Curriculum vitae
Alvaro Andres Alvarez Bustamante
San Diego, CA + Tijuana, Mexico (studio based in San Ysidro, California, USA)
info@alvaro-alvarez.com
alvaro-alvarez.com
highlights
- Founder of binational art studio Architectural Artist Alvaro Alvarez in San Diego, CA & Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico.
- Founder of International Organization ArteCOCOTREN based in San Ysidro, which promotes and supports art and artists located and working on projects related to the Coastal Corridor Tijuana Rosarito Ensenada, in Baja California, Mexico.
- Fluent in English and Spanish, Basic Italian
- Knowledgeable in art, architecture, design, construction, history of art and architecture, US-Mexico border, hospitality, and neuroscience as applied to design.
education
Bachelor of Architecture. Cornell University 2010 - 2015, Ithaca, NY
- College of Architecture, Art, & Planning
- Thesis: Hotel of Memory: Statler Hotel in Roosevelt Island’s Cornell Tech Campus
- Studies Concentrated in Hospitality & Neuroscience
Certificate in World Art History. The Smithsonian Associates 2020 - 2021, Online.
Completed Courses:
- African Art and the Slave Trade
- Drama Most Splendid: The Art and Architecture of the Baroque and Rococo
- Fin-de Siècle Vienna: The Cradle of Modernity
- Seductive Paris: American Painters in the City of LIght (18555-1920)
- Surrealism and Photograms: Hands-on Photography History
- Jacob Lawrence and the Avant-Garde
- The Barnes Foundation Philadelphia
- The Intersection of Art and Literature: Where Words and Images Fuse
- Understanding Modern Art
- Hands-On History of Photography - Surrealism
- Public Art in America
- The Intersection of Art and Literature: Where Words and Images Fuse
Fine Arts Extension School. University of California San Diego 2020, San Diego, CA
- Course Completed: Drawing Ideas Developing Your Sketchbook (Art 40447)
Art Therapy Extension School. Southwestern Community College 2020 - 2021, San Diego, CA
- 2 Courses Completed: Art Therapy Course (NC-1053-E)
High School Diploma. West Valley High School 2006 - 2010, Hemet, CA
- Carrol Doolittle Award for Male Senior, Outstanding All-Around Student
- GPA 4.25
EXHIBITS
2024. “Multiple Voices / Múltiples Voces” Painting at the Tijuana Triennial 2: Pictorial International, CECUT, Tijuana, Mexico
- Painting selected to be a part of the second ever Tijuana Triennial at the Centro Cultural Tijuana, in Baja California, Mexico.
2023. “46 Renacimientos” Art Exhibition & Ceremony for Day of the Dead, Rosarito, Mexico.
- One-day art event that exhibited 46 paintings, each representing one of the abandoned projects in the COCOTREN (Coastal Corridor Tijuana Rosarito Ensenada).
2023 - 2024. “A Necessary Departure.” Exhibition. San Diego International Airport Arts Program
- Year-long group exhibition, which includes 10 of my paintings in the BeRelax Lounge of Terminal 2 as part of the airport’s art program.
2022. Catarsis Festival, Tijuana, Mexico
- August 11th. Joined three other local artists in painting live, and exhibiting three additional paintings.
2022. Oceanside Museum of Art, Oceanside, CA
- “25 Anniversary Art Auction” June 18 - July 31
- Submitted and sold at auction a painting, joining dozens of other local artists in supporting the museum fundraiser.
2022. “Boundaries and Connections” PHES Gallery, Carlsbad, CA
- Group exhibit with Kaori Fukuyama and Kline Swonger
- May 15, 2022 to July 30, 2022
2021. Umani Casa Dos, Tijuana, Mexico
- Exhibited along with other local artists and also sold pieces at auction.
Japanese Friendship Garden, Balboa Park. San Diego, CA
- Group exhibit “Covid Sketchers” book with artwork for ”Iyasi / Healing”
2020. University of California San Diego, Online. San Diego, CA
- Group exhibit of “Covid Sketchers” book and artwork via Zoom
Southwestern Community College, Online. San Diego, CA
- Group exhibit of artwork produced as part of Art Therapy course
2013. Palazzo Lazzaroni, Cornell University. Rome, Italy
- Group exhibit of artwork produced as part of drawing course
2010. Theater Foyer, West Valley High School. Hemet, CA
- Exhibited artwork produced as part of Art class
PROFESSIONAL
2020 - Present
Architectural Artist Alvaro Alvarez. San Diego, CA + Tijuana, Mexico
- Art Studio Founder of visual artwork inspired by architectural representation, hospitality storytelling,
neuroscience as art therapy, & the Tijuana-San Diego border
2019-2020
Executive Offices. San Diego, CA
- Vice-president of commercial real estate business, managing accounts of over 80 clients in Mexico and California
El Gordito Mexican Restaurant. Riverside, CA
- Assistant Manager, supervising a team of front and back of house. Procured inventory from vendors, and
re-branded restaurant’s full visual image and website
2018-2019
Rockwell Group. New York City, NY
- Project Manager for design and construction of hotel project in Riviera Maya, MX:
- Led a team of 10 employees & 30 consultants from concept to construction phase
- Negotiated contract fees with ownerships and subcontractors for work production
- Coordinated daily in English and Spanish with full project team
- Made major decisions under high-stress circumstances that positively impacted
the schedule and delivery of the project without sacrificing budget or time-line
2019-2020
Rockwell Group. New York City, NY
- Interior Project Architect for 15 Hudson Yards skyscrapper tower in Manhattan:
- Responsible for all interior architecture scope in the design & construction of 70-level luxury residential skyscraper, overseeing 950,000 square feet of 280 condos & amenities, leading all coordination efforts with more than 50 project consultants, reviewing over 1,000 shop-drawings, defending the client’s design vision from concept to construction phase.
- Produced all architectural drawings in coordination with our interior design team’s specifications, and created visual system to organize all project finishes for ease of communication.
Rockwell Group. New York City, NY
- Summer design intern, contributing to hospitality projects in London and Macau.
- Produced arch drawings & provided creative solutions to complex problems
2010-2015
The Statler Hotel. Ithaca, NY
- College work-study program as a banquets lead server and bartender during functions; trained & led junior servers and coordinated with other departments
2014
Caesar’s Entertainment. Las Vegas, NV
- Week-long operations externship focused on cross-training in housekeeping, facilities, and front-desk operations at Paris Hotel and Planet Hollywood Hotel
Bustamante Business Center. Tijuana, Mexico
- Summer real estate internship where I created an investment portfolio of hotel & condominium projects in the coast of Baja, Mexico coordinating with local agencies
Amorphica. Tijuana, Mexico
- Summer volunteer design internship where I contributed to creating violence-prevention architecture interventions in high-crime community of Camino Verde
2013
Guillot Arquitectos. Tijuana, Mexico
- Summer design internship where I performed site, square footage, and program analysis for a local commercial project
2011
Little Tokyo Service Center/Birba Group. Los Angeles, CA
- Week-long project development externship where I participated in multiple stake-holder meetings for affordable housing projects and community asset mapping
2008-2010
ISHI Medical. San Diego, CA
- Summer post in high school where I worked in customer service and sold health supplements, as well as ordered from vendors.
2003-2004
Fotografi-K. Tijuana, Mexico
- Shadowed at a photography film developing studio
press, PUBLICATIONS, & CONTRIBUTED WRITTEN WORKS
2022. CNR TV Live Interview. Rosarito, Mexico (November 6, 2022)
- “ComunicArte” TV Show host Cristina Rendon interviews Alvaro Alvarez
2022. San Diego Union Tribune Newspaper Interview. San Diego, California
- ”San Diego artist expresses his own humanity in architecture-inspired work in Carlsbad exhibition”
2022. MundoBRG Magazine Interview. Tijuana, Mexico
2020. Covid Sketchers. Self-Published
- Contributed pieces to group publication of artwork book
2017. “Structural Model of the London Aquatic Center.” Model Perspectives
- Contributing architectural project to published book by other authors
2016. “46 Miscarriages in 6 Years.” Medium Design Review
- Contributed research piece to Volume 1 publication
2015. “Hotel of Memory.” Cornell University Association
- Contributing thesis project to ‘Less is More’ publication on Volume 8
2015. “Hotel of Memory.” Cornell University
- Published thesis as part of Bachelor of Architecture graduating requirements
2014. “Investment Opportunities in Baja Real Estate.” Bustamante Business Center
- Created full catalog of detailed projects and assets of Baja’s coast realty.
2009. “Student Advisory Board on Education.” Location, CA
- Contributed education-reform proposal to California Assoc. of Student Councils
2008. “Student Advisory Board on Legislation in Education.” Location, CA
- Contributed education-reform proposal to California Assoc. of Student Councils
AWARDS
2021. Finalist SBID Awards: 15 Hudson Yards. New York City, NY
2020. Building of the Year: 15 Hudson Yards. 6sqft, New York City, NY
2017. Best Nightclub in Los Angeles: Nightingale Plaza. Haute, Los Angeles, CA
2010. Carrol Doolittle Award for Male Senior, Outstanding All-Around Student. Hemet, CA
Artwork 3rd Place, Hemet Valley Art Association. Hemet, CA
Scholar Athlete. Hemet, CA
West Valley High School Honor Roll. Hemet, CA
LECTURES & PRESENTATIONS
2021. Cornell University, School of Architecture. New York City, NY
-Guest Panelist Professional Training Class (Arch 5204)
2021. Bustamante Realty Group. Tijuana, Mexico
-Presented: “Arquitectura: Vendiendo lo Inexistente”
2021. Bustamante Business Center. Tijuana, Mexico
-Presented: “Arquitectura: Vendiendo lo Inexistente”
2018. Cornell University, School of Hotel Administration. Ithaca, NY
-Guest Lecturer on Design Development
2018. Cornell University, School of Hotel Administration. Ithaca, NY
-Guest Speaker for “The Grid” hospitality club
2018. Medium Design Collective, Cornell University. Ithaca, NY
-Panelist on Hospitality Design
2017. Cornell University, School of Hotel Administration. Ithaca, NY
-Guest Lecturer on Design Development
2017. Cornell University, School of Architecture. New York City, NY
-Guest Panelist Professional Training Class (Arch 5204)
2016. University of Las Vegas, School of Architecture. Las Vegas, NV
-Guest Critic for Hospitality Design course
2016. Salk Institute, Academy of Neuroscience for Architecture. La Jolla, CA
-Presented: “Hotel of Memory” research
2015. Rockwell Group. New York City, NY
-Presented: “Design & Neuroscience”
2015. Hemet Unified School District. Hemet, CA
-Keynote Speaker: English Language Re-classification Ceremony
2014. Salk Institute, Academy of Neuroscience for Architecture. La Jolla, CA
-Presented: “Museum of Memory” research
2009. State of California Senate Education Committee
-Presented: “SABLE: Student Advisory Board on Legislation in Education”
2008. California State Board of Education
-Presented: “SABE: Student Advisory Board on Education”
RESEARCH
2019-2021
San Diego Real Estate. San Diego, CA
- Investing in Tax Liens, Deeds in San Diego County
2015
Hotel of Memory Thesis. Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
- Analysis and design proposal for a Statler Hotel in Roosevelt Island’s Cornell Tech
- Investigated architectural cues that create a memorable guest experience
“Unknown Shadows: Associations Between Nature, The Human Body, and Architecture.” Ithaca, NY
- Essay proposal to Cornell University’s Duplicity and Creative course (Arch 3819)
2014
“Statler History & Hotel Design Analysis.” Ithaca, NY
- Essay proposal to Cornell University’s First American University course Amst 2001
N.A.S.A. Design Research. New York City, NY
- Design analysis and proposal for Glenn Research Center
“Manhattan: Public Museum with Private Exhibitions.” New York City, NY
- Essay proposal to Cornell University’s Global Scale course (Arch 3308)
“American Hotel Landscapes.” Ithaca, NY
- Essay proposal to Cornell University’s American Landscape course (Arch 3819)
“The City as a Hotel.” New York City, NY
- Essay proposal to Cornell University’s Global Scale course (Arch 3308)
2013
Flaminia Transit Station. Rome, Italy
- Design analysis and proposal for Rome’s northern Flaminia Transit Station
“Unified De-Familiarization.” Rome, Italy
- Essay proposal to Cornell University’s Drawing in Rome course (Art 1504)
Flaminia Transit Station. Rome, Italy
- Design analysis and proposal for Rome’s northern Flaminia Transit Station
Museum Architecture Analysis. Western Europe
- Completed photography documentation + hand-drawn analysis of museums in Spain, Portugal, France, the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, & Switzerland
- Researched how neuroscience affects a user’s experience of a space, focusing on guest & museum experience
Traveling Hotel. New Zealand
- Analyzed and proposed hotel traveling on railroads throughout Northern island
“Gli Uomini, Che Mascalzni.” Rome, Italy
- Essay proposal to Cornell University’s Italian Cinema course (Arch 3117)
TRAVEL RESEARCH
2023
Museum & Art Markets. Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
- Studied the San Jacinto Art Bazar, Jumex Museum, Soumaya, and Bellas Artes
2022
Central to Northern Pacific Coast. California, USA
- Drove from Hearst Castle, to Santa Cruz, Monterey Bay, and San Francisco
Landscapes & Natural Formation. Big Island Hawaii, USA
- Explored the Volcano National Park, Lava Tubes, and Waterfalls
Baja Artists Community. Todos Santos, Mexico
- Drove from San Jose del Cabo to the artistic colony that is Todos Santos
Finger Lakes. Ithaca & New York City
- Visited towns along the edge of Seneca Lake
Barnes Foundation. Philadelphia, PA
- Review of the meuseums Impressionist, Post Modern, and Modernist artwork
Colonial and Urban Contexts. San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Explored local meuseums, galleries, and exterior murals from local artists
Netherlands Art & Architecture. Amsterdam, Utrecht, and Maastricht
- Visited local meuseums and underground mines with murals inside them
2021
Haciendas & Cenotes. Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico
- Visited towns of Merida, Izamal, Valladolid, and Chicen-Itza
Historic Spanish Missions. Santa Barbara, CA
- Drove through town of Santa Barbara and explored local architecture
Historic California Architecture. San Luis Obispo, CA
- Visited local town and landscapes in San Luis Obispo, California.
Modernist California Architecture. Palm Springs, CA
- Explored samples of local architecture: private residential and public spaces
2020
Archeological Ruins & Marine Life-Landscape Exploration. Cozumel Island, Mexico
- Traveled to archeological ruins of San Gervasio and Chankanaab’s marine park
2019-2020
Hoover Dam Construction & Grand Canyon. Nevada & Arizona, USA
- Analysis of dam’s construction process and surveying of canyon’s southern rim
2020
Mexico City’s Urgan, Artistic, and Architectural Review. Mexico City, MX
- Explored Coyoacan, Guadalupe villa, Tepoztlan, and Teotihuacan’s pyramids
2019-2021
San Diego & Orange Counties. Southern California, USA
- Exploration of historical missions, Sweetwater & Morena Lakes, Mount Helix
2019
Valle de Guadalupe Wine Country. Baja California, Mexico
- Review of modern architecture and air-streaming campgrounds
Loreto Bay Travel. Loreto, Baja California, Mexico
- Explored Franciscan Missions and desert materiality and landscapes
Guadalajara Furniture. Guadalajara, Mexico
- Researched furniture makers’ shops and studios.
2018
Mazatlan. Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico
- Explored historic centre and typical residential configurations
2013
Karlovy Vary, Prague, & Vienna. Czech Republic & Austria, Europe
- Explored local architecture and historic landmarks
2010
Lions Multi-Cultural Youth Exchange Program. Southern Italy
- Immersed with local families in Materal, Bari, Crotone, and Napoli.
VOLUNTEERING
2023 - Present. Missionaries of San Diego. San Diego, CA
- Group member providing spiritual guidance and assistance to those who need it.
2020 - Present. Salvation Army - Migrant Shelter. Tijuana, Mexico
- Procurement of clothing, food, and hygienic supplies for children, women, and men.
2015-2019. Mentorship of Recent Graduates/Young Professionals. New York City, NY
- Met and provided professional guidance to individuals interested in the design & hospitality industry.
2016. Cornell University Alumni Mentorship. New York City, NY
- Mentored accepted high schoolers on their decisions to attend Cornell University
2013. Tijuana Urban Design. Tijuana, Mexico
- Volunteered during summer in building public spaces for low-income community
2012. AAP Student Ambassador. Ithaca, NY
- Welcomed guest speakers to Cornell and guided them throughout their visit
2011. Freshman Orientation Guide. Ithaca, NY
- Mentored incoming students and help getting them settled in their new school
2010. Lions Youth Program. Hemet, CA
- Volunteered in setting up a food kitchen for the local elderly community
2010. TEAM Peer Tutoring Program. Hemet, CA
- Created a peer tutoring program for excelling students to help struggling students
2009. Freshman Orientation Guide. Hemet, CA
- Mentored incoming students and help getting them settled in their new school
2009. California Association of Student Councils. Sacramento, CA
- Contributed to creating proposal for improving education in California
2009. Advocate for High School Students. Hemet, CA
- Led meetings with local school administrators on reforming public education
2008. California Association of Student Councils. Sacramento, CA
- Presented proposal to legislators on improving public education in California
2008. California State Board of Education. Sacramento, CA
- Contributed to creating proposal for improving education in California
ORGANIZATIONS
current
2023 - Present. ArteCOCOTREN. San Ysidro, CA
2023 - Present. National Alliance on Mental Illness. San Diego, CA
2021- Present. Academy of Neuroscience for Architecture. La Jolla, CA
2013 - Present. Bustamante Business Center, Advisory Board on Architecture & Art. Tijuana, Mexico
2018 - Present. 1865 Cornell Society. Ithaca, NY
2010 - Present. California Scholarship Federation. Hemet, CA
Past
2020 - 2021. Smithsonian Institution (Associates). Washington DC
2015 - 2016. Cornell Alumni Association. Ithaca, NY
2010 - 2015. Hotel Ezra Cornell, Cornell University School of Hotel Administration. Ithaca, NY
2013. Member of Architectural League of New York. New York City, NY
2010. Lions Club Cultural Exchange Program. Hemet, CA
