THINK
LIKE AN
ARCHITECTConcept Design is Where Architecture Begins
"I do not teach drawing alone. I teach how to think spatially and how to find the idea - the concept - before the first line exists. I teach you creativity and a way to think outside the standards."
Every session is individually prepared or in small groups to guarantee personalised teaching. No templates, no generic teaching. Feedback shaped around your specific thinking, your project, your goals and the specific requirements of the school you apply to.
CONCEPT DESIGN IS WHERE ARCHITECTURE begins
My name is Marcela. With over 30 years of practice as an architect designing projects across Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas and the Arab world, spanning mixed-use developments, hospitality, residential, cultural spaces and masterplans, my expertise has always been on the creative design stages of projects called concept design: the idea, the spatial narrative, the identity that is so well developed that projects can realistically begin smoothly before construction starts.
MVAArchitecture is the name of the studio I created based in the Netherlands, with a stable team of colleagues that work from NL, Argentina and Madrid. The studio has focused on concept design for international developers and clients since 2014. That depth of thinking now feeds directly into mentorship and creative workshops for ambitious students, curious adults, and children discovering space for the first time.
Every session is individually prepared and adapted as bespoke as possible, in small groups when suitable, to guarantee personalised teaching. No templates, no generic teaching. Feedback is shaped around your specific thinking, your project, your goals and the specific requirements of the school you apply to.
WHAT I TEACH
All sessions are 90 minutes. 1:1 is the most personalised option. Small groups are maximum 6 for bespoke individual guidance.
For students applying to top architecture and design schools worldwide. Private 1:1 sessions offer the most personalised and impactful guidance. Small groups of maximum 6 are available for students who benefit from peer learning while still receiving direct bespoke individual feedback. Sessions focus on conceptual thinking, visual storytelling and portfolio coherence. Some useful software and AI tools are used when appropriate. You will learn to translate ideas into spatial concepts, develop a personal architectural language, build a coherent and refined portfolio, and present your work with clarity and precision.
1:1 Session
90 minutes
- Individual concept or portfolio review
- Written notes and feedback
- English or Spanish
- In person or online
Intensive 1:1
6 lessons · 3h per day · AM and PM
- Full portfolio development
- Individual curriculum
- Admission prep and mock interview
Small Group
per person · minimum 3
- Bespoke group guidance
- Direct individual feedback
- Portfolio or concept focus
- Online or in-person NL
For adults wanting to develop creative and spatial intelligence. No architecture background needed. Learn to read space, understand design decisions, develop your own creative thinking and create a comprehensive mood board. The purpose is that you will then be able to work on your home, office or shop redesign project, before or together with a design architect. 1:1 for the most personalised experience or in small groups of maximum 6.
1:1 Session
90 minutes
- Individual spatial or design session
- Written notes and feedback
- English or Spanish
4-Session Course
4 x 90-minute sessions
- Progressive spatial training
- Individual curriculum
- Written notes each session
- Email support between sessions
Small Group
per person · minimum 3
- Bespoke group guidance
- Direct individual feedback
- Online or in-person NL
Creative design sessions for children aged 7 to 14. Through drawing, model-making and spatial games, children develop observation skills, spatial thinking and creative confidence. More than 20 workshops have been given to groups of children, many of whom are now studying architecture. 1:1 for the most personalised guidance or small groups of maximum 6.
1:1 Session
90 minutes
- Individual creative session
- Drawing or model making
- English or Spanish
4-Session Course
4 x 90-minute sessions
- Progressive creative programme
- Tailored to child interests
- Parent progress update included
Small Group
per child · minimum 3
- Fun shared creative experience
- Direct individual attention
- Online or in-person NL
THE ATELIER IN Action
START THE CONVERSATION
Not sure which programme fits? Write and we will figure it out together. 1:1 is the most personalised option. Small groups are maximum 6 for bespoke individual guidance.