Expertise

With nearly 10 years of industry experience, having successfully managed diverse projects in hospitality, retail and workplace design, Makarena Alvarez has the confidence, agility, and patience to collaborate with team members and guide clients through an organized design process. Specializing in creative design, 3D modeling, and rendering, her discerning eye and natural empathy make her an asset to all projects.

She holds a Bachelor of Applied Interior Design from Mount Royal University and the NCIDQ certification. Her achievements include winning the Award of Excellence in Architectural Woodwork Design from AWMAC for Milk Jar, receiving the Best Big Impact in a Small Space award in Gray Magazine's Awards Issue #43 for Bar Annabelle, and being honoured with the IDA Design Excellence Award for Shaw Court.

Design Philosophy

A skilled problem solver, Makarena enjoys delving into concepts, starting by establishing a sense of place within the project's surroundings. When facing design challenges, she falls back on the established concept. This approach allows the project to evolve cohesively rather than in fragmented pieces. Passionate about the earth and addressing climate change, she strives for timeless design, advocating for a more sustainable and responsible future in the industry.

Beyond Design

Beyond design, Makarena is a first-generation Canadian-Chilean, fluent in Spanish, and conversational in French. She is an avid boxer, cycler, and enjoys outdoor activities like hiking and rock climbing. She also enjoys exploring and appreciating what Calgary has to offer.