What excites Alina most right now is what’s still to come. She and her team are working on new residential and hospitality projects across Dubai, Saudi Arabia, and Vietnam— each with its own story and vision. In Saudi, they are designing projects that will redefine modern living by blending luxury with sustainability and technology. Their Gaia – Luxury Habitat is being brought to life as part of a resort, setting a new standard for prefabricated, eco-conscious hospitality. In Dubai, they are shaping towers that merge resort-style comfort with the energy of the city, creating spaces where people can truly live, relax, and connect.

Beyond projects, Alina is deeply focussed on research and innovation—exploring modular systems, net-zero strategies, and smart technologies. For her, the horizon is about designing responsibly while staying ahead of change, ensuring that everything built today contributes positively to tomorrow.

FROM START TO SUCCESS

Born in Cuba and raised in Spain, Alina Valcarce has always seen architecture as a bridge between cultures and perspectives. Her studies and career took her across the UK, China, India, and Vietnam, with each experience adding depth to her design philosophy. Founding Valcarce Architects was a defining milestone, transforming a dream into reality and establishing a practice that now works across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, and Miami, USA.

Driven by curiosity, passion, and a strong belief that architecture is more than just buildings, Alina focusses on creating spaces that shape how people live, feel, and connect. Recognitions such as Emerging Architecture Firm of the Year 2024 stand as milestones in her journey, yet for her, the true reward lies in seeing ideas that began as sketches come alive, evolving into meaningful places for people to enjoy.

THE ROAD AHEAD

Looking forward, Alina’s vision is to grow Valcarce Architects into a global voice for innovation, creativity, and sustainability. The firm’s footprint is expanding across the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and the Americas, and with each new project, they are bridging cultures and shaping communities. Alina believes the future of architecture lies in prefabrication, modularity, and regenerative design—where buildings don’t just reduce impact but actively contribute back to the environment. Cities will continue evolving toward net-zero, and she sees architects leading that transformation.

For Alina, the ultimate goal is to design places that go beyond beauty: spaces that improve lives, protect ecosystems, and inspire people. She views architecture not as static, but as a living dialogue between humans and nature, technology and tradition. The road ahead is about carrying this philosophy forward, scaling creativity, and leaving a legacy of meaningful, responsible, and visionary design.

Leading with Impact

For Alina Valcarce, leadership is not about standing above—it’s about standing with her team. She believes creativity flourishes when people feel trusted, inspired, and encouraged to bring their ideas forward. At Valcarce Architects, collaboration and inclusivity are at the heart of everything she does. She sees her role as guiding vision, but also listening, mentoring, and creating space for innovation to thrive.

For Alina, architecture is a dialogue between people and nature, and she carries that philosophy into the way she leads. Being recognised among the Global 200 Women Power Leaders 2024 reinforced the importance of paving the way for more women in the industry. Her goal is to inspire not only her team, but also peers and the next generation, to push boundaries responsibly—building a profession where innovation, equality, and sustainability are at the core.

PROJECTS

That Define Excellence Every project Alina takes on has something special, but some truly mark a turning point. Gaia – Luxury Habitat is one of them: a prefabricated lodge concept designed for harmony with nature, reducing waste while blending beautifully into any environment, from beaches to jungles. Then came NEOM Mansions on the coast of Aqaba, which was a creative journey unlike anything else. It pushed her to imagine beyond limits, creating spaces that combine innovation, artistry, and natural beauty in ways the industry hasn’t seen before. The energy in the studio was electric—every team member felt they were contributing to something groundbreaking, and that spirit is unforgettable. Finally, Breeze by Danube in Dubai proved what can be achieved with precision and determination: delivered at record speed yet with outstanding quality and design. These projects capture what drives Alina—pioneering ideas, teamwork, and a deep connection to nature.