Episode Description

This episode from Beyond the Surface features Rafael Robles, co-founder and director of Duo, an innovation studio and lab dedicated to creating built environment innovations that benefit society. Rafael discusses his multifaceted journey that intertwines immigration activism, architecture, real estate development, and human-centered design.

He shares how these diverse experiences converge in Duo’s work, which embraces a multi contextual design approach that prioritizes social impact and cultural sensitivity. Throughout the episode, Rafael reflects on the challenges and opportunities of blending activism with design and development to create meaningful innovations that improve communities and uplift underrepresented voices. This episode provides a deep exploration of how architecture can serve as a powerful tool for social change and inclusion.