By Flavio Lucas
Colombia stands on the verge of significant transformation in its housing market. As urbanization trends accelerate and the nation’s socioeconomic factors align, the multifamily market is slowly emerging as a promising sector. Though culturally rooted in homeownership, the current interest from Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) signals a potential boom, reminiscent of multifamily housing growth in countries like Chile and Mexico. These signals indicate a new era of housing development in Colombia, mirroring global trends while honoring the country’s distinct aspirations and preferences. Projects like CCLA’s Nomad 77 in Bogota and Grupo Arauco’s Ciudad del Rio in Medellin are paving the way, serving as early pioneers in multifamily living in these key cities. With its extensive experience in design, SR/A is poised to contribute to this shift by providing innovation and reliability in Colombia’s growing multifamily landscape.
SR/A’s Approach to Multifamily Design
In the United States, our interior design approach is rooted in a holistic methodology. At SR/A, we delve deep into every project, placing residents at the core of our design decisions. This philosophy drives every choice, ensuring that the needs and preferences of the end users shape the space. From space planning to functional details, our comprehensive design approach reflect this focus on both aesthetics and practicality, weaving the project’s branding and mission into every element of the design. We recognize that well-designed spaces can enhance daily life, improve well-being, and foster a strong sense of community—critical components for Colombia’s emerging multifamily sector.
Honoring Local Design Expertise in Colombia
Colombian interior designers offer significant experience, often approaching projects with a consultative lens. However, their role in the construction documentation process traditionally differs from the more comprehensive approach of SR/A. Acknowledging these differences, we aim to collaborate with local talent, blending global best practices with local design sensitivities.
At SR/A, our approach is distinguished by our adherence to rigorous building, life safety, and accessibility codes, which are paramount in our design processes. As a US-based firm, we are committed to ensuring compliance with strict regulations such as ADA, NFPA, and local safety codes, which elevates our standards and ensures that our designs not only meet but often exceed global expectations. Our presence in Colombia ensures that we fully understand the local design landscape, promoting collaborations that respect and elevate the national design narrative. By combining our global expertise and compliance with the craftsmanship of Colombian designers, we strive to create spaces that celebrate tradition while embracing innovation, all while ensuring the utmost safety and accessibility for future occupants.
Our Invitation to Investors, Developers and Architects
At SR/A, our commitment extends beyond design. We are dedicated to fostering dialogue between tradition and innovation, between Colombian artisanship and global standards. We do not view ourselves as mere spectators in this evolution but as active participants dedicated to enhancing living experiences across Colombia’s multifamily sector.
To investors and architects shaping Colombia’s future: our doors are open. Whether you’re looking to collaborate on bringing a shared vision to life or simply want to exchange innovative ideas, SR/A invites you to connect: Give us a call or send us an email. Together, we can contribute to the future of multifamily housing in Colombia and beyond.
Flavio Lucas is an Architectural Specialist at SR/A Interior Design.