We’re looking forward to introducing you to Joe Lopez. Check out our conversation below.
Joe, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: Would YOU hire you? Why or why not?
It would be weird if I say no, right?
Absolutely, I know for a fact I’d be my favorite employee. I already understand my coffee order, I never miss my own deadlines, and I’ve got a proven track record of turning wild ideas into real, beautiful spaces. Plus, I’ve heard I work really well with… me.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Joe Lopez, founder of Habanero Architecture, where we design modern, memorable, high-end projects for people who seek originality in a world of uniformity. I started the firm during COVID, and we’ve been creating spaces that are as personal as they are beautiful ever since. From North Carolina and world-wide, every project is a chance to make architecture part of someone’s everyday joy.
What makes us different? We design for how people actually live. Clients send me pictures months or years after move-in—sipping coffee by their favorite window, enjoying a cocktail by the pool, or bragging about a staircase we obsessed over together. That’s the magic for me: when design becomes part of someone’s everyday joy and people brag about it.
Right now, I’m working on everything from dream homes in North Carolina to a welcome center in Namibia’s Sossusvlei Dune Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. No matter where the project is, the goal is the same—spaces that are beautiful, functional, and deeply personal.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
I love a good philosophical question, and this one hits at the heart of human connection: what breaks the bonds between people, and what restores them?
For me, the answer is trust. Trust is the foundation of any meaningful relationship, whether personal or professional. Bonds break when trust is broken—when promises are left unfulfilled, when communication fails, or when uncertainty grows into doubt.
In architecture, this is especially true. Clients are entrusting you with not just a project, but their vision and their future. Unlike buying a simple product, design services require a leap of faith into the unknown. You’re collaborating over months or even years, shaping ideas that begin as abstract concepts. That vulnerability can strain relationships if not handled with care.
What restores bonds, then, is transparency and communication. When a professional clearly outlines the process, sets realistic expectations, and stays responsive, trust is rebuilt and strengthened. Stellar service isn’t just about delivering beautiful designs—it’s about showing clients they are heard, respected, and guided every step of the way.
Ultimately, strong bonds are formed when trust is nurtured and honored.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
I believe people connect deeply with honesty and authenticity—that’s why social media personalities who show their vulnerabilities often resonate so strongly.
For me, there were moments when people I respected doubted my ability to succeed in architecture. Hearing that was painful, but instead of letting it break me, I used those moments as fuel. Turning those tough conversations into motivation to prove myself was empowering.
If you have a clear sense of why you do what you do and a strong vision, pain can become a powerful catalyst for growth. But it’s important to remember that pain shouldn’t control you—it should teach you, help you grow, and push you forward. When you learn to harness it and keep moving, it becomes a healing process that’s deeply rewarding.
That’s when you stop hiding your pain—and start using it as your power.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes! I strive to be authentic and true to myself in every interaction. Whether with friends, family, or clients, I aim to show the same genuine version of who I am.
I love this quote from Brené Brown: “Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we’re supposed to be and embracing who we are.” It’s a daily reminder to stay real.
As an architect transparency is my favorite color and material, so as my process with my clients. As an entrepreneur, it can be tempting to act differently around clients just to win work, but I’ve learned that our relationship has to be mutual. They need to like me as much as I like them. After all, we’ll be working closely together for months, sometimes years, depending on the project. Aligning on vision and personality is key; otherwise, it wouldn’t be enjoyable for any of us to be stuck together, right? Can you imagine?
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
That’s a great question, and honestly, a funny one to think about.
I often feel like I’m an extension of my mother’s work. Growing up, I wanted to make her proud and carry on the tradition she started: designing beautiful spaces that create meaningful, lasting connections with clients. She was friends with many of her clients long after projects ended. While I don’t necessarily aim to be friends with every client, I see how history sometimes repeats itself in unexpected ways.
That said, I’m definitely doing what I’m meant to do—but I was influenced along the way. Funny enough, I always dreamed of becoming an archaeologist. I was fascinated by pyramids, digging, history, artifacts, and geography, uncovering the past to better understand our future. Growing up in Mexico, surrounded by the rich Mayan legacy, that passion ran deep.
Today, I find that those same skills, collecting data, seeking inspiration, and uncovering hidden opportunities, are very much part of how I approach architectural design. So, in a way, my childhood dream and my current work are more connected than they might seem at first glance.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.habaneroarchitecture.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/habanero_architecture/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/habanero-architecture/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HabaneroArchitecture/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPSdQL0eNw719MCPEs3LQjQ
Image Credits
© 2025 Joe Lopez, AIA, NCARB & Habanero Architecture. All rights reserved.
