Sidara Voices & Visions
A Conversation with Jose Gelabert-Navia, Principal at Perkins&Will
Designing across Latin America through culture, context, and community. Raised by two architects and shaped by early life in Cuba and Puerto Rico, Jose Gelabert-Navia's experiences have fostered a global approach to design grounded in cultural awareness and an understanding of place, values that continue to guide his work across Latin America.
His projects throughout Latin America reflect a belief that architecture must respond to local context and social needs, creating spaces that support access, dignity, and community well-being.
In this Voices & Visions edition, Jose reflects on working across Latin America, the responsibility of designing in diverse contexts, and how collaboration across borders can create meaningful, lasting impact.
Jose Gelabert-Navia Principal at Perkins&Will, Miami
Your story begins in Cuba and Puerto Rico. How have those early experiences shaped your identity as a designer?
"Both of my parents were architects. When I graduated we practiced together in Puerto Rico, Venezuela and finally the United States, Each time was a fresh start, which has given me the tools to do the work which I have been doing for Perkins&Will for the last thirty years."
CEMDOE, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
You’ve lived in several countries throughout your life. How has this global perspective helped you engage with the diversity across places like Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, and the Caribbean?
"I have been in almost every single country of Latin America. In my academic life, I have taught about the history and culture of the region, so I have been able to see it not only through the commercial side, but also through the cultural, historical and ultimately human side."
Petribu Master Plan, State of Pernambuco, Brazil
“We cannot assume that what has worked for suburban London will work for urban Lima.”
Latin America is undergoing rapid transformation. What do you believe global design firms can learn from the region’s resilience, ingenuity, and community-driven approaches?
"It is critical listen carefully and bring real knowledge of the region. The biggest mistake you can make is to take the same pre-packed solution and try to make it work in a local market. This is the death knell of any project. What works for suburban London probably won’t work for urban Lima, so it’s about listening and understanding the local context properly."
Looking across the places where you work, whether Mexico City, São Paulo, Bogotá, or beyond, which sectors do you believe hold the greatest growth potential for local communities?
"It is less about viewing the world as a series of sectors or projects, and more about understanding places as interconnected systems. For communities to thrive, healthcare, infrastructure, transportation, and energy networks must work together, supported by well-designed urban environments that place people and function at their core. Our lives are not transactional, so why should the places we live be?"
Clinic, Lyford Cay, The Bahamas
Having led a large number of global academic programs, what can the academic and commercials sectors learn from one another?
"Key is understanding that no one person has all the answers. I have lectured in Brasil, Venezuela, Chile and Colombia and have invited colleagues from the region to join me. The more we collaborate, the more we develop and bringing in many different perspectives helps everybody do better."
When you consider the future of the region, what gives you optimism?
"Without doubt it is the younger generation. Young people who strive for growth and maturity through the constructive reshaping and improvement of their societies. This generation has been educated in the best schools, both nationally and internationally, and has chosen to stay and work toward the creation of a better society at home."
Hospital Central Universitario (HCU), Chihuahua, Mexico
As cities across Latin America navigate growing social and environmental challenges, this edition of Voices & Visions features Jose Gelabert-Navia, Principal at Perkins&Will, reflecting on the role of design in shaping inclusive, resilient communities across the region.
To learn more about Jose’s work and how he and the Perkins&Will team are delivering context-driven solutions throughout Latin America, connect with him on LinkedIn and follow his journey toward a resilient urban future.
Jose Gelabert-Navia Principal at Perkins&Will
