Luxury architecture is moving toward a more grounded and environmentally conscious approach, where materiality, craftsmanship, and emotional connection matter as much as aesthetics. In this WLCC interview, Lucila Aguilar, founder of Aguilar & Esteve Arquitects, shares how her studio combines bamboo, digital fabrication, and local expertise to create spaces rooted in authenticity.
World Luxury Chamber of Commerce: Your work brings together sustainable materials like bamboo with high-end design. How do you position ecological responsibility within the expectations of luxury clients today?
Lucila Aguilar: Using natural materials is not only the responsible choice, but also a beautiful one. We aim to introduce a new vision for hospitality and redefine what luxury can accomplish. Ecological responsibility is not opposed to beauty or comfort — in fact, we believe it enhances both.
We are deeply passionate about craftsmanship, detail, and quality. Elevating materials such as bamboo, earth, wood, stone, and green roofs to an entirely new level is at the core of our practice. By combining these materials with advanced technologies and innovative fabrication processes, we are able to create spaces that feel refined, timeless, and deeply connected to nature.
WLCC: Having trained across institutions in Mexico, the US, and Asia, how have these different cultural and architectural perspectives influenced the way you approach design and craftsmanship?
LA: That journey has been an invaluable learning experience. Each culture and institution offered a unique perspective on architecture, craftsmanship, and the relationship between people and space.
The combination of these influences has given us a well-rounded vision and provided the tools, knowledge, and sensitivity that are reflected in our work today. It has taught us to approach design with both technical precision and cultural awareness, always seeking solutions that are innovative yet deeply human.
WLCC: Your studio combines digital fabrication with local artisanal techniques. How do you balance innovation with preserving authenticity in the projects you deliver?
LA: For us, innovation and authenticity naturally complement one another. We see technology and artisanal expertise as parts of the same conversation.
Collaborating with highly skilled artisans and world-class engineers has allowed us to innovate while preserving the wisdom and craftsmanship behind traditional building techniques. Each project becomes an opportunity to learn, experiment, and evolve. Every client, landscape, and cultural context pushes us to explore new possibilities while remaining grounded in authenticity.
WLCC: In hospitality and residential projects across Latin America, what defines a truly memorable luxury space for you beyond aesthetics?
LA: For us, a memorable luxury space is one that captures and elevates the essence of a place. We strive to create architecture that integrates seamlessly into the landscape, offering an immersive experience that feels both intimate and extraordinary.
We want people to feel emotionally connected to the space — to feel part of it.
Every site has something unique to offer, and our role is to enhance that beauty through creativity, sensitivity, and an artistic approach to design. Carefully selecting materials that genuinely belong to the context brings authenticity to the experience, and ultimately, that authenticity is what makes a space unforgettable.
WLCC: In the coming years, what shifts do you expect in luxury architecture, particularly in how clients define value, materials, and long-term impact?
LA: We believe people will become increasingly conscious of the impact architecture and development have on nature and the planet. As a result, clients will expect a much greater level of ecological responsibility from the luxury industry.
We also see a shift in values: people are beginning to prioritize authentic experiences, culture, gastronomy, wellness, and connection with nature over material excess and luxury goods alone.
In response to the noise and intensity of urban life, many will seek spaces that offer calm, balance, and reconnection with the natural world. We believe the future of luxury architecture lies in creating environments that nurture both people and the planet.
Discover more of Aguilar & Esteve Arquitects’ work at their website and explore their approach to bamboo-led contemporary architecture: https://www.lucilaaguilar.com/.
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