Maria Paez Gonzalez
About Maria Paez Gonzalez
Maria Paez Gonzalez is an Associate Partner and Senior Workplace Consultant at Foster + Partners, with extensive experience in architecture and academia. She is currently a Ph.D. candidate at the Royal College of Art, where her research focuses on workplace design and the architectural practices of Silicon Valley.
Work at Foster and Partners
Maria Paez Gonzalez has held the position of Associate Partner and Senior Workplace Consultant at Foster + Partners since 2019. Previously, she worked at the same firm from 2009 to 2019, accumulating a decade of experience in architectural design and consultancy. During her tenure, she contributed to significant projects, including advising on the workplace design for Apple Park, Apple's headquarters located in Cupertino, California.
Education and Expertise
Maria Paez Gonzalez has an extensive educational background in architecture. She studied at the Royal College of Art, where she pursued a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from 2018 to 2022. Additionally, she completed Post Graduate Studies at RIBA North West, earning an Advanced Diploma in Professional Practice in Architecture in 2014. Her foundational education includes a Diploma in Architecture from Universidad de los Andes (VE), where she studied from 2003 to 2009.
Background
Maria Paez Gonzalez has a diverse background in architectural education and practice. She served as a Guest Tutor at the Royal College of Art's Architecture Design Studio from 2018 to 2019 and has been a Visiting Lecturer at the same institution since 2019. Her experience also includes a long-term role as Programme Director and Coordinator at the Architectural Association's AA Visiting School Tropicality since 2014.
PhD Research Focus
Maria Paez Gonzalez's PhD research critiques work practices within the knowledge-based economy, with a specific focus on the architectural form and labor practices of Silicon Valley corporate headquarters. Her work investigates the relationship of power in the production of these corporate environments, contributing to the understanding of contemporary workplace design.