Cañas Architects
Cañas Arquitectos is one of the most experienced and internationally decorated Costa Rican Arquitectural firm dedicated exclusively to Contemporary Design. Founded in 1972 by Victor Cañas, it’s focused exclusively on elevating the quality of life by designing spaces specially suited to the tropical climates, with a touch of poetry built in.
The firm was born at a time when the Costa Rican society had little or no exposure and understanding about how fabulous design is. Over the years, more people have been exposed to and educated in good design, thus it has become more valued and now Cañas Architects is recognized as one of Latinamerica’s architectural offices with a longer and most committed trajectory.
We believe in...
Architects - Client Relationship
A good project is one that results from a close architect-client relationship and a good understanding and knowledge of the building site and its context. We strongly feel this is the only way we can fully understand their needs and translate them into a highly site specific architecture.
Green Architecture
We are environmentally conscious and pay special attention to blend your everyday with as much nature as you or your end clients are comfortable with.
We believe in coming to a sensible solutions, ones that make the most ecological and economic sense to each unique project.
In general believe passive ecological systems are to be considered first before using “high tech” solutions. This is the first step towards a more ecologically friendly design, and usually more economically appropriate too.
High Standard Projects
Our architectural staff and a highly professional team of associate engineers guarantee not only a high end quality design, but a thorough inspection of the constriction process to make sure that our designs are executed to our high standards.
Our architects
Victor Cañas Hon FAIA
Victor was trained as architect at the Universidad Iberoamericana, Mexico City. After graduating, he was granted a British Council Scholarship to do a postgraduate diploma in Urban Planning at the DPU, London University.
Mr. Cañas is co-founding professor of the Masters Degree Program on Tropical Architecture at the Universidad de Costa Rica, where he taught Architectural Design Studios from 1989 to 2016.
As visiting professor, he has taught in universities in Mexico, Colombia, Japan, Thailand and Spain and has lectured profusely at local and international architectural congresses and seminars.
Victor Cañas is an Honorary member of the American Institute of Architects (Hon.FAIA). He is first recipient in the region whose postulation was based solely of his designs.
Andrés Cañas
Andrés is an architect graduated from Veritas University in 2004 after having studied industrial design at Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica.
He has developed an innovative construction method of tensile trellis for vines that can easily incorporate the locals in its construction, in order to strengthen the sense of community space. A large full-scale prototype (800m2) was built in the central park of Curridabat.
He is also an active sculptor and industrial designer with numerous awards to his name, including innovation award in sculpture 2018 at the Salón Nacional.
More of our members
Andrés Mora Méndez