In an era where women are propelling themselves to the forefront of diverse industries, Eugenia Codinachs stands as a beacon of empowerment in the architectural realm. As the CEO of Codinachs Architects, she epitomizes innovation and community-centered design. Eugenia's journey intertwines her global perspective with a passion for creativity, nurtured by her childhood amidst blueprints and printers in Barcelona. Fuelled by a fascination with diverse cultures and built environments, she embarked on a path marrying creativity and functionality. With a Master's in International Business complementing her architectural expertise, Eugenia deftly navigates the intersection of design and commerce, shaping the future of communities with every project. Let’s get to know more about her in this one on one interaction.

Can you share the experiences and influences from your early years that molded you into the person you are today?

Reflecting on my formative years, my passion for travel and creative arts, especially drawing, significantly shaped my development. Exploring diverse cultures and environments fueled my curiosity about design's impact on communities. Cities like Shanghai, Jakarta, Dubai, and Port Au Prince left lasting impressions, each uniquely captivating. This exposure solidified my desire for a career intertwining creativity, functionality, and global awareness. Architecture emerged as the ideal path, offering a harmonious fusion of these elements.

Could you share an overview of your educational path and what inspired you to pursue a career in architecture?

Architecture has been a part of my life from an early age. Growing up in Barcelona, my parents, both architects, had their studio adjacent to our home. Surrounded by blueprints, I eagerly assisted in coloring drawings and marveled at old printers. Their passion for design was truly contagious.

While drawn to the creative aspect of architecture, I also valued its business dimensions. After completing my architectural studies, I pursued a Master's in International Business. This provided a comprehensive perspective, melding aesthetics with market pragmatism. Today, I'm driven by realizing design visions while ensuring project viability.

Could you share the highlights of your extensive career in architecture? What key areas of expertise have you cultivated over the past three decades in this field?

Over the past decades, I've refined my practical design skills across Asia (China, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines) and the Middle East (UAE, Saudi Arabia). This experience ranges from designing master planning urban areas, crafting mixed-use developments, and conceptualizing and developing commercial & hospitality projects. Drawing from this, I aim to manifest our visions into reality while continue pushing boundaries and create innovative impactful architecture. Reflecting on moments like Dubai's 2008 downturn and China's market shifts, adaptability emerges as paramount. International navigation requires not just skill, but discipline and flexibility. I recall when a China presence was vital, but preferences shifted to global architects with no physical office in Asia. The capability of adapting to the circumstances was the key to success.

What prompted the founding of Codinachs Architects? Could you elaborate on the firm's core concept and its primary architectural strengths?

Codinachs Architects is a family business with a rich history, founded in 1979, my father Dr. Marcia Codinachs immediately started venturing abroad, with a particular focus on projects in the Far East. This global outlook has been a core part of our identity from the very beginning.

"As CEO of codinachs architects, my primary responsibility is charting the firm's strategic course in alignment with our founder's vision, which involves seizing new opportunities while mitigating risks"

Assuming the role as lead architect and CEO, I combined our design skills and experience to cultivate a strong track record of successful projects. Our motto, 'Tailoring projects since 1979', reflects our commitment to understanding each client's specific needs and local context. Proficient in township planning and diverse architectural design ranging from mixed-use, residential to hospitality, we complement our projects with landscape and interior design. We're passionate about unique architectural designs that will contribute to its surroundings quality of life and hopefully become models for future developments.

Could you shed some light on the core duties you undertake as CEO of Codinachs Architects? What specific areas do you prioritize to propel the firm's growth?

As CEO of Codinachs Architects, my primary responsibility is charting the firm's strategic course in alignment with our Founder's vision, which involves seizing new opportunities while mitigating risks. Cultivating close ties with clients and collaborators is crutial. We pride ourselves on working alongside clients from project inception. We focus on long-term success, therefore rooting in a new market relies heavily on positive word-of-mouth recommendations, where each successful story leads the way for the next. However, my most cherished role within the firm resides in the heart of design itself. As Lead Architect of the firm, I enjoy brainstorming about the storyline of our projects, immersed in the universe of hand-sketching and engage in meetings with my design team to ensure that every single design decision is purposeful and conceptually aligned. It is almost addictive.

Could you elaborate on the primary strategies and methodologies you employ when undertaking a new architecture project?

With extensive experience in master planning and architectural design throughout Asia and the Middle East, our core design strategies prioritize a harmonious blend of functionality and aesthetics, ensuring projects resonate with local communities. We embrace local narratives, traditions and cultures, aiming for projects to enrich their surroundings meaningfully.

Central to our approach is deep client engagement, facilitated by weekly workshops to align the project with their vision. Sustainability is another cornerstone, integrated from inception through thorough site analysis, adaptation to local conditions and utilization of vernacular materials. These methodologies ensure projects not only fulfill their purpose but also leave a lasting positive impact on their environment.

What do you consider your greatest professional achievements? And what guiding principles have fueled your success?

Through experience, I've come to appreciate the significance of embracing challenges and learning from setbacks. Stories of leaders overcoming adversity inspire me more than tales of uninterrupted success. Our firm weathered its share of difficulties, teaching me to approach obstacles with clarity and perspective.

Prioritization stands out as a crucial lesson for me. Distinguishing between urgent and important tasks enhances focus, leading to better time management and decision-making. Equally vital is surrounding oneself with talented, passionate architects, fostering a dynamic work environment. My aim is to work towards a shared sense of inspiration, ‘gingering’ everyone to reach their full potential.

Which business leader do you admire most, and what qualities or achievements make them stand out to you?

While I understand that many find inspiration in established business leaders, I draw my greatest motivation from the extraordinary women who walk alongside me every day. My friends, family and co-workers represent the essence of a new generation of women: strong, independent, and often dedicated mothers that are determined to set the rules for the future female business leaders to come.

Eugenia Codinachs, CEO, Codinachs Architects

Eugenia Codinachs, CEO of Codinachs Architects, blends a rich legacy with contemporary vision. With extensive experience in architectural design across Asia and the Middle East, she spearheads the firm's strategic direction, prioritizing harmonious, community-centered projects. Eugenia's leadership fosters innovation, sustainability, and a commitment to client collaboration.