For Miguel Valverde, architecture is more than building; it’s about creating meaning. His work is a continuous exploration of emotion, experience, and thought, always pushing the boundaries of what architecture can evoke. From humble beginnings to a career where freedom of expression reigns supreme, Miguel has never stopped challenging himself. In this interview, Miguel reflects on his journey, his achievements, and his relentless drive to perfect his craft while giving back to the world through his deep engagement with his work as a co-creator of VTaller along his partner Daniel Villanueva.
Name: Miguel Valverde
Instagram: @vtaller
Website: www.vtaller.com
Title: Co-founder of VTaller
I draw inspiration from: From life itself, from observing what I feel, what I experience, what I think. My inspiration comes from the ability to move others through my work, to evoke emotion, and to share that inner fire that keeps us in a state of excitement and inspiration. It may sound repetitive, but I am inspired by inspiring. This always makes me question how I can push the boundaries of what defines my work and constantly test the creative state.
My greatest career achievement thus far is: Reaching the point where public opinion is not a factor in my actions. Having the freedom to express and propose my own ideas, truly believing in them, and learning from them. For me, it’s that detachment from having to achieve something and simply doing things for the love of doing them.
My work is meaningful because: Simply because I give it meaning. My work is a process, and it’s rare for me to feel satisfied because when you reach a certain point, you realize that you can always improve. My vision today is focused on how I can deliver more value to humanity. What are the areas of opportunity, and how can I be self-critical to continually perfect my craft?
I give back by: Simply by deeply engaging in what I do. I believe you don’t have to be or have any special job to help. Just the fact that someone makes bread with all their passion and dedication, or that a nurse devotes themselves to their patients, or that an architect designs with a certain depth is enough to give something back to life itself.
My favorite way of helping is: It’s a topic that needs to be approached with sensitivity because the world is made of good intentions, and yet there is a lot of chaos. Letting go of the idea that I can save things has been very healing. My way of helping is to remain in my state of expansion and growth, and from that state, do what I love. From there, I have the capabilities and opportunities to offer a perspective connected with life itself.
I would never: Tricky question. There’s an excitement in understanding that life holds all possibilities.
Best advice I’ve received: You don’t play a song to finish it, you play it to enjoy it. Life is similar, it’s about the moment, the process, not the end or the result. Nothing is truly important, but you can do anything with all the importance.
My favorite place I’ve visited: Uff, difficult. It has to do with emotional states. I have so many places. I love vernacular architecture, towns. Some places that have impacted my professional life: the towns of Japan like Koya San, the Trulli of Italy, Chiapas and the Huasteca Potosina in Mexico, Chefchaouen in Morocco, Meteora in Greece, Sintra in Portugal, Ouro Preto in Brazil, Ollantaytambo in Peru.
My top 3 bucket list destinations: Now I’m going to the Himalayas, Northern India, Bhutan, Nepal, and Tibet, and then to Sri Lanka! I think those are enough for now.
