Tropical Architecture Rooted in Nature and Place
My name is Fernanda Weinstein, and I have been an architect since 2008, graduating from Universidad Andrés Bello in Chile. That same year, I moved to Panama, where I began my professional career at BT Arquitectos, gaining experience in luxury residential projects, offices, retail, and hospitality — including a large-scale hotel and casino.
Those early years taught me the value of hard work, collaboration, and precision. Over time, however, I realized that while I loved architecture in all its forms, my true passion lay in creating spaces that engage with nature — places where people feel belonging, calm, and a deeper connection to their surroundings.
In 2017, the seed of Arquídea was planted in Panama City. From its beginnings, the studio naturally evolved toward tropical and rural design, allowing me to fully explore my vision: homes that respect and celebrate their environment while responding to the needs and dreams of those who inhabit them.
Over the past eight years, I have had the privilege of designing and overseeing the construction of numerous homes in tropical and rural settings. Through this work, I’ve learned firsthand the subtleties of tropical living — where climate-responsive design, natural ventilation, and thoughtful material choices are essential. Each project has been a journey of discovery, teaching me not only about construction and adaptation, but also about the deep relationship between people and place.
After years of steady work and dedication, I recently allowed myself a four-month sabbatical — a time to pause, reflect, and refocus. This period became a quiet yet powerful turning point, reconnecting me with the reasons I became an architect: to create beauty with purpose, work in harmony with the land, and design spaces that support a more intentional way of living.
Today, Arquídea continues to evolve — offering both custom tropical architecture and ready-made tropical cabin plans designed for warm climates, rural landscapes, and thoughtful living.
Today, Arquídea enters a new chapter — rooted in presence, craftsmanship, and conscious creation. I now focus on fewer projects, allowing each one to receive the care, creativity, and intention it deserves. This clarity of purpose has led to the rebirth of Arquídea: a studio dedicated to regenerative, climate-responsive design that honors both people and place.
At Arquídea, we innovate with natural and sustainable materials such as earth and lime, creating functional, timeless spaces that integrate harmoniously with their surroundings. Each project begins as a carefully nurtured “seed” that grows into a meaningful and lasting habitat, guided by experience, experimentation, and a deep understanding of tropical living.
We offer integrated architecture and design services through strategic partnerships, especially for clients in the Mariato Sunset Coast, Veraguas, Panama:
Bárbara Jaime (POZ Design) contributes exceptional project management, attention to detail, and client coordination, overseeing interior design, furniture, and styling — including tailored solutions for Airbnb and hospitality properties.
Andoni Iriberri (Tailerra), civil engineer, specializes in regenerative design and natural building materials, innovating in Panama with earth plasters and sustainable construction methods.
Melissa Pop (Clairmont) contributes expertise in branding, copywriting, and harmonious interior design, weaving identity and narrative into each spatial experience.
We also collaborate with experienced local contractors, ensuring high-quality construction while supporting prosperity and opportunities within the local community.
Through these collaborations, Arquídea offers a complete and seamless process — from topography and soil studies to construction drawings, permits, and site supervision, as well as interior design, furniture, and styling — ensuring a high-quality experience from concept to completion.
My passion for innovation also drives me to offer accessible consulting services for rural clients. These include layout design guidance, site analysis, building placement, and material selection — helping save time, avoid costly mistakes, and make professional architectural advice more accessible.
In addition, I am developing ready-made tropical designs that will be part of the Arquídea Shop — offering functional, well-designed, and accessible homes created specifically for warm climates, rural landscapes, and thoughtful living.
Looking back, I see Arquídea as the culmination of years of learning, experimentation, and transformation — a place where my architectural vision and love for tropical life meet, allowing me to help others create homes that are not just buildings, but spaces of life, beauty, and harmony.
