Business Details
13 Years
experience
Award-Winning Architectural Design in McAllen, TX
Founded in 2013 by Erick Darbo Diaz and Carolina Civarolo, ORANGE MADE is an award-winning architectural firm dedicated to elevating design in the Rio Grande Valley. Our practice spans commercial, civic, residential, and educational architecture, alongside renovation, historical preservation, urban design, and feasibility studies. We prioritize collaborative relationships with clients, believing their ideas are essential to creating meaningful solutions. Our team approaches each project with a commitment to understanding unique contexts, budgets, and schedules, transforming challenges into opportunities for innovation.With experience across diverse building types and scales, we emphasize socially responsible design that responds to both physical and cultural environments. Our work reflects a deep understanding of local needs, informed by decades of combined experience and leadership in professional organizations. We maintain a focus on transparency, client engagement, and sustainable practices throughout every phase of design and construction.
Services
Commercial Architecture
Residential Design
Urban Planning
Historical Preservation
Feasibility Studies
Details
- Year established: 2013
Highlights and features
- We offer collaborative design processes prioritizing client vision
- Our team holds decades of experience across diverse building types
- LEED-certified professionals ensure sustainable design practices
- Deep local expertise in Rio Grande Valley urban contexts
- Innovative approach to adaptive reuse and historical preservation
Associations and certifications
- AIA
- LEED AP
Services
Commercial Architecture
ORANGE MADE creates functional commercial spaces that balance aesthetics and practicality. Our designs optimize workflow, enhance brand identity, and meet evolving business needs while adhering to local zoning regulations. We collaborate with developers and business owners to deliver spaces that maximize return on investment through thoughtful spatial planning and material selection. Our commercial projects range from banking facilities to mixed-use developments across Texas.
Residential Design
We design homes that reflect personal lifestyles while integrating sustainable practices. Our approach considers site orientation, natural light, and regional materials to create energy-efficient living spaces. From modern single-family residences to multi-unit housing, we prioritize functionality and aesthetic appeal. The firm's residential work emphasizes indoor-outdoor connections and adaptable layouts that evolve with homeowners' needs over time.
Urban Planning
Our urban design services focus on creating walkable, sustainable communities through master planning and public space development. We analyze zoning requirements, traffic patterns, and environmental factors to shape cohesive urban environments. Recent projects include civic center master plans and mixed-use district frameworks that balance growth with cultural preservation in South Texas communities.
Historical Preservation
We specialize in revitalizing historic structures while maintaining architectural integrity. Our process includes material analysis, code compliance upgrades, and adaptive reuse strategies that extend building lifespans. Current projects involve converting heritage buildings into modern workspaces while preserving distinctive design elements that tell the Rio Grande Valley's architectural story.
Feasibility Studies
We conduct comprehensive assessments evaluating project viability through site analysis, budget projections, and regulatory reviews. Our studies identify potential challenges early in planning to ensure realistic timelines and cost estimates. This service helps clients make informed decisions about development opportunities across various property types in South Texas markets.
People
Carolina Civarolo
Principal Architect
A licensed architect with over 15 years of experience, Carolina co-founded ORANGE MADE after working with international firms. She specializes in project management and design phases, holding advisory roles in local architecture programs. Born in Argentina, she brings global perspective to Rio Grande Valley projects.
Erick Darbo Diaz
Principal Architect
A Rio Grande Valley native, Erick leads design innovation at ORANGE MADE. With academic credentials from the University of Houston and experience teaching architecture, he combines theoretical knowledge with practical expertise. He serves on multiple community development boards shaping regional growth policies.
Jessica Gessler
Executive Coordinator
Jessica manages operations with 15+ years in international advising and organizational leadership. A McAllen native, she previously worked with university systems handling global student programs. Her expertise in strategic planning ensures smooth project execution and client communication.
Eliazar Rodriguez
Production Team Leader
With 30+ years in architectural production, Eliazar oversees technical execution. Former roles at prominent firms like DISEO, INC. brought expertise in project management and mentorship. He ensures quality control across all construction documentation and team development initiatives.
Diana Andrade
Design Associate
Diana contributes design expertise with six years at OrigoWorks and a Texas Tech architecture degree. She manages client coordination and construction phases while pursuing architectural licensure. Her background includes both residential and commercial projects across South Texas.
Questions
What architectural services does ORANGE MADE offer?
We provide commercial, residential, civic architecture, urban planning, historical preservation, and feasibility studies tailored to client needs.
Do you work on LEED-certified projects?
Yes, our team includes LEED Accredited Professionals who integrate sustainable practices into all project phases.
What areas do you serve?
While based in McAllen, TX, we work throughout the Rio Grande Valley including Brownsville, San Juan, and surrounding communities.
How do you involve clients in the design process?
We maintain continuous collaboration through workshops, presentations, and regular communication to ensure designs reflect client vision.
Can you handle historical building renovations?
Yes, our team specializes in adaptive reuse and historical preservation with experience maintaining architectural integrity while modernizing spaces.
