideal home, in a place that, though interesting, had important spatial challenges. She transformed a traditional apartment with an archaic use of space (for example the kitchen was located at the entrance, completely isolated from the rest of the property), into a modern and vibrant space that can be enjoyed to the fullest. An instance of this was the design and construction of a multipurpose space in the social area where we can cook, watch TV, entertain friends, or just hang around. Alexandra did an impeccable job in both interior design and decoration. She not only designed the interior of the project, but also its furnishings and finishes. We appreciate her passion for our life project and look forward to working with her again."

DIANA VIDAL AND TIM WALKER

TESTIMONIAL

"I have worked with Maria Alexandra Sinisterra in various occasions, always in unique projects for a demanding global market such as the Mar de Indias Golf and Beach Resort Project.. , in which I am a founding partner and Sales Manager. The Casa Coralina, located in the Mar Residences and Golf section (currently in development), is one of the works I have undertaken with her. Casa Coralina is a clear example of clean, elegant, and timeless design, in which the forms merge with the surroundings and the elements brilliantly. As to Maria Alexandra’s professional qualifications, I can say that she is a responsible, sensible, and cultivated designer, with distinct ideas and concepts that flourish when undertaking a project. I recommend Maria Alexandra without hesitation; she is an architect with a passion for her craft, and commitment to her clients, who strives for transcendence in her projects to deliver value to the final user. "

ALI LOPEZ, FOUNDING PARTNER AND SALES MANAGER MAR DE INDIAS PROJECT

TESTIMONIAL

"Alexandra has worked with us in two occasions as suggested by Messrs. German Lleras (Steer Regional Director Latam) and Enrique Hernandez (Director for Colombia)... The first time was in July 2010 when we moved our offices from 70th Street and 9th to 72nd and 7th. Alexandra participated in the project from the election of the office space to the interior design and the supervision of the construction work. The second occasion, was at the extension and renovation of our office at 72nd and 7th in September 2017, seven years later. In this opportunity Alexandra helped us by undertaking the complete interior design and the drafting of the construction bid documents. In both opportunities Alexandra handled herself as a clear and patient communicator, with the capacity to analyse complex data in stressful situations, rendering excellent results in a short span of time. Alexandra also proved to be a creative and innovative professional, who imprints her unmistakable seal in the spaces she projects. I recommend Alexandra professionally considering that she is not only greatly qualified but also highly empathetic, as a person who cares deeply for her clients’ satisfaction. "

MARTA DAZA, ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE DIRECTOR IN COLOMBIA

TESTIMONIAL

"I had the pleasure of working with Maria Alexandra in my capacity as coordinator in two low-income housing projects located in the city of Ibague. The first of them, consisted in the design of the front desk and the common areas of the Bermellon development (MZ 12).. , and the second, consisted in the design of the model apartment in the same development, both of which were completed between the end of 2020 and the beginning of 2021. In the execution of both projects Maria Alexandra proved to be analytical and sensible to the needs and expectations of the target market, as well as creative and resourceful, and also capable of designing and specifying elements in very good taste, regardless of their low cost. An amicable uncomplicated and flexible professional, open to incorporate any needed change. I recommend Maria Alexandra’s work and I can say that I am in permanent contact with her, looking for new work opportunities. "

RICARDO REYES, PRODESA PROJECT DIRECTOR