MATELIER

A MATTER OF SCALE

A MATTER OF DETAIL

A MATTER OF SCALE

A MATTER OF DETAIL

A MATTER OF SCALE

A MATTER OF DETAIL

MATELIER

ABOUT US

MATELIER is an architecture studio based in Quito, established in 2012 by Michelle Herrera (1985).

Each project reflects a deep consideration of its conditions, resources, and its relationship with the city ans its site.

The studio is committed on addressing contextual connections with precision and dedication, offering users an experience that connects

the immediate and the everyday life,
the local landscape and the broader territory,
the particular and the universal principles of architecture.

MATELIER seeks to achieve scale, rhythm, and proportion in every aspect—whether in the streets, courtyards, terraces, corners, or balconies.

MATELIER is ultimately dedicated to the art of creating architecture.

MATELIER

ABOUT US

MATELIER is an architecture studio based in Quito, established in 2012 by Michelle Herrera (1985).

Each project reflects a deep consideration of its conditions, resources, and its relationship with the city ans its site.

The studio is committed on addressing contextual connections with precision and dedication, offering users an experience that connects

the immediate and the everyday life,
the local landscape and the broader territory,
the particular and the universal principles of architecture.

MATELIER seeks to achieve scale, rhythm, and proportion in every aspect—whether in the streets, courtyards, terraces, corners, or balconies.

MATELIER is ultimately dedicated to the art of creating architecture.

MATELIER

ABOUT US

MATELIER is an architecture studio based in Quito, established in 2012 by Michelle Herrera (1985).

Each project reflects a deep consideration of its conditions, resources, and its relationship with the city ans its site.

The studio is committed on addressing contextual connections with precision and dedication, offering users an experience that connects

the immediate and the everyday life,
the local landscape and the broader territory,
the particular and the universal principles of architecture.

MATELIER seeks to achieve scale, rhythm, and proportion in every aspect—whether in the streets, courtyards, terraces, corners, or balconies.

MATELIER is ultimately dedicated to the art of creating architecture.

PHILOSOPHY

Nowadays, there are multiple perspectives from which architecture can be generated.

Many of these perspectives are external to the discipline and, in the contemporary world, have often become predominant, adorned with adjectives that distance us from the true essence of architecture. In our Latin American context, for example, social and economic aspects prevail; globally, the focus often shifts toward sustainability and technology. But when was the last time we truly talked about architecture?

MAtelier’s practice has moved away from these discourses, not as an end, but as a result of understanding that architecture can be something more—something deeply connected to its own history, traditions, and principles. We view architecture as a craft, a discipline rooted in serious and committed daily work and study. We believe that solving issues should stem from the very problems of architecture itself.

The quality of our projects lies in the experience of space, its atmospheres, aesthetics, and attention to detail. Our commitment is, and will always be, to contribute to Architecture.

PHILOSOPHY

Nowadays, there are multiple perspectives from which architecture can be generated.

The quality of our projects lies in the experience of space, its atmospheres, aesthetics, and attention to detail. Our commitment is, and will always be, to contribute to Architecture.

MICHELLE HERRERA

Quito, Ecuador (1985)

Michelle Herrera is an architect based in Quito, Ecuador. She earned her Architecture degree from Universidad San Francisco de Quito (2008) and an MFA in Urban Vision and Architectural Design from Domus Academy, Milan (2012).

She is the co-founder of OBRUM Constructora and founder of MATELIER | Michelle Herrera Architecture Atelier, where her practice explores architecture and interior design across multiple scales, with a focus on residential, corporate, and commercial projects. Her work emphasizes atmosphere, materiality, and the relationship between architecture, landscape, and the city.

Michelle has worked as a design studio professor at Universidad San Francisco de Quito and Universidad de las Américas. She was a member of the Academic Commission of the XXI Pan-American Biennial of Architecture of Quito (BAQ 2018), and has participated as panelist, moderator, juror, and guest professional in national and international architectural forums.

She is an Honorary Member of the Korean Institute of Architects (KIA). Her work has received international recognition, including awards from the German Design Awards, BLT Awards, and Kyoto Global Design Awards, as well as honors from the Architecture MasterPrize, the World Architecture Festival, and the Pan-American Biennial of Architecture of Quito.

MICHELLE HERRERA

Quito, Ecuador (1985)

MICHELLE HERRERA

Quito, Ecuador (1985)

TEAM

CURRENT

Ana Rafaela Echeverría, Esteban Campos, Marghit Badillo.

PAST

Francisco Reyes, Francisco Cueva, Magdalena Aguirre, Stephanie Callejas, Carla Villagrán.

NEWS

DECEMBER 2025

Firm Shortlist

Architecture MasterPrize

MATELIER is shortlisted in the Multi-Disciplinary Architecture category, recognizing the studio’s cross-scale design vision.

DECEMBER 2025

Honorable Mention

Architecture MasterPrize

Corporativo 194 receives an Honorable Mention in Green Architecture for merging performance with architectural depth.

DECEMBER 2025

Community space

Tim Ballard Foundation Ecuador

Together with the Tim Ballard Foundation Ecuador, MATELIER transformed a vacant site in Canoa into a safe and empowering community space.

NOVEMBER 2025

Winner & Honorable Mention

BLT Awards 2025

Corporativo 194 received two distinctions at the BLT Awards, celebrated in Basel on November 21.

NOVEMBER 2025

Finalist

World Architecture Festival

Corporativo 194 is selected as a finalist at WAF 2025 in Miami, positioning the project on a global stage.

NOVEMBER 2025

Winner

German Design Awards

Corporativo 194 wins in the category Excellent Architecture – Public. The award ceremony will take place in Frankfurt, February 2026.

OCTOBER 2025

Honorary Member

Korean Institute of Architects

Michelle Herrera is named Honorary Member of the KIA during KIAF 2025, alongside architects from five continents.

OCTOBER 2025

Exhibition

100 Architects of the Year

Corporativo 194 is exhibited on Nodeul Island, Seoul, as part of the 100 Architects of the Year 2025.

JULY 2025

Nominee

German Design Awards 2026

Corporativo 194 is officially nominated by the German Design Council for GDA 2026.

JUNE 2025

Finalist

World Architecture Festival

Corporativo 194 is confirmed as a finalist for WAF 2025. Join us in Miami this November for the live presentation..

MAY 2025

Certification

LEED Gold

Santa Fe Torre Corporativa achieves LEED Gold certification, marking a major milestone in adaptive reuse and sustainability.

MARCH 2025

Speaker

Women, Architecture and the City

On International Women’s Day, Michelle Herrera participated in a panel where three architects shared city-scale projects that shape urban life beyond the public realm.

NOVIEMBRE 2024

Winner

KYOTO GLOBAL DESIGN AWARDS

Corporativo 194 was awarded at the Kyoto Global Design Awards 2024 in the Real Estate & Office Development category, highlighting its contribution to architecture, sustainable design, and global responsibility.

SEPTEMBER 2024

Certification

USGBC LEED

SANTA FE Corporate Torre Corporativa built in 2013, began a complete interior renovation following the guidelines of the USGBC. After 18 months, it is proudly pursuing the LEED cetification.

MAY 2024

Jury

TRAMA: International call

Jury for the 30th International Call for the publication of final architecture projects in Trama magazine, composed of: Michelle Herrera (ECU), Rómulo Moya (ECU), and Juan Citroni (ARG). The selection was made from 74 participants across 10 countries.

APRIL 2024

Speaker

PECHA KUCHA: Soy Arquitecta, Ecuador

On April 11, PechaKucha Night Quito Vol. 18 was held at the Arts Hall of the College of Architects of Pichincha (CAE-P). The speakers shared their experiences in creating architectural projects and their visions for the profession.

2021

Speaker

Uruguayan Architects in Ecuador

Contemporary Architecture: Banking and Corporate Architecture in Ecuador Gomez Platero (UY), Rafael Vélez (EC), Michelle Herrera (EC)

2020

Guest Professional

BAQ XXII: Pan-American Biennial of Architecture of Quito 2020

HOUSE & ATELIER: Conversation with Momoyo Kaijima

MATELIER was the guest professional for the analysis and discussion with Momoyo Kaijima from Atelier Bow-Wow (JP). The conversation included authors, critics, professionals, and architecture students as participants.

2018

Academic Committee - Guest Professional

BAQ XXI: Pan-American Biennial of Architecture of Quito 2018

FUJI KINDERGARTEN: Conversation with Takaharu Tezuka

Michelle was the guest professional for the analysis and discussion with Takaharu Tezuka from Tezuka Architects (JP). The conversation included authors, critics, professionals, and architecture students as participants.

2018

BAQ-EC Coordinator

CARLO SCARPA & JAPON

During BAQ 2018 week, the temporary exhibition of CARLO SCARPA & JAPON from the Museo Nazionale delle Arti del XXI secolo was opened to the public in Ecuador at the Contemporary Art Center in Quito.

2017

Academic Committee

BAQ XXI: Pan-American Biennial of Architecture of Quito 2018

Michelle Herrera, along with María Samaniego, Yadhira Álvarez, José Miguel Mantilla, and Omar Chamorro, are part of the Academic Committee of the Pan-American Biennial of Architecture of Quito 2018. A major event celebrating its 40th Anniversary.

AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

2026

Winner

German Design Awards

Project: Corporativo 194

Corporativo 194 won in the category Excellent Architecture – Architecture – Public. The award ceremony will take place in Frankfurt in February 2026.

German Design Awards

Project: Corporativo 194

Corporativo 194 won in the category Excellent Architecture – Architecture – Public. The award ceremony will take place in Frankfurt in February 2026.

German Design Awards

Project: Corporativo 194

Corporativo 194 won in the category Excellent Architecture – Architecture – Public. The award ceremony will take place in Frankfurt in February 2026.

2025

Firm Shortlist

Architecture MasterPrize

MATELIER was shortlisted in the Multi-Disciplinary Architecture category, recognizing the studio’s cross-scale and integrative design approach.

Architecture MasterPrize

MATELIER was shortlisted in the Multi-Disciplinary Architecture category, recognizing the studio’s cross-scale and integrative design approach.

Architecture MasterPrize

MATELIER was shortlisted in the Multi-Disciplinary Architecture category, recognizing the studio’s cross-scale and integrative design approach.

2025

Honorable Mention

Architecture MasterPrize

Project: Corporativo 194

Corporativo 194 received an Honorable Mention in the Green Architecture category for merging environmental performance with architectural depth.

Architecture MasterPrize

Project: Corporativo 194

Corporativo 194 received an Honorable Mention in the Green Architecture category for merging environmental performance with architectural depth.

Architecture MasterPrize

Project: Corporativo 194

Corporativo 194 received an Honorable Mention in the Green Architecture category for merging environmental performance with architectural depth.

2025

Winner & Honorable Mention

BLT Awards 2025

Project: Corporativo 194

Corporativo 194 received two distinctions at the BLT Awards 2025:

Winner, Architectural Design – Institutional
Honorable Mention, Architectural Design

BLT Awards 2025

Project: Corporativo 194

Corporativo 194 received two distinctions at the BLT Awards 2025:

Winner, Architectural Design – Institutional
Honorable Mention, Architectural Design

BLT Awards 2025

Project: Corporativo 194

Corporativo 194 received two distinctions at the BLT Awards 2025:

Winner, Architectural Design – Institutional
Honorable Mention, Architectural Design

2025

Finalist

World Architecture Festival - WAF 2025

Project: Corporativo 194

Corporativo 194 was selected as a finalist at the World Architecture Festival 2025, held in Miami on November.

World Architecture Festival - WAF 2025

Project: Corporativo 194

Corporativo 194 was selected as a finalist at the World Architecture Festival 2025, held in Miami on November.

World Architecture Festival - WAF 2025

Project: Corporativo 194

Corporativo 194 was selected as a finalist at the World Architecture Festival 2025, held in Miami on November.

2025

Honorary Member

Korean Institute of Architects (KIA)

Michelle was named Honorary Member of the Korean Institute of Architects during KIAF 2025, alongside five architects from Brasil, France, Ivory Coast, Switzerland and Uzbekistan.

Korean Institute of Architects (KIA)

Michelle was named Honorary Member of the Korean Institute of Architects during KIAF 2025, alongside five architects from Brasil, France, Ivory Coast, Switzerland and Uzbekistan.

Korean Institute of Architects (KIA)

Michelle was named Honorary Member of the Korean Institute of Architects during KIAF 2025, alongside five architects from Brasil, France, Ivory Coast, Switzerland and Uzbekistan.

2025

Exhibition (Curated)

100 Architects of the Year 2025

Project: Corporativo 194

100 Architects of the Year 2025

Project: Corporativo 194

100 Architects of the Year 2025

Project: Corporativo 194

2025

LEED Gold Certification

USGBC – U.S. Green Building Council

Project: Santa Fe Torre Corporativa

Santa Fe Torre Corporativa achieved LEED Gold Certification, recognizing its sustainable transformation and adaptive reuse.

USGBC – U.S. Green Building Council

Project: Santa Fe Torre Corporativa

Santa Fe Torre Corporativa achieved LEED Gold Certification, recognizing its sustainable transformation and adaptive reuse.

USGBC – U.S. Green Building Council

Project: Santa Fe Torre Corporativa

Santa Fe Torre Corporativa achieved LEED Gold Certification, recognizing its sustainable transformation and adaptive reuse.

2024

Winner (Corporativo 194)

KYOTO GLOBAL DESIGN AWARDS

2020

Honorable Mention

BAQ XXII: Pan-American Biennial of Architecture of Quito 2020

National Awards

Project: Corporativo 194

BAQ XXII: Pan-American Biennial of Architecture of Quito 2020

National Awards

Project: Corporativo 194

BAQ XXII: Pan-American Biennial of Architecture of Quito 2020

National Awards

Project: Corporativo 194

2020

LEED Platinum Certification

USGBC

Project: Corporativo 194

USGBC

Project: Corporativo 194

USGBC

Project: Corporativo 194

2013

Honorable Mention

Quito: Ornate Award

Project: SANTA FE Torre Corporativa

Quito: Ornate Award

Project: SANTA FE Torre Corporativa

Quito: Ornate Award

Project: SANTA FE Torre Corporativa

PUBLICATIONS

2025

Exhibition Catalog

100 Architects of the Year 2025

Project: Corporativo 194.

Exhibition Catalog

100 Architects of the Year 2025

Project: Corporativo 194.

Exhibition Catalog

100 Architects of the Year 2025

Project: Corporativo 194.

2024

ARQUITECTAS Ecuador / Women in Architecture, Ecuador

Trama ediciones. Book.

ARQUITECTAS Ecuador / Women in Architecture, Ecuador

Trama ediciones. Book.

ARQUITECTAS Ecuador / Women in Architecture, Ecuador

Trama ediciones. Book.

2023

Y.A.P.A. What is NOT Architecture?

Trama Journal of Architectural Theory and Criticism

Faculty of Architecture and Design, University of the Americas. Essay

Y.A.P.A. What is NOT Architecture?

Trama Journal of Architectural Theory and Criticism

Faculty of Architecture and Design, University of the Americas. Essay

Y.A.P.A. What is NOT Architecture?

Trama Journal of Architectural Theory and Criticism

Faculty of Architecture and Design, University of the Americas. Essay

2022

TRAMA 170 INHABIT: function & form

Project: COELHO Living. Architecture Journal

TRAMA 170 INHABIT: function & form

Project: COELHO Living. Architecture Journal

TRAMA 170 INHABIT: function & form

Project: COELHO Living. Architecture Journal

2021

Arquitectura XXI / Architecture XXI

TRAMA ediciones. Book

Arquitectura XXI / Architecture XXI

TRAMA ediciones. Book

Arquitectura XXI / Architecture XXI

TRAMA ediciones. Book

2020

TRAMA 155 High rise buildings: Multiple Typologies

Project: CORPORATIVO 194. Architecture Journal

TRAMA 155 High rise buildings: Multiple Typologies

Project: CORPORATIVO 194. Architecture Journal

TRAMA 155 High rise buildings: Multiple Typologies

Project: CORPORATIVO 194. Architecture Journal

2018

Arquitectura: Patrimonio Moderno

TRAMA Dossier by the School of Architects in Ecuador The dot, the line and the plane in the architecture of Carlo Scarpa. Essay

Arquitectura: Patrimonio Moderno

TRAMA Dossier by the School of Architects in Ecuador The dot, the line and the plane in the architecture of Carlo Scarpa. Essay

Arquitectura: Patrimonio Moderno

TRAMA Dossier by the School of Architects in Ecuador The dot, the line and the plane in the architecture of Carlo Scarpa. Essay

t(h)ree, a pavillion

Cumbayá, 2023. Photo credits: Jorge Luis Narvaez

t(h)ree, a pavillion

Cumbayá, 2023. Photo credits: Jorge Luis Narvaez

t(h)ree, a pavillion

Cumbayá, 2023. Photo credits: Jorge Luis Narvaez

t(h)ree, a pavillion

Cumbayá, 2023. Photo credits: Jorge Luis Narvaez

WORK WITH US

HOME

ABOUT

NEWS

AWARDS

PUBLICATIONS

CONTACT

Select Language

English