Rachel M. Carbonell

Rachel Carbonell was born and raised in New York City. Her birthplace, the art mecca was simply the beginning of her roots in the artworld. She was born into a culturally rich and artistic Latin family, (whom she credits as a direct influence in her creative endeavors) which include music, painting, sculpting, design, creative writing, and leatherwork. The artistic potpourri was weaved deeply within the threads of her upbringing.
 

Her childhood consisted of countless hours engulfed in all aspects of the arts which eventually introduced her to Architecture, Interior Design, and Scenic Design. In 1991, seeking to further her craft and find her niche, Rachel moved to Miami. It was here she was introduced to Architecture & Interior Design, by way of these artistic principles that were so evident in her heritage, and in the works that she admired from Michelangelo, Le Corbusier, Frank Lloyd Right, Frank Gehry and Mies Van de Rohe to name just a few.
 

Studying as a fulltime student in Interior & Architectural Design at Florida International University and working for an Architectural Awning and Design firm. Rachel and a fellow classmate entered a lighting design contest, where their design won first place with a stipend and a follow up recognition in the school’s newsletter. Rachel and her classmate designed and constructed a scale model which implemented oddly shaped floating awning fixtures for shade. These fixtures were illuminated at night by the vertical support beam that held together these odd, shaped shades. This was only the beginning of her creativity.
 

While working as an assistant designer at a boutique firm, Rachel embarked on another challenge and pursued a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Scenic Design. Here she flourished in theatrical design which included costume, lighting and her favorite, puppetry design. But what was most important for Rachel was the understanding of the arts and design, and how they influence each other in all creativity. This new pursuit would intrigue her curiosity of the arts and their influences in the design world
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 "Design is a culmination of all the arts, painting, sculpture, drawing, architecture, photography, etc. One does not work without the other, and therefore it's all design." RC

Education:
Bachelor of Science: Interior Design. Florida International University
Bachelor of Fine Arts: Theater Design. Florida International University

Professional Experience:
Principle Designer/ Consulting Designer/ Project Manager:
Assistant Designer/ Principle Designer/ Project Manager: Gisela Martin & Associates
 
Notable Projects:
La Flora Hotel, South Beach
Various high-end private residential projects and the “Who’s Who” list of professional athlete/s, and business leaders.
 
Awards & Memberships:
FIU Lighting Design Contest, 1995/6: Outdoor Commercial Space utilizing Light and Architectural Structures.
 
Design Influences:
Ranging from Modern, Transitional, to Traditional and little bit of theatrical drama.