We are visionaries dedicated to transforming ideas into exceptional spaces that resonate with their surroundings. Our passion lies in planning and designing environments that inspire and engage, while our commitment to our clients ensures that every project is executed with precision, creativity, and a deep understanding of budgetary needs.

Urbano Architects is certified as a Texas Historically Underutilized Business (HUB), Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Women Business Enterprise (WBE) and Small Business Enterprise (SBE).

 Urbano Architects is proud to be an award-winning firm. We have received the prestigious Good Brick Awards from Preservation Houston, recognizing our outstanding contributions to the preservation of Houston’s architectural heritage. In 2024, we were honored with a PaperCity Design Award and an “Honorable Mention,” further solidifying our commitment to excellence in design and historic preservation.

URBANO LEADERSHIP

ANDRES UTTING, AIA

Andres is a licensed architect passionate about the development of urban buildings that are both beautiful and functional. He has over 17 years of experience working on complex projects with clients and large teams. He is a licensed architect in Texas and Florida, and his past work includes large-scale and mixed-use projects such as Washington Dc’s Midtown Center. Andres has also taught design studios at the University of Houston Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design and Prairie View A&M University School of Architecture. He is a Secretary of the Interior (SOI) Qualified Preservation Professional. Prior to founding Urbano Architects, Andres worked as Senior Associate at SHoP Architects in New York City and as Managing Partner for ToolBox, an architecture firm in Managua, Nicaragua.

LAURA CARRERA, AIA

Laura is passionate about transforming underutilized historic buildings for modern use with a blend of ingenuity, practicality, and unwavering positivity. She is a licensed architect in Texas and New York with over 16 years of experience working on historic preservation projects of all scales and complexities. Her past work includes various landmark renovations, master plans, additions and preservation plans throughout the United States. She is a Secretary of the Interior (SOI) Qualified Preservation Professional. Laura is known as a dedicated community advocate for preservation and architectural education. She currently serves as Secretary for AIA Houston Board of Directors and most recently served as ACE Mentor Program Houston President. In 2024, Laura was named 2024 Architect of the Year Award by the Houston Hispanic Architects & Engineers, Inc.

BRIAN HAGSTROM

Brian is a technical specialist in the world of Design and Construction, with more than 17 years of experience in the management and execution of residential and commercial projects. He has a lifelong passion for understanding how designs are built to stand the test of time. He began his career working at C&S Design & Engineering, Inc in Ashland, WI. Some of his past work includes the restoration of the Stamm House, a building from 1847 which is one year older than the State of Wisconsin; Award winning Blue Wave on the Bay Resort & Hotel; Restorations and expansions of various residential projects in the Heights Historic District, Norhill Historic District, and the Menil Museum Campus. Outside of the office and construction sites, Brian is a product inventor and a talented portrait artist, associated with the Sawyer Yards; a creative community thriving in the heart of Houston’s Historic First Ward and Arts District. Brian is recipient of 2016 Structural Insulated Panel Association, First Place in National Competition for design and construction of a 10,000sqft Hotel & Resort, Ashland Wisconsin.