Meet Chris Cabezas | Landscape Architect & Traveler

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

Hi Chris, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I come from a family of entrepreneurs and small business owners. So I knew early on that starting my own business was something that I wanted to eventually do. I also knew that I needed experience and trainning to build a solid enough foundation to be able to succeed. After earning a Master’s in Landscape Architecture from Florida International University, then working several years at well known Miami Landscape Design firm, an opportunity came to fully take on my own solo project. I was a bit nervuos to take on such a large endevor for a first project, but the client believed in my capabilities and I was excited to give it a shot. After several months of design, drafting and then construciton, the project was completed and turned out amazing. It was a big success and I was thrilled to have lead the efforts to the finish line. It was from this experience that I knew I was ready to venture out on my own and start a business – and I’ve never looked back.

What should our readers know about your business?
Our firm, Cabezas Alvarez Landscape Architects, is a boutique design studio located in Delray Beach. We are a partnership between three landscape architects and one architect. We also happen to be two married couples, which truly makes us a family business. What sets us apart is a deep passion for plants (especially our native ecology here in South Florida) and a dedication to the process, projects and the profession. The over-reaching goal of our studio is to connect people to nature by creating inviting and highly interesting outdoor spaces. We are inspired everyday and are grateful to work with clients, the community and colleagues to build beautiful landscapes through innovative design approaches and sustainable practices.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Even though Delray Beach is called the “village by the sea”, it offers a great variety of experiences and things to do well beyond what that title may suggest. If it was after 5pm, I would tell a friend to meet me at our downtown office, where we would have a small glass of bourbon that we keep in-house for special occasions… and Fridays. If it was the morning, we would skip the whiskey and head to Deke’s for the best coffee in Delray. First thing, we would take a stroll down Atlantic Ave to check out the architecture and any event that may be happening. We would pass Old School Square and peak into the Cornell Museum’s current exhibit. Around the corner, at the Delray Beach Historic Society, we would walk the 100% native garden, which looks great.

Now that we are hungry, we would head to Pineapple Grove to the beautifully designed The Ray Hotel and head to roof top bar for some small bites and a cocktail. If we wanted a more dive bar atmosphere, you can’t beat O’Conner’s Pub around the corner. For dinner, my favorite place with an outdoor seating area is Dada which has a huge Ficus tree in the front you can eat under.

If staying longer than an evening, we could venture out a bit further from the downtown limits. We could take a run along the newly installed beach promenade, bike around some of the historic neighborhoods and head west to Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens. The options are almost endless in Delray!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The saying “it takes a village” definitely applies to my story as so many have helped guide me on this professional and personal journey. First off, my parents have always supported my goals and sacrificed for my sister and I. When I need advise or help, whether I ask for it or not, I know I’m going to get the guidance, love and support from them always. Next, Roberto Rovira and Ebru Ozer, two of my professors at FIU, inspired me to love Landscape Architecture and showed us the path to a successful career. My wife, Fiorella, a talented Architect in her own right, also deserves a huge shout out for her commitment to our family, careers and this crazy little life we created together.

Website: cabezasalvarez.com

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