An interview with Ar. Mario Avila and Ar. Carla Osorio of Espacio 18 Arquitectura - The Jury of Little Big Loo 2025 Architecture Competition

We would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to our jury member of the Little Big Loo 2025 Architecture Competition.

We’re delighted to speak with "Mario Avila and Carla Osorio", founder partner at Espacio 18 Arquitectura. Espacio : 18 is an architecture studio that designs spaces in harmony with their context, transforming materials and practices into emotional narratives that celebrate their origin.

They believe in the power of stories revealed through the architecture of spaces and objects—transforming them to become their best selves and live fully. Their work is rooted in the ability to listen. Through close collaboration, research, workshops, and surveys, they co-create spaces that reflect not just the needs of their clients, but their values and personality.

They’ve never followed a fixed stylistic formula — and that’s by design. Each of their projects looks and feels different because each one emerges from a different story.

We're excited to speak with them about their perspective on the field of architecture and their expectations from the participants of the Little Big Loo 2025 Architecture Competition. For the purpose of this interview, he would be referred to as MA&CO in responses, however, Volume Zero is referred to as VZ.

MA&CO- Our favorite projects are those that challenge us to create our architecture in a fascinating context. We like, for example, to design in other countries, to design on different scales, whether it's designing an object or a residential masterplan.

MA&CO- The most complicated projects are those where the client doesn't know what they want. We always try to avoid these types of clients or be very clear with our presentations, but it has happened to us.

MA&CO- Don't be impatient to start creating architecture. Travel, prepare, work in architectural firms that interest you, and then, with great respect, create the architecture our times need.

MA&CO- Personally, we expect a proposal that reflects the solution to a problem in a way that considers and understands the context and environment in which it is developed.

MA&CO- The project is small, but it should be a great experience in every way. We hope the designs are memorable and have a great concept.

MA&CO- I think that, since this is a small project, it's important to analyze the environment beforehand. What do you want to convey? What feeling are you seeking in the space? What impactful concept can easily create a memorable project? What materials will help me achieve this?