AIA, Gerardo manuel salinas van orman

Gerardo Salinas is a distinguished Mexican architect and construction executive with over 35 years of experience leading innovative, sustainable, and high-profile projects across North America & the Middle East.  Born and raised in Mexico City, he earned his Bachelor of Architecture from the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México and later completed a Master of Architecture at the University of Maryland.

Salinas began his career in the United States, gaining experience at firms such as Ellerbe Becket (now AECOM) and HNTB, where he worked on significant institutional and master planning projects in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Oman, and the United States—including the athletic facility for the Pentagon, Atlanta Airport Concourse E, Colorado College Cornerstone Art Centre, among others . His time as Senior Associate at Anderson Mason Dale Architects in Denver further refined his passion for sustainable design, and he has been a member of the U.S. Green Building Council since 2002 and the American Institute of Architects since 2006.

In 2008, he was named Young Architect of the Year by AIA Denver and has served as a juror for design awards including the AIA Colorado Honor Awards, Progressive Architecture Awards Program & the Cinemateca Bogota, Colombia.

Returning to Mexico in 2010, Salinas joined Rojkind Arquitectos as a partner, where he co-led major civic and cultural projects such as the Cineteca Nacional Siglo XXI, exhibited at the Venice Biennale in 2012. In 2015, he became Partner at Factor Eficiencia, where he continued to explore the integration of architecture and construction with a focus on materials, craftsmanship, and urban experience.

Besides overseeing the firm's daily operations, he was the Managing Principal in charge of overseeing over 35 High End retail projects for world-class brands including Louis Vuitton,  Dior, Cartier, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Bulgari, Burberry, Prada, Yves Saint Laurent, Tiffany, Fendi, Bottega Veneta and Hackett London, among others. His work combines efficiency with architectural rigor, particularly in fast-track processes and non-traditional façades.

He has also supported socially impactful projects such as One Bucket at a Time (Mexico City & Winnipeg) and student pavilions for Mextropoli, reinforcing his belief in architecture as a tool for community good.

His award-winning work has been recognized by Interior Design’s Best of Year Awards, the WAN Awards, and the AIA Colorado Honor Awards, among others.

In 2024 Salinas established VANARK to continue delivering high-quality construction services for luxury retail, housing, and hospitality projects. Recognizing a need for precision and attention to detail in these industries, Salinas set out to create a company focused on meeting the expectations of clients who value exceptional design and craftsmanship with a clear purpose and experienced leadership.

Magdalena is a seasoned architect and project manager with extensive experience in overseeing the planning, documentation, and supervision of high-end construction projects. Over the years, she has successfully led the execution of significant projects for prestigious luxury brands such as Cartier, Fendi, and Bvlgari. Her expertise lies in ensuring that every project is delivered on schedule, within scope, and to the highest standards of quality. Magdalena’s collaborative approach and dedication to excellence have established her as a trusted leader in the field.

Before focusing on high-end retail and luxury projects, Magdalena spent over a decade as a freelance designer, specializing in the design and development of multi-housing buildings for local contractors. Her work emphasized innovative and cost-effective architectural solutions aligned with budget requirements. She also undertook remodeling and renovation projects for residential housing, showcasing her versatility and client-focused design philosophy.

Earlier in her career, Magdalena was a partner at accubo, where she designed housing and office projects, starting with conceptual proposals. During her time at accubo, she also co-developed a course for Universidad Iberoamericana, which introduced architecture students to new tools and perspectives, enriching their design methodologies.

Magdalena’s journey began as a Junior Architect at Gaxiola Arquitectos, where she was responsible for developing executive project plans based on conceptual designs from senior partners. She later worked at Grupo Diarq, where she focused on designing housing projects and creating scenographies for a television show.

Her academic achievements include a Master’s degree in Arquitectura, Crítica y Proyecto from Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, completed in 1998, and a Bachelor of Architecture from Universidad Iberoamericana, where she graduated in 1996.

With over two decades of experience spanning luxury retail projects, residential design, and teaching, Magdalena brings a wealth of knowledge, creativity, and leadership to every project she undertakes.