Vanessa Leitón Corella
architect + interior designer
Since I was young, I have been a passionate individual when it comes to architecture and interior design as means to enhance our quality of life.
I am also deeply concerned about social justice and have a strong love for nature.
This passion led me to focus my career on design projects that have a positive impact on both people's quality of life and the environment.
Professional Bio
Vanessa Leitón is the co-founder and director of ArquiNativa, a studio specializing in bioclimatic and sustainable architecture and interior design.
With a career spanning over two decades, she has established herself as a highly experienced interior designer since 1993 and a licensed architect since 2001.
Vanessa holds a Master's degree in Tropical Architecture from the University of Costa Rica, with a focus on bioclimatic design and sustainability, which she earned in 2014.
Her deep passion for sustainability and commitment to quality are evident in every project she undertakes.
Vanessa ensures that each project considers financial feasibility and social and environmental impacts, striving for the highest standards of design and sustainability.
Known for her adaptability, innovation, and ability to thrive under pressure, Vanessa approaches design challenges with creativity and precision.
Her proactive and analytical approach, along with her focus on problem prevention and client satisfaction, sets her apart in the industry.
Vanessa's expertise in bioclimatic architecture and sustainable social entrepreneurship has made her a respected advisor for colleagues and the Municipality of Santa Ana.
In 2011, Vanessa co-founded ArquiNativa with the vision of promoting sustainable architecture.
For the past 12 years, she has been on a mission to challenge existing paradigms and foster the creation of collaborative communities that have a positive impact on both society and the environment
Through her work, she aims to enhance the well-being and quality of life for all residents by integrating sustainable building practices and thoughtful design.
Vanessa envisions these communities as inclusive spaces that provide equal opportunities, promote social cohesion, and foster a sense of belonging.
Vanessa's entrepreneurial spirit led her to establish Decor Online, the first online interior decoration company in Costa Rica.
With a primary objective of making interior design accessible to busy individuals, she provides professional guidance to help clients achieve their dream homes.
Decor Online has been recognized for its innovation, receiving the first prize for Innovation from the Costa Rican Chamber of Commerce in 2018 and the third prize in the Road to Innovate competition in 2019.
Throughout her career, Vanessa has built a trusted creative team and established a vast network of reliable suppliers and contractors.
This enables her to deliver exceptional results in all her projects, ensuring smooth design and project management processes.
Prior to founding ArquiNativa, Vanessa worked at Zürcher Arquitectos' Internal Architecture department from 2006 to 2016. During this time, she oversaw numerous luxury residential and hospitality projects, gaining valuable experience in inspections and construction supervision.
Vanessa Leitón's dedication to sustainable design and her commitment to client satisfaction make her an outstanding professional in the field of architecture and interior design.
With her expertise and passion for creating sustainable and inclusive spaces, she continues to drive positive change in the industry.