Today we’d like to introduce you to Valeria Bardi.
Valeria, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I am an architectural designer based in New York, driven by design excellence rooted in cultural and social relevance. My fascination with design began early, shaped by a strong visual sensibility. As a teenager, I was drawn to magazines not for their written content, but for their editorial layouts—captivated by the way design can shape perception and narrative. This curiosity led me to pursue summer courses in architectural design, history, and interior design, and ultimately to study architecture.
I began architecture school at the age of sixteen and graduated from Pratt Institute in 2023 with Highest Honors, receiving the Best Degree Project Award for my thesis. During my studies, I developed a deep passion for model-making and sketching, which became essential tools for exploring, refining, and communicating design ideas throughout the creative process.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Design is inherently challenging, particularly because it is perceived differently by each individual. Through design, we communicate ideas, solve problems, and, most importantly, enhance the efficiency of everyday life. One of the most compelling challenges in design lies in translating subjective and conceptual ideas into the built environment. It is in this process that architecture truly comes to life—where ideas are materialized into spaces and structures that are both aesthetic and functionally grounded.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I currently work as an Architectural Designer at S9 Architecture, a New York–based studio, where I contribute across multiple design phases, with a focus on planning, concept development, and adaptive reuse on a diverse range of projects. Since completing my thesis, I have been particularly drawn to adaptive reuse and strongly believe in its potential to shape a more sustainable future for architecture. This discipline invites designers to engage in a meaningful dialogue between past and future, old and new—creating unique spatial opportunities while honoring a building’s history. I am proud to work as a designer and creative, recognizing our responsibility to care for the built environment and to shape a better world through thoughtful, impactful spaces.
What were you like growing up?
I have always been a curious, observant, and creative individual. Growing up, I trained as a ballet dancer—a discipline that has profoundly shaped both my creative sensibility and professional approach. Just as ballet relies on choreography, architecture too is defined by the sequencing of movement and the spatial narratives we design. By nature, I have always been quiet, yet deeply reflective and full of ideas. I was, and continue to be, passionate about the performative arts, which remain an enduring source of inspiration in my work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://vbardico-design.squarespace.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vbcarch/feed/?hl=en
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeria-bardi-cohen-a58973191/
Image Credits
Fabiola Rodriguez Mena
