Episode Description

This episode from Beyond the Surface features Paola Aguirre Serrano, an urban designer and partner at Borderless Studio, a design and research practice based in Chicago and San Antonio. Paola discusses her professional journey moving between architecture and urban design, highlighting how she translates her education and skills into impactful practice on the ground. The conversation delves into the interplay between the disciplines of architecture and urban design and how mastering both expands the ability to shape spaces that meaningfully interact with their social, cultural, and environmental contexts.

Paola shares insights on how Borderless Studio approaches design through research and engagement, emphasizing translational strategies that adapt architectural thinking to urban-scale challenges. The episode also touches on her experience working in diverse geographic and cultural settings, and how those inform the studio’s work ethos and project ambitions.

Listeners gain an understanding of the practical application of design education in urban contexts, and how an integrated approach can enable more responsive, thoughtful, and inclusive spatial outcomes. Paola’s stories and reflections serve as guidance and inspiration for designers interested in bridging architecture and urbanism to create spaces that resonate within communities.

Overall, it is an insightful exploration of professional evolution, design philosophy, and the power of cross-disciplinary practice to translate visionary ideas into lived environments, making this a valuable listen for architecture and urban design professionals and enthusiasts alike.