ricardo de romay

Ricardo de Romay is an architect, renowned for having pioneered in the development of the then mostly undiscovered Mayan Riviera and in the establishment of the region’s now distinctive architectural style.

Throughout his career, Ricardo developed an organic style characterised by its ingenuity, eccentricity, sophistication, wit and charm, but above all a strong connection with nature. His practice as an architect was strengthened by applying the knowledge learnt from eminent figures, family and friends, such as John Lautner, Goeffrey Bawa, Frank Lloyd Wright, Luis Barragan and Le Corbusier. Ricardo’s international family background also influenced his distinctive style. Ricardo went on a thorough exploration of Mexico and its indigenous architectural traditions, materials and peoples; from adobe (sun-dried mud blocks) to the Mayan palapas (thatched roof houses), the combination gave birth to a unique architectural style. Ricardo was captivated by the humble beauty of these ancient practices, a non-academic education that lead to the qualities characteristic of Ricardo’s work — soft angles, organic shapes, and a general handcrafted feel to his buildings — as a personal reinterpretation of his country’s architectural heritage.

Ricardo’s distinguished career spans over 40 years experience envisioning elevated projects worldwide, but his most noteworthy creations have been in his native Mexico, primarily by the ocean.

“When I start a project, from the initial concept design to conception, everything counts. In architecture, the climate, habitat, location and soil are always the main foundations. The natural and vernacular elements of the project’s location — stone, wood, adobe, brick, tiles, thatched roofs and many other components — are employed to act as the body and skin of the building. When form, light and color blend in harmony with its surroundings, architecture becomes livable art.”

“For me, the art of architecture is a life style”.

Mexican architecture is characterised by the assimilation of a wide variety of inherited elements that narrate a history rich in cultural influences, such as the powerful fusion of Mayan, colonial Spanish and Mediterranean traditions. Ricardo’s designs are best exemplified by their minimalistic nature, stretegic use of colour and the incorporation of nature and sunlight with courtyards, skylights and open spaces. It is his goal to create harmony through the combination of local materials such as palm roofs, carved stone and precious wood, all of which highlight the grace of imperfection.