We recently had the chance to connect with Jorge Alain Herrera and have shared our conversation below.
Jorge Alain, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: Would YOU hire you? Why or why not?
In 2021, that is exactly what I did. After realizing I had hit a ceiling in my position, I began updating my résumé. Halfway through, while rereading the introduction, I stopped and thought, I need to hire this guy.
I had the experience, work ethic, and design sensibility that would be a strong asset to any firm, and it became clear that the right move was to found Herrera Studio. That decision set everything in motion, and the success we are experiencing now makes what lies ahead feel especially exciting.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Jorge Herrera, founder of Herrera Studio. From my first job at 14 to now leading a specialty and luxury-focused architecture practice, my journey has always been about curiosity, discipline, and hands-on experience. Before architecture, I studied graphic design, which still informs how I think about composition, detail, and the overall visual impact of a space.
At Herrera Studio, we focus on high-end, custom residential design, where each project is both innovative and tailored to the client’s lifestyle. Our work blends creativity with precision, and we thrive on solving unique challenges while keeping the process collaborative and engaging.
Outside the studio, I practice Muay Thai and Kung Fu, and visual arts to unwind, disciplines that sharpen focus, perseverance, and a love of process, and I bring that same energy to the work we do. In 2025, we produced a bold and stellar project portfolio, our best year to date, and we have even more ambitious and exciting projects lined up for 2026.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
I think the part of me that constantly felt the need to prove myself has run its course. Early in my career, that drive was necessary; it pushed me to learn fast, take risks, and build the foundation for what Herrera Studio is today. But now, that part of me can be released.
Releasing it doesn’t mean losing ambition; it means working from a place of confidence, clarity, and intention rather than striving for validation. The work and the projects themselves are the proof, and I’m excited to channel my energy toward creativity, growth, and the next chapter, without carrying the weight of needing to prove anything to anyone.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me resilience like nothing else. When I was younger, I quit constantly, even high school at one point, always chasing a clean start. At one stage, I was essentially homeless, sleeping in my car and even on the desk in my architecture studio as I reoriented myself and my goals. Not knowing what would come next, but knowing I had to do what was right. At the time, quitting felt easier than sticking it out, and I think architecture is what taught me that quitting was not an option.
Looking back, those struggles are what strengthened me. They taught me that persistence pays off, that grit is earned in the hard moments, and that every setback is a lesson in disguise. I look back with gratitude even for the toughest times. That strength now drives everything I do, my work, my studio, and the way I approach life, and it’s why Herrera Studio is able to tackle bold, ambitious projects and lead our team with confidence and clarity.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
Trust. In every project, every client relationship, and every interaction with our team, trust is non-negotiable. It’s what allows us to take creative risks, communicate honestly, and execute complex, high-end projects with confidence.
At Herrera Studio, we protect that value above all else. Trust isn’t built overnight, it’s earned through clarity, consistency, and integrity. It shapes the way we work, the choices we make, and the relationships we nurture. Without it, even the most beautiful designs would feel hollow.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
Wisdom. Strip away my name, my role, and everything I own, and that’s the one thing that cannot be taken from me. It’s been earned through experience, failure, persistence, and reflection.
That wisdom shapes how I think, how I lead, and how I move through the world. Everything else can change or disappear, but what I’ve learned, and how I apply it, remains.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.herrera-studio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herrera.studio.architecture/
Image Credits
All Renderings by Very Visual Studio
Portrait by ChuckyFoo Photo
