- Hometown: Bogota, Colombia
- Education: Rhode Island School of Design-Bachelor of Architecture
Biography
Clara Borrero received a Bachelor of Architecture and a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Rhode Island School of Design in May of 2006. While at RISD, she was selected from hundreds of applicants for a summer internship in Rome working for Maximiliano Fuksas Studio. In Rome, she assisted in the design and think tank for residential, commercial and resort projects. Following graduation, she partnered with world-renowned bamboo architect Simon Velez where she contributed to the overall design of projects, both artistically and structurally. Clara, working as a designer and project manager, was solely responsible for carrying various projects to completion, from the schematic design phase through final construction. She managed and led teams of construction workers, civil, structural and MEP engineers, as well as environmental and safety consultants. Clara oversaw the design and construction of several commercial, residential, and hospitality projects including a 21,528 ft2 bamboo roof structure and a 64,583 ft2 bamboo museum. Additionally, she directed the “Green” initiative from investigation through successful implementation into her company’s projects. While at Simon Velez, Clara completed first green roof for megastore Carrefour and the first live grass roof house in Colombia.
During the summer of 2009, Clara interned at the Ministry of Environment, Housing and Land Development in Bogota, Colombia. As a development and urban planning associate, she evaluated large-scale development proposals ranging from 3,000 to 36,000 dwelling units. She also reviewed developer due diligence and ensured compliance with multiple jurisdictional policies, plans and standards. Clara allocated land uses based on market requirements as well as development opportunities and constraints. She also distributed infrastructure costs and responsibilities between the government agencies, infrastructure providers and developers. Upon completion of a Master of Professional Studies in Real Estate at Cornell University, Clara will continue to pursue a career in sustainable real estate development.