Materium Studio was founded five years ago by architects Javier and Amanda, who share a long-standing professional collaboration that began during their studies in architecture school over fifteen years ago. Their shared commitment to thoughtful design and craftsmanship continues to define the studio’s approach today.
Before establishing Materium, Amanda worked in San José, developing architectural projects. Her experience strengthened her interest in conceptual design and client engagement. Javier gained expertise in design development at another architecture firm and later founded a small construction business, refining his skills in project execution and management.
The creation of Materium Studio marked the convergence of their complementary experiences in design and construction. Amanda leads the design team, overseeing the creative process and client relations, while Javier manages the construction and technical coordination, ensuring that design intent is realized with precision. Together, they guide the overall direction of each project, maintaining a cohesive architectural vision.
At Materium, architecture is understood as a collaborative process built on transparency, trust, and dialogue. The studio encourages active participation from clients to create spaces that reflect their aspirations and the unique qualities of each site. Every project is treated as a distinct opportunity to explore context, materiality, and spatial experience.
Materium’s architectural language draws inspiration from tropical modernism and the expressive clarity of brutalist geometries. The studio’s work emphasizes functionality, environmental responsiveness, and a strong connection to nature through the use of raw materials, natural light, and elemental forms.
The name Materium is derived from “matter” — the tangible substance of architecture. The studio’s mission is to transform ideas into physical form: spaces that are both grounded and evocative, where material, light, and atmosphere come together to create meaningful experiences.
Amanda Rodríguez
Co-Founder & Lead Architect Design Team
Javier Clare
Co-Founder & Lead Architect Construction & Project Management Team
OUR SERVICES
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN
We offer a comprehensive range of architectural services that guide each project from concept to completion. Our process begins with preliminary studies, including site analysis and feasibility assessments, followed by volumetric exploration and conceptual design. We develop complete and detailed construction documentation, coordinate permit approvals, and oversee each stage to ensure design integrity and technical precision.
Our expertise extends throughout the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica, where we have developed a deep understanding of the local context, climate, and regulatory landscape. Our portfolio includes residential, commercial, hospitality, and master planning projects, each approached with careful consideration of site, function, and craftsmanship.
INSPECTION AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT
We provide project management and construction inspection services that ensure every stage — from concept to completion — is delivered with precision, transparency, and alignment with our clients’ vision. Our process includes both the pre-construction phase, focused on planning, budgeting, permitting, and coordination, and the construction phase, dedicated to execution, cost control, scheduling, and quality assurance.
At Materium Studio, we integrate advanced technology into every step of our workflow through BIM modeling and Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) platform, where all professionals — architects, engineers, consultants, contractors, and clients — can log in to access live updates, drawings, reports, and documentation. With our OpenSpace platform we complement the process with 360° visual site tours that record construction progress in real time, allowing teams and clients to virtually walk through the site while being abroad and revisit previous stages of the build.
Together, these tools create a fully connected environment where information flows seamlessly, ensuring every project is managed with clarity, transparency, and complete control.