Founded by Costa Rican architects Esteban Castro and Carla Carranza, AARCANO is an architecture studio driven by a fascination with change, transformation, and the profound connections between time, space, and humanity.
Our work is rooted in research and the pursuit of meaning, understanding that each project is a temporary yet impactful footprint within a larger, ever-evolving narrative. We see architecture as a bridge between past and future, a medium through which we can pause, observe, listen, and respond thoughtfully to our surroundings with sensitivity and purpose.
At AARCANO, we embrace the responsibility of regenerating our connection to the essence of being, recognizing the challenges of modern lifestyles that often disconnect us from nature and ourselves. Each of our projects is a deliberate reflection of its context, expressed through form, language, and materials that emerge from collaboration and exploration.
We strive to create spaces that coexist harmoniously with time, enriched by those who inhabit them. Every project is an opportunity to engage with architects, artisans, artists, builders, and master craftsmen, forging meaningful alliances that reconnect us to the earth. Our goal is to design architecture that integrates seamlessly into its environment—spaces that inspire meditation, humility, respect, and connection.
Our studio thrives on exploration, with sketches and models serving as tangible expressions of our ongoing inquiry and creative process. This practice is at the heart of what we call our "secret" (Aarcano) system of design.
Our portfolio spans a wide range of projects, including interior design, housing developments, residential projects, conceptual studies, office spaces, and mixed-use developments. At AARCANO, we aim to leave a lasting legacy—an architecture that resonates deeply with its place and purpose.