Maria Ibarra is an architect with a minimalist but still colourful approach to architecture. She is passionate about projects where she can create spaces that are both functional and emotional.
Inspiration and design philosophy
Maria studied architecture at the Instituto Politécnico Nacional in Mexico City, and through an exchange semester in Milan she ended up in Norway. Here she has worked as an architect since 2006, on everything from simple buildings to complex urban-development projects.
"What led me to architecture was a wish to make a difference, and to use architecture as a tool to improve and simplify people's lives. I have a unique perspective on design and the architectural profession after long experience from both small and large architecture firms, and as a freelancer", Maria Ibarra says.
For Maria, architecture is more than just structures; it is a chance to influence and enrich by creating functional and inspiring spaces.
"I'm inspired by the magic of experiencing a place that feels completely right. The moment when a room or a building awakens a feeling of happiness, that is what I want to create. There is a lot of inspiration to draw from many different sources. Films like Columbus and Parasite show the power that architecture has to convey stories and emotions."
Shipping containers converted into apartments. © Maria Ibarra
As an architect, Maria finds inspiration among other places from the well-known Mexican architect Luis Barragán, who has had a great influence on modern architecture.
"Barragán's work represents a unique synthesis of modern and traditional Mexican architecture, in which he created peaceful, poetic spaces that play on both emotions and the senses. His minimalist but at the same time colourful approach to design has strongly influenced my own architectural style."
Maria mentions several of Barragán's works, such as Cuadra San Cristóbal, Fuente de los Amantes, Casa Gilardi, the chapel at Tlalpan, and Casa Pedregal.
"These are wonderful examples of how architecture can be both calm and dynamic. Barragán had an ability to transform simple materials into artistic expression through colour and light, which is something I seek to reflect in my own projects. It has inspired me to create spaces that are not only functional but also emotionally enriching, and that mirror my own design philosophy."
Innovation and sustainability
What really captures Maria's interest and passion is projects with a meaningful purpose, projects that can help create positive change and valuable experiences, both locally and for society.
"I am driven by projects that not only look good on paper but also contribute to a better everyday life for the users and the surroundings. Projects where I know that the architecture I create has a lasting, positive impact are the ones that give my work meaning and motivation."
Of the many projects Maria Ibarra has been involved in, there are two that stand out and are especially meaningful to her. They are about the development of new, sustainable forms of living.
"These were two projects about the reuse of shipping containers. One container was transformed into housing and the other into a dynamic cultural venue. Turning existing resources into new, multifunctional, and aesthetically pleasing spaces involved unique challenges, but the process was enormously rewarding. These projects are especially close to my heart because they reflect my commitment to sustainability and innovation in architecture."
Shipping containers transformed into a dynamic cultural destination. © Maria Ibarra
Sustainability is central and a fundamental principle in Maria's work process, one she makes sure to implement right from the start phase of a project.
"I actively use the UN Sustainable Development Goals to guide my design choices. That way I adapt sustainable solutions to the specific needs and possibilities of each individual project. This ensures that the architectural work is not only aesthetically pleasing but also environmentally friendly and forward-looking."
Such an approach often means that Maria has to explore new materials, energy-efficient solutions, and innovative methods to minimise the environmental footprint while maintaining high quality and function.
Challenges as an architect
Maria is part of the creative office community at Gummifabrikken in Drammen, where the environment of other creative souls can contribute to a balanced working day.
"Socialising with the others in the office community helps me keep my energy, productivity, and creativity at their best. As a freelance architect, each day can be quite varied, depending on where I am in the different projects, my customers, and my personal working style. The work can range from sales to idea development, the drawing phase, modelling, and presentations. I balance several projects at once with careful planning and prioritisation based on the timeframes for each project."
Small houses designed by Maria. © Maria Ibarra
As with all work, Maria can meet challenges in the projects and in the work as an architect.
"Often the challenges I meet as an architect are tied to a lack of knowledge, vision, and communication in the projects. I strongly believe that success as an architect comes as much from good collaboration as from individual skill. For me it is therefore important to build and maintain a strong sense of team among everyone involved in a project."
Maria therefore makes sure to keep close dialogue with those she works with, through digital and in-person meetings. Platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and Miro are important for sharing ideas and finding inspiration. And when she does meet challenges, such as technical problems or creative blocks, she is happy to take a break or go for a run to clear her mind.
Good workflow and the right tools
For successful projects, Maria uses a range of tools, programs, and resources. As a freelance architect, this helps her manage an efficient workflow in a busy working day.
"My primary tool is Archicad, which is the very backbone of my architectural work. Recently I have also started using artificial intelligence to improve and streamline my work processes. AI technology has proved invaluable for increasing productivity while freeing up time for the creative process."
Archicad is developed especially for architects and is a smart, feature-rich BIM tool for drawing, modelling, and presenting buildings and other architecture. With open standards, it is also easy to collaborate across teams and companies.
For Maria, a structured working day both starts and ends with a review of emails and to-do lists. At the end of the day she sets up a to-do list for the next day, which makes it easy to get going the next morning.
"I am satisfied with my workflow and have been conscious about maintaining a good balance between work and free time. Finding the balance between the two can be challenging when you are a freelancer, but I try to make room for family, friends, exercise, and hobbies. In a work context it is also important for me to stay up to date on the latest trends in architecture, take part in online courses and workshops, and read professional literature."
Floor plan of an apartment for two families. © Maria Ibarra
There is little as pleasant and motivating as good feedback. Maria would like to share a short customer comment that says a little about their experience of working with her:
"Maria has drawn a new floor plan for us for an existing multi-family house that will house two families in a more socially sustainable form of living. The proposed solution elegantly embraces both collective and private spheres, and Maria has shown herself to be both creative and responsive. The drawings have brought together our original input and needs. We look forward to realising the plans!"
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