EMAIL: CARIAS@CORDTSENDESIGN.COM
PHONE: 401-619-4689 (EXT. 14)
Carolina Arias
Senior Project Architect
Carolina comes to CDA with over 20 years’ experience in the field of architecture. Before earning her Bachelor of Architecture (with a Minor in Real Estate) from the University of Miami, she served in the Lee County planning department in Florida. There she gained a valuable behind-the-scenes perspective on the relationship between architecture and community planning and development. Carolina went on to earn her master’s in architecture from the University of Miami on a full scholarship, with a focus on Suburb and Town Design. A registered architect in the State of Florida, she brings steady, confident leadership to our team and is a valued addition to our Tampa office. Carolina is the mother of two boys, speaks fluent Spanish, and is passionate about all aspects of architecture, especially residential design. She’s happy about where life has taken her and is excited about the future!
Where were you born? New Jersey
Where did you grow up? South Plainfield, NJ and Cape Coral, FL
Do you have any brothers or sisters and, if so, where in line do you fall? Older brother Rick and younger brother Nick (11 years younger). I’m a classic middle child.
Where have you lived? New Jersey, Florida, North Carolina, Memphis, TN, but my favorite was Rome, Italy for a semester abroad.
Which degrees do you hold and from where did you earn them? Bachelor of Architecture and Master of Architecture (Urban Design), both from the University of Miami.
Who has made the biggest impact on your career and how? My mother, as she encouraged me to pursue my dream career at my dream school, she made it happen for me. Also, one of my old bosses, Ken Bradshaw, he believed in me and pushed me during the time I was taking my exams. He simply would not take no for an answer!
What attracted you to architecture? Hard to believe, but back in the day, Better Homes and Gardens magazine had so many floor plans and I loved imagining the spaces. Of course, good old Legos too!
What is your favorite design style? I love mid-century modern
How would you describe yourself? Once we’re friends, you’re stuck with me! I am loyal, I will always try to be respectful, and will always have your back.
What is your favorite place in Rhode Island? Looking forward to seeing more but the Cliff Walk is really cool!
Who is your hero? My mother!
What is the one thing you’ve done that would surprise most people? I’ve taken over 500 Pilates classes and have become addicted.
What is your greatest accomplishment? My two boys!
If you had a time machine, to what time would you travel and why? The Great Gatsby era!
What are you most passionate about? Being a mother and raising quality humans!
Where in the world would you like to explore? Bucket list trip is Machu Picchu right now
Where are some places you’ve visited? Colombia, Costa Rica, Spain, and Italy
What are you most thankful for? My parents’ hard work my whole life to get us where we are now.
Night owl or early bird? A little of both, I am what I need to be on certain days.
What is your favorite movie? Goonies!
What is your favorite book? Love in the Time of Cholera, Gabriel Garcia Marquez
What is your favorite food? Colombian food – all of it!
What was your favorite childhood toy? Legos
What is your favorite quote? “Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is looking” – C.S. Lewis
What is your least favorite kind of food? Tofu
What is your favorite tradition? I love Thanksgiving with family
What is your favorite season? Fall
What is your favorite kind of weather? Cool enough for a hoodie.
Favorite pet? My pup Sunny, an Australian Shepherd