Venezuelan architect Andrea Barreto is making a significant impact on the interior design landscape from her base in Florida, bringing a unique blend of artistic vision and functional expertise to a diverse range of projects. With a proven track record of designs from initial beginnings through to completion, Barreto’s work encompasses residential developments, cultural centers, sports facilities, and specialized healthcare spaces, including maternity clinics designed with a focus on childbirth.
Barreto’s viewpoint is composed of an ability to balance aesthetic appeal with a practical deep understanding of emotional resonance in design. Her extensive experience, spanning over six years, is particularly notable in the realm of high-end residential and commercial interiors. She excels at creating sophisticated spaces that not only meet high production standards but are also tailored to reflect the discerning tastes of her clients.
A testament to her innovative spirit, Barreto is the founder of “The Creative Session,” a workshop initiative slated for launch in 2025. This platform is dedicated to exploring the interchange of sensory design, well-being, and personal expression. Through the creative session, Barreto aims to offer accessible and inspiring experiences that showcase her commitment to human-centered design principles.
Since 2022, Barreto has been at the head of Barreto Studio, a firm dedicated to high-end interior design. Her work here involves the creation of detailed 3D models and renderings for upscale residential and commercial projects, alongside the careful selection of premium materials, lighting, and furnishings to curate luxurious aesthetics. She also plays a productive role in on-site coordination, ensuring construction relates with its design specifications.
Prior to establishing her studio, Barreto served as an Architectural Designer at Cyberlux Venezuela from 2021 to 2022. During this time, she contributed to the design and supervision of the AVANTI luxury warehouse in Caracas and spearheaded the design and coordination of an exclusive, nature-integrated inn in Los Roques, Venezuela. Her portfolio also includes notable projects such as the Guataparo house in Venezuela, several luxury residences in Miami, and the renowned Forum La Guaira Stadium in Venezuela. Barreto talks to MSN about Barreto Studio, Florida home design and bringing natural elements into your living room.
Why did you start Barreto Studio, your own architecture firm?
Andrea Barreto: Barreto Studio all began because I didn’t want just an architecture studio that simply designed spaces—I wanted to combine that element with workshops and make it truly reflect my style. This is a new chapter for me. I had a different name before, but it never felt like it truly represented the brand. One day, I decided it was time to take the risk—all or nothing—and express my style beyond the commercial aspects. I want it to be an experience from start to finish.
What luxury residential and commercial projects have you worked on?
Mainly residential projects—commercial design is also unique in its own way, but residential is my true passion. I feel it carries a higher level of meaning, knowing that people will live in that space every single day, and they can either love it or feel disconnected from it. As I always say, the goal is to wake up every day in a home you truly love. I’ve worked on interior design projects both in the United States and in Venezuela. One commercial project currently under construction and in the permitting phase is located in San Diego, Carabobo. It’s a small shopping center, but full of character.”
What defines your style as an architect?
My style is all about sensations. I love mixing textures, playing with raw materials, and I always try to incorporate artistic elements or bold touches of color. I enjoy creating daring spaces with a luxurious atmosphere—and to me, luxury doesn’t just mean glossy porcelain floors; in fact, I don’t think that I’ve ever used them! I always take the surroundings into account and look for ways to incorporate nature, directly or indirectly. I truly believe that as human beings, we naturally feel more at ease when we’re connected to natural elements, and that’s something I keep trying to bring into my projects.
Without a doubt, adding artistic elements—beyond just artwork—is a signature of mine. Whether it’s through creative lighting, pushing materials beyond their conventional use, or playing with textures and layered planes (which I must admit work beautifully in commercial spaces), I always aim to surprise. You’ll probably find unexpected pops of color in places where you’d least expect them.”
What is an example where you created interesting details to complete a space?
There are several, but one very special project of mine was in a jewelry gallery. Although it was never built due to personal reasons, designing a module that subtly represented the art of jewelry-making was a rewarding experience.
The small space I had inside a shopping mall required balancing air conditioning with privacy. I used layered wooden planes with precise cuts in the profiles to create the brand’s logo, which appeared in different colors from various angles by painting some sides orange and others white. It’s a small project I hope to see come to life someday—sometimes I still think, wow, how did I come up with that!?
Can you talk about your residential, cultural, sports, and healthcare projects?
Yes, absolutely!—the stadium was an incredible experience. What’s a better way to learn about sports? I also had the amazing opportunity to design a humanized childbirth center for low-income women who often faced difficulties reaching a hospital when labor began. It was a huge challenge, but a very important one.
In residential projects, I’ve worked on everything from architectural design to landscaping and interior design. Landscaping is something that I’m deeply passionate about, and I hope to specialize more in that kind of area in the future.
Commercial design is always fundamental—it’s where you can really let your imagination go wild. For the San Diego shopping center, several design proposals were made, and I can truly say I’m proud of each one.
How do you balance between technical precision and emotional impact?
The technical side is actually one of my favorite concepts—I know it might sound strange coming from an architect, but once you understand that everything starts with logic and you’re open to learning and expanding your knowledge, the technical process becomes something truly amazing. I firmly believe that the key is having the humility to listen and learn from the experts in each field.
What is one space that you revamped from “before and after” that is the most inspiring?
A residential home in Miami, Florida for example! The before and after is truly quite impressive—it doesn’t even look like the same house as before. But I think the most impactful transformation was the maternity center. It originally was a residential space that had to be adapted into a healthcare facility, which brought a completely new, different, unique set of challenges. Considering all those requirements made it a truly remarkable project.
