Exploring Life & Business with Pablo Patino of Patiño Design Studio

Today we’d like to introduce you to Pablo Patino.

Hi Pablo, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Pablo Patiño. I’m an architect, craftsman, and creative entrepreneur.

I was born and raised in Guayaquil, Ecuador, and studied architecture in New York City at The Spitzer School of Architecture, City College of New York. Moving there for college was a culture shock, but the city pushed me to adapt quickly. Expectations were high, even for a new graduate, but I’ve always thrived in those situations, and I never shied away from challenges.

My passion for architecture started very early. As a kid, it wasn’t just Legos, I used anything I could find to create little towns, bridges, and buildings. While my grandfather was building his house, I enjoyed visiting the construction site, which developed my curiosity for how things are built. That early curiosity naturally carried into high school, where I took a drafting class taught by a local architect. We not only drew plans but also built models from them, and that hands-on process confirmed for me that architecture was where I belonged. Those early experiences gave me the foundation that made the transition to studying architecture in New York feel both exciting and natural.

Over the years, I’ve lived and worked in many cities: New York, San Diego, Kansas City, Los Angeles, and Pasadena. I first gained experience in custom residential design in San Diego at a small firm in Coronado. Because it was so intimate, I wore many hats, sitting in on client meetings, learning how the principal ran his practice, and getting a sense of what it meant to design for individuals rather than organizations. That experience planted the seed for how I now run my own studio and gave me a deep appreciation for the personal side of architecture.

In Kansas City, I worked on adaptive reuse and historic projects, where I learned to be attentive to existing conditions and to respect the past. That work expanded my understanding of how buildings carry history and meaning, but I always craved the energy of a bigger city. My wife and I eventually relocated to Los Angeles, where I contributed to some iconic adaptive reuse projects. These included The MacArthur Hotel in MacArthur Park, The Proper Hotel in DTLA, and the Sears Landmark Building in Boyle Heights. These large, complex projects taught me how to problem-solve at scale and manage multiple teams, yet they also made me realize how much I missed the personal involvement that comes with designing homes.

That realization, coupled with my desire to take on more challenging work, led me back to luxury residential design at a highly acclaimed Los Angeles firm. Designing homes at that level of finish required a different set of skills: thinking, management, creativity, and collaboration, which I loved. Ultimately, though, my long-term goal was always to start my own practice, and the experience gave me the confidence to take that step.

I founded Patiño Design Studio to bring the same level of service and detail found in high-end luxury homes to a broader range of clients. Our work focuses on creating homes that reflects each client’s vision and lifestyle while responding thoughtfully to the character of their site. That same commitment to meaningful design also drives our community work, and today we are honored to be helping families affected by the Eaton and Palisades fires rebuild their homes.

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?
When I first moved to New York, I wasn’t used to the culture, and living in one of the world’s largest and most influential cities was not easy. But I was hungry for opportunities, and those challenges motivated me to work harder.

Moving between cities and having to start over again and again also came with its struggles. Still, I trusted my instincts and knew all I needed was an opportunity to prove myself. Over time, I did, which led to people recommending me and opening doors that helped me grow.

Balancing a career in architecture with family life has also been challenging. Long commutes made it even harder, and I wanted to be present for my family as much as possible. Even though my previous bosses were supportive, the irregular schedule and constant travel time began to take a toll on me, both mentally and physically. Eventually, I decided to take a leap of faith and start my own firm, not an easy decision with two young children. But I knew the work itself wasn’t the problem; what I needed was the courage to overcome the fear of failure. My best friend once told me, *“The best time to start was yesterday. The second best time is today.”* Those words, together with my wife’s endless support, gave me the courage to begin, and I never looked back.

As you know, we’re big fans of Patiño Design Studio. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Patiño Design Studio is a boutique architecture studio dedicated to crafting homes that are both thoughtful and inspiring. We specialize in custom residential design, approaching each project holistically by integrating architecture, interiors, and landscape into one cohesive vision.

At the heart of our work is a simple belief: architecture is about people, their stories, their lifestyles, and the ways design can enrich their everyday lives. This philosophy guides every decision, ensuring each home feels deeply personal and rooted in its place.

What sets us apart is our expertise with challenging sites, our versatility across architectural styles, and our trusted network of collaborators. From expansive estates to intimate, detail-rich spaces, we bring the same level of creativity, care, and client-focused service to every project.

We are also deeply committed to giving back. I volunteer with the AIA Pasadena & Foothill “Ask an Architect” program, guiding families through the rebuilding process and offering free design consultations. In addition, I support The Foothill Catalog Foundation in their efforts to provide pre-approved plans that make rebuilding more accessible for impacted families.

We are most proud of our ability to translate a client’s vision into a home that not only supports their lifestyle, but also honors the unique character of its site. Our goal is always to create spaces that inspire, comfort, and endure.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is to never give up. It only takes one opportunity to show what you’re capable of, and when that moment comes, you have to give it everything you’ve got. If you don’t know something, figure it out. Along the way, stay humble, remember where you came from, and if you have the chance to help someone, do it without expecting anything in return. That’s a lesson I live by and one I share with my kids every day.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.patino.studio
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patinostudio
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/patino-design-studio/

Image Credits
Christian Rice Architects