MICROHOME #10 competition 2nd Prize winner - Alejandro De Jesús Vera Véliz

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce the 2nd Prize winner of MICROHOME #10 competition – Alejandro De Jesús Vera Véliz from Chile!

Alejandro De Jesús Vera Véliz from Chile

Please tell us about your company (when it was founded, where it is based, how many employees, etc) Alternatively, if you do not have a company, please give us some insights on your own professional/academia background.

I currently work as a founding partner of Vera Véliz Estudio, a small architectural practice established in 2025 without a permanent office. My work generally takes place between the studio and on-site construction supervision alongside builders, supported periodically by a small team of architects who contribute significantly to the practice.

Brief information about the projects that you/your company have been involved with. For instance, what scale have you focused on/preferred, any significant projects where the company/ individuals have been Involved?

Between 2022 and 2024, I focused on the development of public projects in collaboration with other architectural practices. These included two rural schools, a bus terminal, a women’s center, and two national security facilities (an operational base and a social reintegration center). Currently, our work is centered on the design and construction of residential projects, as well as participation in various competitions for small-scale public spaces and temporary installations.

What does architecture mean to you and what is the role of an architect in your society?

Having worked in public architecture from a very young age, I came to understand the impact of our profession on communities, as well as the significant shortcomings and unmet needs of infrastructure in Chile—particularly in rural and peripheral areas with limited resources. I believe it is essential to understand that our work should focus on what is fundamental: addressing the everyday problems people face, setting aside personal ambitions in favor of design that serves others. It is deeply rewarding when members of a community tell you that you have done a good job, that they feel comfortable, and that they have been able to overcome social, economic, or environmental challenges thanks to thoughtful design. For me, architecture is about using our tools to solve complex problems with simple solutions, regardless of scale or budget.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

I generally take part in competitions that aim at realizing proposals, as they provide an opportunity to diversify design approaches and address new contexts, challenges, and locations. It is always valuable to expose one’s ideas to new perspectives.

What advice would you give to individuals who struggle to decide whether it would be beneficial for them to participate in architecture competitions?

The most important thing is to dare to try new things and step outside one’s comfort zone; it is an opportunity for both personal and professional growth. I firmly believe that part of success comes from failure, as long as you are willing to stand up and try again. At the very least, you will gain an interesting project to include in your portfolio.