Meet Roberta de Leon Cruz | Architect, Artist and Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Roberta de Leon Cruz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Roberta, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
From a young age, I found myself captivated by the intersection of art and functionality. The ability of architecture to shape and define spaces, evoke emotions, and contribute to the well-being of individuals and communities resonated deeply with me. I wanted to do something with my life that would leave a long-lasting positive impact on the world, and I saw architecture as a means to help me achieve this. A mirror of culture and history, architecture plays a pivotal role in shaping and reflecting the identity of societies throughout time. The built environment is not merely a collection of structures; it is a profound expression of cultural values and beliefs. I was fascinated by the idea of not only influencing the way people inhabit and experience space in the present but also being able to influence how our civilizations and cultures are studied and understood by those that come after us. Thus, I saw architecture as a perfect opportunity to merge my artistic abilities with a tangible, real-world impact. This has led me to engage in various projects, from residential to commercial work, as well as international architecture competitions, which continue to challenge and fulfill my creative aspirations.

As I dove deeper into architecture, I began to appreciate the interconnectedness of different artistic forms and cultivated a desire to explore various other creative mediums. After all, art is also a mirror of culture and history and goes hand in hand with architecture. I began to explore photography, painting, interior design, and even stand-up comedy in my free time. Art has a unique power to communicate ideas and emotions in a way that resonates with people, so I began collaborating with artists in a way that allowed me to explore the intersection of contemporary culture, humor, and visual storytelling. I began doing freelance artwork, including two album covers for musician John Beach, and a commission piece for the creator of What Do You Meme?. Today, my curiosity continues to drive my creativity and has pushed me to explore many different art forms.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
One distinctive aspect of my art is the deliberate absence of a specific design voice or language. Rather than adhering to a style, I find myself constantly exploring new mediums and techniques. This open-ended approach allows me to discover what truly resonates with me and what I find most compelling, and it is laying the foundation for a unique design language that will eventually emerge organically. This ongoing process is both liberating and challenging, but it keeps my creative spirit alive, and has allowed me to create some of the work that I am most proud of. This work includes the two album covers I designed for musician John Beach. It was very important for me to be successfull not only in capturing the essence of his music, but representing his message and his artistic identity through the art work. I had some challenges emerge during the process, such as finding the right balance between abstraction and specificity, but I was able to overcoming these by being in constant collaboration with John. I am incredibly grateful that he gave me the opportunity to convey his message with my art.

Another project I am very proud of is the Sea House submission for the Buildner MICROHOMES international competition. This project presented an exciting challenge: to design an off-grid, modular structure for a young professional couple within a 25 meters square floor limit. Spatial organization became a critical aspect of the project. The challenge of limited space led to an exploration of innovative ways to maximize functionality without sacrificing aesthetics. As cities continue to expand, and some even run out of land to develop, I sought to explore unconventional living spaces and designed a house that would exist in the water. The loss of coastal land from climate change, induced rising sea levels, compounded with an exponentially increasing population, encourages a reassessment of spaces we inhabit and our anthropogenic footprint. Sea House reimagines traditional living conditions by not only focusing on minimizing waste and resource consumption but also revitilizing the surrounding environment.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Restaurants: Horses (get the amberjack its the best thing there)
Kazunori (I go at least once a week; its my Roman Empire)
VoodooVin (The beef tartare is what dreams are made of)
Eggslut in downtown market (My favorite breakfast hands down and also a cool spot to spend a Saturday morning)
To Do:
Go dancing in La Descarga (Salsa and Reguetton all night, plus the best mojitos)
Spend Sunday at the Rose Bowl Fleamarket (might break the bank but worth it)
Go to a Comedy Show (This is always the best way to fix a rainy day)
Go for a walk in Melrose (I go on walks here to peoplewatch and always see the most interesting and unique people)
And last but definitely not least spend a day in my home’s backyard soaking in the sun and making my family’s famous tacos de arrachera recepie over a cold tequila and a few beers

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My journey into the world of architecture was sparked by my fascination with the work of Frank Gehry. Discovering Gehry’s innovative and captivating designs made me realize that architecture could be not just functional but also fun and exciting. I often credit Gehry’s creations as the driving force that led me to pursue design. However, while Ghery’s work ignited my passion, the real reason I have made it this far is my family, my incredible group of friends, and my amazing boyfriend, who have been unwavering in their support, cheering me on in every pursuit I undertake. Their belief in me, even when I doubted myself, has been a driving force behind my achievements.

Website: robertadeleoncruz.com

Instagram: robertadeleoncruz

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roberta-de-leon-cruz/

Image Credits
Model’s name in pink dessert shoot is: De Rosette