Natural Extensions: OHLAB's Paloma Hernaiz on Adaptability, Authenticity, and Context

By Julia Gamolina

Paloma Hernaiz, with degrees from the Escuela Técnica Superior de Arquitectura de Madrid (ETSAM) and Columbia University, runs the firm OHLAB with her partner Jaime Oliver. She researched at RIBA in London and worked internationally with Estudio Lamela / Richard Rogers Partnership, G-tects, and OMA.

Founded in 2007 in Shanghai, OHLAB moved to Madrid and then to Palma de Mallorca in 2014. The firm has earned multiple international awards. In 2022, they completed one of the tallest Passivhaus buildings in Spain. In her conversation with Julia Gamolina, Paloma talks about synthesizing her experiences in Madrid, Shanghai, Beijing, and New York, and applying lessons learned to her practice in Mallorca, advising those just starting their careers to stay open to unexpected paths.

JG: What does it mean to you to be running one of the top Spanish firms today? When you think of what makes a distinctly Spanish firm, what would it be?

PH: Currently, our distinctiveness comes from our unique location on the island of Mallorca in the Mediterranean. This setting connects us culturally and environmentally with the broader Mediterranean region, making our architecture more accurately described as Mediterranean rather than strictly Spanish. Our architectural proposals must adapt to the climate, landscape, geography, culture, and materials specific to this region. These characteristics significantly differ from those of other parts of the world, such as the US, Scandinavia, or Japan, where environmental and cultural contexts also shape architectural practices in their own distinct ways.

Working from the island of Mallorca heightens our awareness of the limited resources available and the imperative to care for and protect our environment. Our work is also deeply rooted in emotions; we design from the inside out. This approach is consistently applied to all our projects regardless of context.

Project Parallel. Photography by José Hevia.

Now let's go back a little bit—tell me about why you studied architecture and how you chose where you studied architecture.

From a young age, I was always very attentive to the spaces I lived in and the buildings I visited. This natural inclination towards understanding and appreciating architectural spaces guided me towards a career in architecture. I chose ETSAM in Madrid due to its prestigious reputation in Spain. ETSAM is renowned for its rigorous academic program and its emphasis on both technical proficiency and creative exploration. The school's focus on critical thinking and its comprehensive approach to architectural education provided me with a solid foundation.

Following my studies at ETSAM, I pursued further education at Columbia University in NYC, one of the leading institutions for architectural education worldwide, seeking a less conventional and more experimental learning experience. The opportunity to study at Columbia exposed me to a diverse and dynamic environment, where I could engage with global perspectives and cutting-edge architectural discourse.

Tell me about your experiences working for various offices before starting your practice. What did you learn that you still apply today?

In Madrid, I collaborated with Estudio Lamela / Richard Rogers Partnership. This experience taught me the importance of blending innovative design with practical execution, ensuring that aesthetic vision and functionality coexist harmoniously. In New York, I worked with G-tects and had the opportunity to collaborate with the office of Frank Gehry. Here I learned the value of pushing design boundaries and thinking outside the box, while still maintaining structural integrity and coherence.

My time in China, particularly in Shanghai and Beijing with OMA, was particularly impactful. I was involved in the iconic CCTV project in Beijing, and the exhibition that followed in Beijing and at MoMA in NYC. Additionally, I worked on the Interlace project in Singapore with OMA and Ole Scheeren. These projects were a masterclass in handling large-scale urban architecture and taught me how to integrate cutting-edge design within the cultural and regulatory frameworks of rapidly evolving cities. It highlighted the importance of adaptability, innovation, and considering the broader urban context. It was also an adventure that introduced me to a rich culture and many inspiring colleagues.

These diverse experiences have significantly shaped my approach at OHLAB. From the detailed attention to quality in Madrid, the bold and creative design philosophies from New York, to the large-scale, context-sensitive approach from China, I carry forward a blend of these insights.

“Working from the island of Mallorca heightens our awareness of the limited resources available and the imperative to care for and protect our environment. Our work is also deeply rooted in emotions; we design from the inside out.”

— Paloma Hernáiz

How did OHLAB come about? What are your priorities for it as we enter 2024?

I met Jaime Oliver, my husband and partner, at Columbia University in NYC, and since then, we have been inseparable both personally and professionally. Our partnership has been a driving force behind OHLAB’s success. We started OHLAB in 2007, initially in Shanghai. We later relocated to Madrid and finally, in 2014, settled in Palma de Mallorca.

Establishing ourselves in Mallorca was a strategic decision that allowed us to form projects with more attention to detail, closer relations with clients, and develop our ideas in a region where architectural services were in high demand. This move provided a stable base for growth and the opportunity to apply our expertise in a place we love to live. Our team now consists of 18 architects, interior designers, and building engineers.

As we enter 2024, one of our most notable developments is our relocation to a new office. We are renovating an old industrial building in the heart of Palma which was one of the island’s first printing presses. This historic space is being transformed into our new office, reflecting our commitment to blending heritage with contemporaneity. At the same time, we are beginning the construction of a new hotel in Mallorca that involves the restoration of an existing building and the construction of an entirely new one using CLT (Cross-Laminated Timber). This hotel will be the first in Spain to achieve both Passive House and LEED Platinum certification.

Paseo Mallorca. Photography by José Hevia.

Looking back at it all, what have been the biggest challenges? How did you both manage through perceived disappointments or setbacks?

One of the most challenging aspects of running an architectural practice is navigating the varying levels of intensity in our work. There are periods of significant workload, but external factors such as economic crises can severely impact the business. During these times of crisis, everything can come to a halt. This is why it is crucial to advance cautiously and maintain a stable foundation that allows us to keep a large team employed consistently.

For example, after the 2008 financial crisis, our transition between Madrid and Mallorca was fraught with difficulties. Similarly, the COVID-19 pandemic was another such moment where we had to stay calm and focused. Managing through these setbacks requires resilience and a clear vision. We’ve learned to adapt quickly, remain flexible, and prioritize the well-being and stability of our team. These experiences have taught us the importance of steady growth and the necessity of having a strong, adaptable foundation to weather any storm.

What have you also learned in the last six months?

While I love my work and find it incredibly fulfilling, in the last six months I’ve realized more than ever that my family comes first. It’s been important for me to learn how to establish a schedule so that I can be there for my three children and still meet the demands of running a firm.

I’ve been working hard to improve my efficiency, making sure to carve out quality time for my kids. It’s something I’ve been putting a lot of effort into recently—it’s crucial for both my personal happiness and professional success.

“Perfection is an illusion; aim for authenticity and continuous improvement instead.”

— Paloma Hernáiz

Who are you admiring now and why?

Among architects, I am inspired by Rem Koolhaas and Ole Scheeren—their innovative and bold approaches to architecture continue to set new standards. The work of Gisue and Mojgan Hariri stands out for its visionary design and commitment to sustainability.

I also draw inspiration from modern classics such as Lina Bo Bardi, whose work seamlessly integrates modernism with Brazilian culture, and Zaha Hadid, whose groundbreaking designs have pushed boundaries. I also admire Jane Jacobs for her revolutionary ideas on urban communities and their development.

Outside of architecture, Marshall McLuhan's insights on media and communication have profound implications for how we understand and interact with our environments. The creative vision of filmmaker Sofia Coppola offers a unique perspective on storytelling and visual arts. I also admire Maya Lin for her thoughtful and evocative memorial designs. In the fashion world, Iris van Herpen's innovative designs blend technology and couture, pushing the boundaries of what fashion can be.

What is the impact you’d like to have on the world? What is your core mission? And what does success in that look like to you?

I’d like to make a tangible difference by creating spaces that feel like a natural extension of their environment and the people who use them. My core mission is to craft architecture that quietly and humbly improves the daily lives of its inhabitants. Success, to me, looks like a child growing up in one of our buildings and having fond memories of a space that felt like home, or someone finding peace and inspiration in a thoughtfully designed room. It's about the small, everyday impacts that collectively make a big difference.

Project Can Bordoy. Photography by José Hevia.

Project Can Santacilia. Photography by José Hevia.

Finally, what advice do you have for those starting their career? Would your advice be any different for women?

My advice for those starting their career is to follow your curiosity and stay open to unexpected paths. Sometimes the most rewarding experiences come from detours rather than the straight road. Don’t worry about having everything figured out right away. Focus on doing good work, building genuine relationships, and staying true to your values. Perfection is an illusion; aim for authenticity and continuous improvement instead.

For women, my advice is to be unapologetically yourself. The architecture field needs your unique perspective. Don’t wait for permission or validation from others to pursue your ideas. Create your own opportunities and build a community that supports you. Be bold, be brave, and remember that it's okay to forge your own path, even if it looks different from what’s traditionally expected. Balancing work and personal life is a fluid process—it's about finding what works best for you, and that can change over time. Trust in your resilience and know that your contributions are not only valid but essential.