Daniela Lopez on Crafting Heritage-Influenced Spaces

Sep 23, 2024 By Vasia Rigou

Lopez leans into the power of culture, color, and connection

By Vasia Rigou Sep 23, 2024

Published in Articles

“Hispanic cultures emphasize unity and family—you can see this come through in both architecture and design, where these values create warm, inviting spaces that foster connection and bring people together,” says Daniela Lopez, Assoc. IIDA. Profoundly influenced by her Mexican roots, Lopez, an interior designer at San Antonio-based RVK Architecture and vice president of membership with IIDA’s Texas Oklahoma Chapter, draws on Latin American culture and design traditions as vital sources of inspiration.

“My Mexican heritage has deeply shaped my creative process,” she says, “teaching me to embrace color without hesitation.” She’s particularly drawn to one of Mexico’s most iconic architects, Luis Barragán, known for transforming spaces with bold hues that transcend the boundaries of traditional architecture, embodying fearlessness in design.

Lopez serves as the vice president of membership for the IIDA Texas Oklahoma Chapter.

Photo by Image courtesy of Daniela Lopez

Lopez serves as the vice president of membership for the IIDA Texas Oklahoma Chapter.

Photo by Image courtesy of Daniela Lopez

Lopez and her RVK team celebrate after winning the “Most Cans” and “Best Original Design” awards at the Can Opener Awards.

Photo by Image courtesy of Daniela Lopez

Lopez and her RVK team celebrate after winning the “Most Cans” and “Best Original Design” awards at the Can Opener Awards.

Photo by Image courtesy of Daniela Lopez

“Even the smallest splash of color—whether it’s a bold accent wall, a subtle ceiling treatment, or an upholstery choice—can transform a design, infusing it with energy and personality,” Lopez adds. “That’s the essence of Mexican culture.”

For her, the power of color extends beyond aesthetics—it’s about connection. "With every project, I strive to leave a bit of myself and my heritage through the thoughtful use of color. It’s not just about making something beautiful—it’s about creating spaces that are both functional and alive, spaces that tell a story.”

The art of storytelling through design takes on added significance during Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to celebrate and honor the unique perspectives, experiences, and personal stories of Hispanic and Latin American creatives. One such creative who made a lasting impression on Lopez was her college professor, Texas-based artist and interior designer Analy Diego. “Her work is unique, colorful, bold, and warm, embodying that ‘Hispanic touch’ that defines so much of our design tradition.”

She also highlights the strong connection between past and present in Hispanic design, where centuries-old traditions are kept alive through the hands of Indigenous artisans who craft multihued, intricate tapestries that pulse with history and meaning.

“These pieces aren’t just decorative—they’re always telling a story,” she explains. “And you can’t find them just anywhere; they are an integral part of our culture and a reflection of our heritage. “When you see these tapestries used in clothing, traditional costumes” or other usable objects, Lopez says, they transcend function, truly becoming “a piece of art.”

By embracing this continuity (marrying centuries-old traditions with modern design concepts), Lopez believes Hispanic and Latin American designers are not only honoring their roots but also shaping the future of design. And she’s right.

Lopez joins colleagues at the RVK end-of-year party.

Photo by Image courtesy of Daniela Lopez

Lopez joins colleagues at the RVK end-of-year party.

Photo by Image courtesy of Daniela Lopez

Lopez poses with colleagues and friends at IIDA Texas Oklahoma Chapter’s 2024 Imagine That Gala.

Photo by Image courtesy of Daniela Lopez

Lopez poses with colleagues and friends at IIDA Texas Oklahoma Chapter’s 2024 Imagine That Gala.

Photo by Image courtesy of Daniela Lopez

“In today’s world, we’ve all come to realize just how important diversity is. We can learn and grow so much from each other’s cultures,” she says. “Especially in design, a field that thrives on collaboration, diversity becomes even more crucial. It’s important that we’re open-minded and willing to hear each other out,” she adds, emphasizing that diverse perspectives are essential to creating functional, beautiful spaces that reflect the complexity and richness of the world.

With her deep connection to her Mexican heritage and a commitment to collaborative, inclusive design, Lopez is not just shaping spaces—she continues to push boundaries, crafting environments that are as vibrant as the culture that inspires her.