Carlos Patrón Ibarra is the founder of TACO Taller de Arquitectura Contextual, a multidisciplinary workshop established in 2011. TACO integrates architecture, urbanism, interior design, and landscaping, creating projects deeply connected to their site and cultural context.
Patrón Ibarra earned his architecture degree from Tecnológico de Monterrey in 2009, where he was a student leader and part of the Grupo Especial de Diseño. Selected for the inaugural Legorreta-Tagliabue Chair, he was mentored by architects from Legorreta+Legorreta (Mexico) and EMBT (Spain). Before founding TACO, Patrón Ibarra gained experience at the Agency for Urban Planning and Development of Nuevo León, AH Asociados in Spain, and Reyes Ríos + Larraín Arquitectos in Mexico.
TACO’s philosophy integrates climate, materials, and construction techniques with cultural heritage and user needs, creating architecture with strong identity. Notable projects include Casa Gabriela, focused on security, thermal comfort, and energy efficiency; Edron Gallery, a cultural space; and Pórtico Palmeto, a multifunctional studio among palm trees.
Carlos Patrón Ibarra and TACO have received numerous awards, among which stand out the 1st place of the Pan-American Biennial of Quito in the category of Architectural Design, the Gold Medal of the 1st Regional Biennial of Architecture of the Southeast, 1st place in the 1st Biennial of Young Architects, 1st place of Design Icons of the Architectural Digest magazine, 2 first places and honorable mentions in several biennials of Yucatecan Architecture, 2nd Place CEMEX Works Award, the inclusion of the 100 most influential works of Archdaily’s Mexican architecture, finalist of the Eco Pavilion, nominated for the Mies Crown Hall Americas Award in Chicago and his participation in the Mexico Pavilion during the 15th Architecture Exhibition of the Venice Biennial “Reporting from the front”.
What inspires you?
I think what inspires me the most is the fact that the work we develop as architects can change how people see their lives. How our work becomes part of that change in a positive way—how they relate to nature, to culture, and how we integrate their memories. That ability an architect has to shape these experiences is what inspires me the most.
What inspired you to become an architect?
At the beginning, it was just the fact that I could see the results of my work—something you can touch, something you can breathe. But after a year of studying architecture, my way of seeing it started to change. Now, it has many layers. As I mentioned earlier, I believe architects can make a difference in someone’s life, in how they relate to their context. We are a key piece in making their expectation of having a place to live—a place that feels like theirs—possible. I see architecture as a social service rather than a luxury.
How would you describe your design philosophy?
Our design philosophy works in two ways. The most pragmatic aspect is that our firm integrates architecture, construction, interior design, and landscape design, working as a team to achieve the best possible outcome for both the people and the place. The main goal is to create projects that are fully resolved in terms of construction and execution.
On a more philosophical level, we aim to remember what architecture is supposed to be in its simplest form. Architecture today is often contaminated with commercial concerns, and sometimes we forget the fundamental purpose—creating shelters. These shelters must respond to specific climate conditions, cultural factors, and environmental needs. Architecture should express these relationships and create an identity that gives people a sense of place.
I find inspiration in vernacular architecture—the common sense in designs that emerge from necessity. I am fascinated by how people have historically solved problems through creativity, and that, for me, is the essence of architecture.
What is your favorite project?
I’m not sure if I have a favorite project. I really enjoy my work, and every project carries a part of me. Each one presents unique challenges. It’s like asking a parent to choose a favorite child—it’s a complex question. But for sure, some projects have had a significant impact on our office at specific times, pushing us to learn and evolve. Some of those might be Casa Gabriela, Pórtico Palmeto, and Casa de Monte—there are many.
What is your favorite architectural detail?
I’ve never really thought about that. But I like skylights, patios, and everything that interacts with water, light, and nature. These elements create unique atmospheres, and those are the details I enjoy designing the most.
Do you have a favorite material?
As long as they are natural and sourced from the region where we are working, I am good with that. What I cannot stand is fakeness in materials. A material should not be judged solely by its appearance—there are many other sensory aspects that define it.
What is your process when starting a new project?
My process starts with a deep analysis of the site, the people we will work with, and the regulations that apply. I like to gather as much information as possible before even starting to think about the design. Many architects begin by sketching solutions right away, but I try to push those thoughts aside initially. It’s natural to have early ideas, but I consciously set them aside until I have enough information.
Once I have a complete understanding, I begin organizing the information and forming a clear strategy for the project—one with a solid connection to the analysis. Only then does the artistic part of the process begin, where we transform these ideas into spatial and material connections.
How do you balance functionality and creativity in your projects?
In architecture, functionality and creativity must be inseparable. There is no good architecture without functionality, and there is no good architecture without creativity. They must always work together.
How does the environment influence your work?
A lot. Architecture is about creating shelters for people in specific places. The place itself is always a key element in our work.
How do you collaborate with clients to achieve their vision?
First, we need to establish a clear connection and ensure the client trusts that we are working together as a team, with the same goals. Their needs and expectations are just one part of what we, as architects, have to consider. We bring experience in balancing these personal needs with the characteristics of the site.
Our job is to create a strong relationship between the client and the place where the project will exist. Architecture should never make people fight against their surroundings—it should be the element that brings people and places together in a harmonious way.
What trends or movements do you find inspiring?
I think every architectural movement in history has contributed something valuable to contemporary architecture. I don’t have a favorite, because each movement has had something important to say.
However, I don’t believe in trends in architecture. I believe in working with what is available, what is practical, what is natural, and what makes sense. Common sense is a fundamental principle in the way we design.
What new directions or architectural details are you currently exploring?
Right now, we are exploring buildings that can transform from the inside—spaces that can adapt and play multiple roles throughout their lifetime. We are also focusing on densification and mixed-use architecture. I believe the future of cities depends on this.
Cities need to become walkable again, where people have all their needs met within a close distance from their homes and workplaces. That is where our work is heading.
What advice would you give to young architects?
For those aspiring to be architects, my advice is to deeply understand the role of architecture in society. If they recognize the responsibility that comes with it and want to make positive changes in how people live, then everything else will come naturally.
