Name: Roderick Anderson
Company: SARCO Architects Costa Rica / SARCO Architects Panama
Position within company: CEO & International Design Director
Website: www.sarcoarchitects.com
. Tell us a little about your background
Second generation architect, studied architecture in Costa Rica and trained in drafting
and design from a very young age. 19 years of experience at the head of SARCO
Architects Costa Rica, due to a family passing. For the past 10 years have specialized
on design of Luxury Vacation Residences for foreign clientele in the pacific coast of
Costa Rica. I have served clientele from Canada, USA, United Kingdom, Australia,
Germany, Switzerland, Austria, etc. and focused in providing a high-end personalized
service for my clientele and their projects in Costa Rica and Panama.
. How would you describe your own personal style?
I consider myself a flexible and talented architect, capable of designing in several
styles, but my preference is in modern style, with a use of local and natural materials in
order to provide a warm, local, and earthy feeling to each of my projects.
. Where does your inspiration come from?
Inspiration usually comes from the site, the land, and the local conditions, which drive a
design which becomes a balance between architectural aesthetic beauty and proportion,
owner-centric design and ease of use, and consideration of environmental conditions
and the optimization of the architectural design in order maximize energy efficiency.
The project location will also influence the design in terms of the materials palette used
in order to provide a local relationship for every project.
. In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
Design is moving away from the mere oversizing and other excesses, and towards
smarter, more comprehensive and intelligent design, with adaptive and flexible use of
space, thorough application of technology in the design process and in seeking to
maximize energy efficiency for every project. And all of this needs to happen in a
package of architectural beauty. I prefer to call this “Total Design”
. Name five key themes to consider when approaching property development in 2014
and beyond.
Integrated design, energy efficiency, environmental responsibility, creation of flexible
and adaptive spaces and the serving of international clientele.
. If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to development projects, what
would it be?
To focus on providing clients with new solutions and new ideas for old problems. Keep
away from redoing the same old cookie cutter design and rebranding of old ideas and
from empty marketing hype.
. How important are The International Design and Architecture Awards as recognition of
talent and achievement?
As an international design award venue, it is very important as it provides our potential
clientele with industry recognition on an international level.
. What projects are you currently working on?
Currently working on 7-8 different residences, of varying sizes and budgets, but 3 of
those being high-end residences with budgets of $3M+ plus interiors. All current
clientele are foreign, from North America and Europe.
. What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
To continue our continued efforts for improvement of our skills and quality of our
projects and to make continued efforts in communicating and marketing our expertise
and client-centric service for our international clientele.
. Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself
Your most treasured possession? Thirst for knowledge and huge self criticism
Your favourite holiday destination? Anywhere to share and enjoy with family
Your favourite hotel / restaurant / bar? Steak and Seafood
Your favourite food and drink? Italian or Japanese
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be? Not sure, but definitely not a
doctor or attorney.