MEXICAN-AMERICAN DESIGNER


Crafting experiences where people feel not just seen, but embraced.






Portrait courtesy of Estefan Obasi


As a Mexican-American designer from Houston, Texas, I have spent five years specializing in brand strategy, experiential environments, and digital media. My journey has allowed me to collaborate with non-profit art and cultural institutions, architects, and artists to craft experiences that invite wonder and foster learning within our communities.

Growing up in a multicultural city, I have developed a design approach rooted in empathy and understanding. I weave thoughtfulness into every element of a project with a focus on honest storytelling and inclusivity. My goal is to craft experiences that resonates with people from all walks of life so they can feel not just seen, but embraced.

Outside my practice, I prioritize time away from screens and embrace activities that nourish my spirit— movement, play, curiosity, rest, and even moments of boredom (easier said than done). In doing so, I return to my practice whole.


EXPERIENCE

Architecture Center Houston / AIA Houston
Graphic Designer + Digital Platform Manager
2024-August 2026

American Leadership Forum:
Houston + Gulf Coast Chapter
Contract Designer
November 2025-March 2026

Field of Study Design +
Brand Consultancy
Junior Graphic Designer
2022-2023

University of Houston:
KGMCA Marketing Department
Design Intern, 2021-2022
Contract Designer, 2022-2023

PUSHIA PRESENTATIONS
Social Media Intern
2016-2017


AWARDS + RECOGNITION

City of Houston & State of Texas Proclamation
Nuestro Ambiente: Latinos Shaping Houston
2026

AMA Crystal AwardA Doodle Diary
2026

SEGD Merit AwardUnfiltered: The Paradox of Water Inequality
2022

UH GAP: Scholarship
Recipient
2022

Wagener Family Scholarship
Recipient
2018

CAPABILITIES

Brand + Visual Identity
Exhibition Design
Experiential Environments
Marketing Collateral
Digital Media
Print
Project Management
Strategy


LET’S CREATE SOMETHING MEMORABLE TOGETHER!

andreabarela0@gmail.com
Updated 24.10.31