BZ Architects was founded in 2009 as a firm specializing in architectural innovation and sustainable design. Our purpose is to enable businesses and individuals realize sustainable and unique architectural solutions for their projects.
At a Glance

Over 25 years of combined Experience

Professional Experience

Over 500 Completed Projects

Projects

Over 2 Million Sq. Ft. Built

Built Area

AIA * USGBC * LEED AP+ * CAAPPR

Memberships

Residential * Commercial * Healthcare * Retail * Life Science * Industrial * Hospitality

Service Areas

Licensed in Puerto Rico and Florida

License
Selected Projects
People

César A. Bobonis-Zequeira, AIA, LEED AP +

Principal

Born in 1980 in San Juan, Puerto Rico, César Bobonis is a licensed architect with 20 years of experience in the design and construction industry, he is a member of the American Institute of Architects (2007), and a LEED Accredited Professional+ (2005).He obtained his Bachelor's of Architecture degree from the Pratt Institute in New York City (2003), and went on to receive his Master in Design Science for Sustainable Design at the University of Sydney in Australia (2004).

Upon his return to Puerto Rico he joined SCF Architects, a well established firm in the island, where he acted as project manager for various residential, commercial, hospitality, healthcare and institutional projects. He was in charge of SCF’s LEED team, and worked for the firm for five years.

His experience working on many residential and mixed-use developments allowed him to immerse himself in all phases of architecture from design, to documentation, to construction. He has acted as Project Manager and Project Architect for different projects, and has been responsible for all phases of development, from code research and schematic design to on-site construction administration. Since he began working in Puerto Rico he has participated in different activities and organizations, such as the USGB Caribbean chapter, and at the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico where he served as professor on a sustainable design studio. He lectured for the LEED exam reviews in San Juan, and participated in different forums and activities including the LEED regionalization effort in 2008. César has also collaborated in numerous international projects and competitions in association with Desarrolladores 506, Omega Engineering, Parq Proyecto de Arquitectura, Mario Montilla Arquitectos, Toro Ferrer Arquitectos, and Suma Studios. He founded BZ Architects in 2009 and has since been developing various residential, commercial, hospitality and institutional projects. He is currently in charge of various residential, commercial, and hospitality projects at BZ Architects where he acts as principal and project manager.

Marvin Álvarez López, RA

Project Architect

Ana Torres Orta, AIT

Project Architect

Natalia Marrero Ortíz, AIT

Project Architect

David Rodriguez, AIT

Collaborator · Architect

José Sosa Borrero, AIT

Collaborator · Architect

Gabriela Hernández, AIT

Collaborator · Architect

Luis E Yordán, AIA

Collaborator · Architect

Fernando Rodríguez, AIT

Collaborator · Architect

Víctor Nieto, AIA

Collaborator · Architect

Douglas Suárez, AIA

Collaborator · Architect

Andrés Gutierrez, AIT

Collaborator · Architect

Teresita del Valle, AIA

Collaborator · Architect

Rafael Parés, PE, LEED AP+

Consultant · Mechanical Engineer

Enrique M. Figueroa, PE, LEED AP+

Consultant · Electrical Engineer

Joaquín de Mari Monserrate, PE

Consultant · Structural Engineer

Francisco Rodríguez-Ema, PE, LEED AP+

Consultant · Civil Engineer

Gabriel A. Rivera, PE, LEED AP+

Consultant · Electrical Engineer

Alejandro Gómez, ME, PE

Consultant · Structural Engineer

Services

Professional Services

- Architectural Design - Architectural Consultants - Sustainable Design - LEED Consultants - Planners - Project Cost Estimates - Code Compliance Analysis - Project Management

Design Phases

- Pre-Design - Design-Development - Construction Documentation - Construction Observation - Program and project delivery methods - Programing - Permits

Construction Management

- Building Methods - Critical Path Design - Construction Evaluation - Construction Phasing - Project Contract Administration - Payment Certifications - Product Evaluation - Quality Control - Punch List Preparation

Clients
FAQ

1. What services do architects provide?

Architects see the big picture when it comes to your project. They help you explore what appeals to you aesthetically and what you require functionally. They coordinate teams of design, engineering and construction professionals; they sort through the maze of building codes and zoning requirements; they ensure your project is built the way it was intended.

2. Why should I hire an AIA architect?

Members of the American Institute of Architects adhere to the AIA Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, assuring you of their dedication to the high standards of professional practice. AIA architects also fulfill annual continuing education requirements to maintain their professional standing and to stay current in the profession.

3. At what point in my project should I involve an architect?

As soon as you decide you want to build something new, you should start looking for an architect. Architects provide important pre-design services including site evaluation, and can help you explore options you may not have considered. Involving an architect early in the process can help avoid costly missteps, and increase the likelihood of your satisfaction with the project.

4. How do I find the right architect for my project?

It is critical to find an architect who makes you feel comfortable, and with whom you have open communication. It's also important to find an architect with experience in your project type.

5. Don't architects add substantial cost to a project?

While it's true that architects' fees are an additional project cost, hiring an architect can actually save you money in many ways. Architects can monitor your budget and negotiate to get the best materials and workmanship at a good price. An architect's design can reduce energy and maintenance costs. They can turn a difficult lot into a successful building site. And they spend time planning and fully developing your ideas to avoid changes once construction is underway.

6. How are architects compensated?

An architect's compensation can be based on time, a stipulated sum, a percentage of the cost of the work, the project's square footage, unit cost (based on number of rooms/apartments, etc.), or royalty in which compensation is a share of the profit derived from the project. Time-based compensation and stipulated sums are most common.

7. What's my role in the design process?

Your architect will depend on you to communicate about your design preferences, functional requirements, and budget. Your timely response to questions and design submissions will help keep the project on track. It is also important for you to raise any concerns you have as the project proceeds, so they can be addressed in the earliest stages. Working in partnership with your architect, you will help ensure the best possible outcome for your project.

© BZ Architects 2020