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We are a boutique design firm founded by Simon Velez and Stefana Simic. Mostly known for their pioneering work with natural materials, in particular bamboo, they are known for their fine craftsmanship and timeless designs. Designing and building around the world, Simon Velez and his skillful team of workers, have completed more than 300 projects to date.
 
Simplicity, resiliency, and honest expression of materials are fundamental criteria to each project from design concept to detailing and material selection. 

Simón Vélez, Design Principal
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Born in Manizales, Colombia in 1949, Simon Velez is the son and grandson of architects. Almost 35 years ago, Simon discovered a very simple construction technique that revolutionized the way we can build with bamboo. This technique, consisting of injecting cement mortar in the empty chambers of bamboo where there are structural unions, allows for the bamboo to be utilized for the first time as a true “vegetal steel.” While the architecture of Simon Velez has a strong reference to vernacular traditions, he has pushed the limits of bamboo construction to achieve more modern and contemporary structural and architectural expressions - large spans, voluminous spaces with impressive heights, elliptical domes and cupula structures, etc…
 
Simón's basic theory is that architecture must be more vegetarian. He believes that there is an overdose of minerals (concrete, steel and glass) in the construction industry, especially in third world countries. He argues for a more balanced and mix-material/mixed-structure approach to building and design, and the incorporation of more natural material elements in construction. To date, Vélez has designed and constructed over 200 buildings (not only in bamboo) in Germany, France, USA, Brazil, Mexico, China, Jamaica, Colombia, Panama, Ecuador, and India. His most notable works are the bamboo pavilion in Expo Hannover (2000), Nomadic Museum in Zocalo Square in Mexico City for the photograher, Gregory Colbert (2008), Crosswaters Ecolodge in the forests of Nankun Shan Reserve (Guangzhou, China 2003). As of 2014, he has been working together with his design partner and wife, New York born designer Stefana Simic, in their studio based in Bogota, Colombia. 

AWARDS/HONORS
  • 2016 Architecture Biennale - La Biennale di Venezia
  • 2009 The Principal Prince Claus Award
  • 2006 Award of Honor in Analysis and Planning for “Crosswaters Ecolodge” - American Society of Landscape Architects
MAJOR WORKS
  • 2018 Contemplation Bamboo Pavilion, Arles, France
  • 2016 Marina and Restaurant, Islas Secas, Panama
  • 2014 Social Housing Prototype
  • 2010 Indian Pavilion, EXPO Shanghai, China (design of bamboo structure)
  • 2008 Nomadic Museum, Zocalo de la Ciudad de Mexico
  • 2009 Temple of No Religion, Cartagena, Colombia
  • 2005 Ecolodge Hotel. Guangzhou, China
  • 2003 Jenny Garzon Pedestrian Bridge, Bogota, Colombia
  • 2002 Cathedral of Our Lady of Poverty, Pereira
  • 2002 Reggae Stage, Ochorios, Jamaica
  • 2000 ZERI Pavilion, EXPO Hannover, Germany

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