Vanessa Leitón Corella
architect + interior designer
Founder & Director of ArquiNativa
Bioclimatic design · Sustainable architecture · Luxury residential interiors
Strategic renovation, guided by experience.
ArquiNativa is a boutique consultancy in Costa Rica helping owners of existing luxury residences improve comfort, performance, and long-term value.
Led by Vanessa Leitón Corella, our work combines bioclimatic design, sustainability and interior design, with one point of contact from assessment to turnkey delivery.
Preserve what matters. Improve what limits daily life
A renovation begins with understanding what already works, what is worth
preserving, and what needs to change.
Our approach brings together the thoughtful use of existing spaces and materials, passive design strategies, and local sourcing where appropriate.
Vanessa developed MEMAT to assess five interconnected layers: bioclimatic performance, operational efficiency, functionality, aesthetics, and wellbeing.
The aim is to give owners clear priorities before they commit to renovation.
EXPLORE MEMAT
Renovation in practice
MONTEVERDE vacation rental
Renovation - Costa Rica - 2024
We remotely directed the renovation of two abandoned cabins into a sustainable tourism retreat, conceived as a regenerative retrofit for the European visitor market.
The owner entrusted us with the full design process, supplier coordination, and budgeting, with one point of contact throughout the renovation.
The experience behind the decisions
Vanessa has worked in interior design since 1993 and holds a Master’s degree in Tropical Architecture from the University of Costa Rica, with a focus on bioclimatic design and sustainability.
Her experience includes luxury residential and hospitality projects, site inspections and construction supervision, including work within Zürcher Arquitectos’ interior architecture department.
At ArquiNativa, she brings this experience to the assessment and renovation of existing residences and hotels, supported by a network of specialist collaborators, suppliers and contractors.
The following projects reflect her work as part of Zürcher Arquitectos’ interior architecture team. They are presented as examples of her professional experience, separate from ArquiNativa’s commissions.
PRIVATE RESIDENCE,
CIUDAD COLÓN, Costa Rica, 2015
Contemporary interiors for a family with children, balancing everyday practicality with a warm material palette. Furniture made by local artisans, wood sourced from fallen trees, and handmade rugs contributed to the design.
Vanessa’s contribution: interior design as part of the Zürcher Arquitectos team.
PRIVATE RESIDENCE,
VILLA REAL, Costa Rica 2007-2009
Contemporary interiors for a family with children, balancing everyday practicality with a warm material palette. Furniture made by local artisans, wood sourced from fallen trees, and handmade rugs contributed to the design.
Vanessa’s contribution: interior design as part of the Zürcher Arquitectos team.
GREAT ROOM, LOS SUEÑOS, MARRIOTT HOTEL, HERRADURA, Costa rica 2014
Renovation of the hotel’s Great Room, introducing a contemporary design while retaining its warm architectural character. Seating and meeting areas accommodated both leisure and business use.
Vanessa’s contribution: interior design as part of the Zürcher Arquitectos team.
Experience supported by innovation
Vanessa also founded Decor Online, extending professional interior design guidance through virtual services.
The venture received an Innovation Award from the Costa Rican Chamber of Commerce in 2018 and third place in Road to Innovate in 2019.
