Raimundo Gutiérrez Frías is a Chilean architect and founder of ERRE Arquitectos, established in 2014. ERRE Arquitectos engages in the design and construction of single-family residences and tourism-related projects, integrating wood as a primary material and emphasizing a cohesive understanding of the building process. Gutiérrez Frías earned his architecture degree from Universidad Finis Terrae in 2010 and worked with WMR Arquitectos in Matanzas before founding ERRE Arquitectos.
ERRE Arquitectos’ notable projects include Casa Prat-Valdés, a residence in Matanzas designed to maximize ocean views while shielding interiors from prevailing winds. Casa Pujol-Otaegui follows a U-shaped configuration that encloses a protected courtyard, maintaining privacy while framing uninterrupted sea views. The firm’s collaboration on BYL Houses in Vitacura, co-designed with Cristián Romero Valente, further demonstrates an ability to embed architecture within the complexities of the Chilean landscape.
Raimundo Gutiérrez Frías continues to refine a methodology where architecture and landscape converge, shaping structures that mediate between exposure and shelter, precision and adaptation.
What inspires you?
Truthfully, I do not have a general inspiration that applies to all projects, as I work and understand each assignment from its particularity, and it is within these particularities that I seek inspiration.
What inspired you to become an architect?
Ever since I was a child, I always liked anything to do with creativity. Additionally, I enjoyed creating my own spaces both inside the house with tables, sheets, etc., and outside with branches, sticks, and whatever was available. I remember once when a very leafy big tree was cut down at the house where I lived, and it lay there for several weeks, if not months. Within that fallen tree, I built an inner world with different spaces, where I kept my things. I have memories that that experience was amazing.
How would you describe your design philosophy?
As I explained before, I am dedicated to each particular project, from its origin, location, conditions, budget, etc. For example, I am now in Spain working on projects that change a lot compared to what I do in Chile. However, I could say that the design philosophy I try to apply has to do with simplicity, simple lines, and versatility in the use that the building can have both now and in the future. The latter is very important and I think I have given it much more weight now; making a construction has a very important impact, which has to transcend changes over the years. It is necessary to be aware and take seriously the responsibility that this discipline has.
How do climate and local geography influence your designs?
A lot. It is one of the most important things to consider when starting the design. Architecture itself should be sustainable, that is, it should be able to achieve optimal conditions on its own in terms of thermal comfort, solar lighting, ventilation, etc. In addition, I try to work with and make the most of local materials from where the work is located.
How do culture and history influence your work?
It is very influential. Anyway, due to various circumstances related to the assignment and its location, the direct relationship between these topics and the work, in some cases, is more noticeable. For example, I am currently rehabilitating a house over 150 years old for a family in the Historic Center of Sagunto, Spain. It is at the foot of the Castle and the old but remodeled Roman Theater, where several civilizations such as Carthaginians, Romans, Muslims, Visigoths, etc., have passed. It is an area with very old 2-story terraced houses with stone walls up to 70 cms thick. So, clearly it is not the same doing something there as elsewhere. In fact, there is a demanding regulation regarding what is allowed and what is not. They are very concerned about the appearance of the facade facing the street in addition to, for example, requiring an archaeological study at the time of excavation.
What is your favorite project?
I do not have a favorite project. Although I believe that over the years I have learned to solve some things better and more effectively, the projects I initially did I think have a very good outcome, and that are the product of the dedication they needed at that time.
What is your favorite architectural detail?
There are many details I like that work very well in different projects. My favorite detail would be one where I solved something in a particular way in a specific project and managed to do so effectively. There are several of these in every project.
Do you have a favorite material?
Wood. Most of my works have been done in this material and I think it brings together all the qualities that I like. Although there is still a high cost for the acquisition of well-dimensioned, calibrated wood with low humidity, it is a noble, renewable, versatile material to work with, aesthetic and a good insulator.
What is your process for starting a new project?
It varies, depending on the assignment. For example, there are some where the regulations leave space for a theoretical volume very much on the limit with respect to the client’s requirements, so initially it is about solving that and the design goes a bit conditioned to those possibilities. And also, there are others where there is almost total freedom of location and design on large plots of land. There one clings to other things to start designing.
How does the environment influence your work?
The environment, like geography, climate, culture, and history are very important things when developing an assignment. If this question is more related to the views, winds, possible neighbors, etc., I believe that all my projects formally respond to the qualities of the immediate environment.
What distinguishes contemporary architecture in Chile from global trends?
Contemporary Chilean architecture is very cutting-edge and is highly recognized abroad. I also think that the technology applied to seismic resistance is noteworthy. Although I do think we are lacking in terms of urban planning, which ultimately has the most impact on society.
What inspired the Prat-Valdés House?
The inspiration for Prat-Valdés House came from something very practical; how to manage to see the sea from at least the common area of the house, taking into account that this was achieved at 3 meters height from the natural ground level. For this, the house was raised on stilts high enough to achieve the objective. Also, as a result of this operation, the ground was freed up, gaining usable exterior surface.
What advice would you give to young architects?
What I can say from my experience is that architecture is a very broad discipline and there are many important spaces from where we can contribute as professionals, which sometimes are not on the horizon of recent graduates; urbanism, planning, ephemeral architecture, social housing, etc. Sometimes, the focus of the schools is very concentrated on the building, the house, and I think they should provide more tools to diversify the labor spectrum from which one can develop as an architect. Moreover, in Chile (and I would dare say several parts of the world) the market to develop projects of houses and buildings is very limited. I think more emphasis should be placed on the social role of the Architect.
