Meet Alex Ginard | Registered Architect & Urbanist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alex Ginard and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alex, why did you pursue a creative career?
Before embarking on my architectural studies, I was an avid drawer as a teenager. Although I wasn’t certain about my future career path, I had a deep passion for painting and drawing. Unable to attend art school, I decided to educate myself, spending weekends at the Public Library exploring various artists. I started with the classics: Michelangelo, Da Vinci, Rembrandt, Velázquez, and many others. The books provided a direct connection to their work, fueling my inspiration.

That period was a pivotal moment in my life. Art books soon led me to discover architecture as a form of expression. I vividly remember the first time I opened a book about Gaudi’s architecture; it was mesmerizing! That was when I decided to dedicate my life to drawing and building structures.

I enrolled in the School of Architecture in Havana in 2000, graduating as an architect in 2005. My journey continued as I earned a Master’s Degree in Urban Design in 2007.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
After completing my master’s degree in 2007, I began working on commercial projects in Havana, primarily designing art stores. However, the limited opportunities in Cuba prompted me to seek new horizons. In 2009, I moved to Mexico City, quickly obtaining my architectural license and establishing my own design-build firm specialized in luxury residential projects. Between then and 2015, we completed over 50 architecture and interior design projects, marking a period of significant growth for our firm. Despite this success, I aspired to design larger developments, high-rise buildings, and public spaces, though I lacked experience in these areas.

In 2015, I decided to relocate permanently to Miami, Florida, and joined the prestigious firm Arquitectonica Int. There, I not only obtained my architectural license in Florida but also gained experience working on a diverse range of projects, including hospitality developments, high-rise multifamily buildings, offices, and mixed-use projects. This period was a fantastic learning experience, showcasing my versatility and ability to adapt to various design challenges.

Driven by a strong desire to realize my unique vision, I left Arquitectonica after nearly six years. In 2021, I founded Ginard Studio, an architecture and interior design firm specialized in high-end developments and custom luxury residences. We focus on bringing identity and authenticity to each project, striving to create spaces that reflect our clients’ visions while contributing to the communities they serve.

What sets Ginard Studio apart is our unwavering commitment to involvement in every aspect of a project, from inception to completion. Our hands-on approach ensures no detail is overlooked, and every design element is meticulously crafted. We work closely with developers and homeowners to develop unique visions for each project, maximizing efficiency and enhancing features that make each project distinct.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would start with a visit to the Pérez Art Museum in Miami and the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens in Coconut Grove. For lunch, we’d head to Abbalé in South Beach, and for dinner, Bourbon Steak inside the JW Marriott Miami in Aventura is a must.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First and foremost, I would like to thank God for being my daily strength and for surrounding me with amazing people from the beginning. My deepest gratitude goes to my wife, who has been incredibly supportive and has always believed in me, even when I doubted myself. I am beyond blessed that she works side by side with me in the studio, and together with our little kids, they are the “engine” that drives me every day.

I also wanted to acknowledge two of my university professors, Pedro Albizu and Gina Rey, who greatly influenced my career and always pushed me to excel in every task. Additionally, Charo Florido, an incredible colleague and friend. She has inspired me in many ways. Jaime Lavin, a great architect and interior designer, has been a friend and mentor in design, business, and life. Margarita Blanco, who provided invaluable support during my early years in the US and encouraged me to pursue my architectural license in Florida.

Lastly, I am very grateful for my time at Arquitectonica, which I consider my second architectural school.

Website: https://www.ginardstudio.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ginardstudio/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ginard-studio

Twitter: https://twitter.com/GinardStudio

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ginardarchitecture