In an era where sustainability has evolved from a mere buzzword to a critical global imperative, Julia Salas is a pioneering force in the transformative movement reshaping architecture and interior design. Her career, dedicated to sustainable practices and innovative design methods, is redefining the role of architecture in our society. Through her work as a highly sought expert, Julia demonstrates that architectural design can simultaneously reduce environmental impact and foster social inclusion, setting a new standard for the industry.
Through her consultancy firm, Julia Salas LLC, Julia, through her exemplary ability, is making a profound impact by guiding architects, designers, and developers to embrace sustainability while pushing the boundaries of innovation: "Sustainability is not just a trend—it's a responsibility," Julia asserts. As architects and designers, we have the power to shape the future of our cities and communities. I want to ensure that this future is sustainable and inclusive."
As a LEED ( Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Associate, Julia has earned a prestigious sustainable design and construction credential. LEED is a globally recognized green building certification program developed by the U.S. Green Building Council.
This qualification equips Julia with comprehensive knowledge of sustainable building strategies, enabling her to bring a wealth of expertise in energy-efficient and environmentally responsible building practices to her work.
Julia brings a wealth of knowledge in energy-efficient and environmentally responsible building practices to her work. Her expertise is further bolstered by her master's degree from the prestigious Florence Design Academy in Italy, where she honed her skills in cutting-edge design techniques.
A Journey into Sustainable Design
Julia's transformation into a sustainable architecture school's leader started with an understanding that architecture is not just the art of shaping spaces for visual appeal but also recognizing architecture as the art of shaping the environment as an infrastructure for mankind and the biosphere.
Her journey was shaped by her educational experiences, including her degree from the National University of La Plata in Buenos Aires, where she graduated with honors and earned the prestigious Dr. Joaquín V. González Award for outstanding academic achievement.
Julia’s expertise came to the fore early on. She was selected over thousands of applicants to work at the Campana Brothers Studio.
Daniel Kini, who worked with her and is now a Design Professor at the University Center of Belle Arts of Brazil recalls: “Julia's impressive portfolio, global experience, and Latin American background set her apart as a talented and passionate designer with a unique focus on social innovation and sustainability.
“She made a real impact on our team, bringing her skills in sustainability, restoration, and social impact to the table. Julia’s projects showcased creativity and a deep commitment to sustainable design, always weaving in community engagement and social good elements.”
Her passion for sustainable design was further ignited during her time at the Florence Design Academy in Italy: "It was in Florence where I first began to truly understand the importance of integrating sustainability into architecture," she explains. "From that moment on, I knew that my career would focus on creating designs that are not only beautiful but environmentally responsible."
This dedication led Julia to launch Julia Salas LLC, a consultancy firm that advises architects and designers on adopting best practices in sustainable design. From energy efficiency to water conservation and material selection, her firm provides comprehensive guidance on how to build greener, more eco-friendly structures.
Innovative Approaches to Sustainable Materials
Julia's commitment to sustainability extends beyond traditional practices. Her recent article, "Mushrooms, the Surprising Biomaterial That Revolutionizes the Industry Has Already Arrived in La Plata", published in 0221.com.ar, showcases her expertise in cutting-edge sustainable materials. In this piece, Julia explores the potential of mushroom mycelium as a revolutionary biomaterial in architecture, design, and the textile industry.
This innovative approach to materials exemplifies Julia's forward-thinking mindset. By promoting the use of biodegradable, renewable resources like mycelium, she's helping to reduce the industry's reliance on environmentally harmful materials such as expanded polystyrene.
Creating Positive Impact Through Design
In another insightful peer-reviewed article, ‘Constructions with a Positive Impact on the Environment and the People Who Live in Them", Julia delves into the importance of sustainable building practices. She emphasizes how adhering to environmental standards in construction can significantly improve the health and well-being of building occupants while reducing environmental impact.
Julia's work in this area demonstrates her holistic approach to sustainability, considering the environmental aspects and the human health implications of design choices. Her focus on reducing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in indoor environments and promoting adequate ventilation showcases her commitment to creating spaces that are not only eco-friendly but also conducive to human health and productivity.
She is also sought after as a speaker, having been on panels at the Forum of the Countries of Latin America and the Caribbean Sustainable Development. She spoke on ‘Weaving Wisdom, Building Futures: A Latin American Dialogue on Sustainability’.
Empowering Marginalized Communities
While Julia is renowned for her environmental expertise, she is equally committed to promoting social inclusion through her work. A key part of her mission is creating opportunities for marginalized groups, particularly women, to enter the architecture and design industry. Her significant role in the NGO Hecho x Nosotros exemplifies this commitment, where she has been a driving force since 2019.
Her work with the company has been instrumental in advancing sustainable practices and social inclusion in the fashion and design industries. The organization's achievements under her leadership are noteworthy. In 2016, before Julia joined, Hecho x Nosotros gained consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), recognizing its role in promoting transparency and sustainability in global value chains. This foundation allowed Julia to elevate the organization's impact further.
Under Julia's guidance, Hecho x Nosotros has continued to make significant strides. In 2020, the organization was selected as one of twelve social entrepreneurs to participate in the prestigious Ashoka Globalizer -- Dela Accelerator Program, focusing on systemic change in the fashion industry. This recognition opened doors for Julia to implement her innovative ideas globally. The same year, Hecho x Nosotros was chosen for the WISE Mentorship program, promoting leadership among women entrepreneurs in STEM fields focusing on sustainability initiatives. This aligns perfectly with Julia's mission to empower women in traditionally male-dominated fields.
More recently, in 2021, Hecho x Nosotros served as a supporting organization for the Redress Design Award, contributing to circular fashion initiatives. This involvement demonstrates Julia's commitment to sustainability across multiple design disciplines, from architecture to fashion.
Through these achievements, Julia has demonstrated her ability to lead and contribute to international efforts promoting sustainability and social inclusion. Her work with Hecho x Nosotros aligns seamlessly with her architectural practice, showing her commitment to creating positive change across multiple industries.
"I've always believed that architecture and design should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their circumstances," Julia says. This philosophy extends to her second venture, Drafts and Plans, where she provides technical training and employment opportunities to women from disadvantaged backgrounds.
"With Drafts and Plans, we offer training programs that help women gain skills in technical drawing and design assistance. This allows them to work flexibly and balance their family responsibilities while still contributing to the industry," Julia explains. Her passion for social impact is evident in her work, seeing it as a way to uplift communities and ensure that everyone has a chance to thrive. "It's not just about giving people jobs—it's about creating pathways for economic independence and empowerment," she emphasizes. "We're helping women build careers in an industry that has traditionally been male-dominated and difficult to enter without the right resources."
Building a Sustainable Legacy in Modern Architecture
Julia is not content with simply following trends—she is actively shaping the future of sustainable architecture through innovation, education, and advocacy. She regularly conducts workshops and seminars on best practices in green building, helping to educate architects and designers on the importance of sustainable design.
"Education is key to making lasting change," she states. "If we want sustainability to become the norm in architecture, we must provide designers with the knowledge and tools they need to make environmentally conscious decisions."
One of Julia's key focuses is encouraging architects to think holistically about sustainability, considering the long-term impact of their projects on both the environment and the communities they serve. "Sustainable design isn't just about reducing energy consumption or using recycled materials," she explains. "It's about creating healthy, functional, and inclusive spaces. It's about ensuring the buildings we design today are resilient enough to serve future generations."
Recognition and Impact
Julia's innovative approach and commitment to sustainability have not gone unnoticed. In addition to the Dr. Joaquín V. González Award, she has received numerous accolades for her work. Her projects have been recognized for their environmental impact, including designs that significantly reduce water usage, energy consumption, and carbon emissions.
She was instrumental in the groundbreaking work to stay true to Renaissance architecture at the Museo Novecento di Firenze. The museum renovation in Florence, Italy, at Michelozzo’s Hospital of San Paolo redesigned the building to house the city’s collections of 20th-century Florentine art while remaining sympathetic to its historical foundations.
This sentiment is echoed by Adriana Marina, Founder and CEO of animana and Hecho x Nosotros, who speaks highly of Julia's commitment to social impact: "Ms. Salas has been collaborating with the NGO Hecho x Nosotros since 2019. I have witnessed her commitment over the past five years to creating a more sustainable and fairer world. She is responsible for coordinating multicultural teams to create tools and strategies to enhance the skills of minority groups of artisans from Latin America."
The Legacy of Julia Salas
Julia Salas is much more than an architect—she is a visionary leader, an advocate for social justice, and a pioneer of sustainable design. Through her consultancy and dedication to educating others, she is making a tangible difference in architecture. Her work is not just about designing buildings; it's about creating spaces that foster a healthier, more inclusive, and more sustainable future.
As the world grapples with climate change, Julia's expertise and dedication to sustainability have never been more crucial: "The future of architecture is green," she says. "And I'm determined to be part of the solution."
Through her groundbreaking work, Julia Salas proves that architecture can—and should—be a force for good, driving positive change for people and the planet. As she continues to innovate, educate, and inspire, Julia is not just designing buildings—she's architecting a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
