ROMÁN MONTOTO

Román is an architect rooted in the Milwaukee area, with a broad range of experience that shapes his approach to design. He continually draws from this foundation to create work that is both thoughtful and experientially impactful. In his free time, he enjoys making music with his daughter and spending time with their dog, Santo.

How did you decide on your career path?

As a kid, my family took many cross-country drives through Chicago, St. Louis, Dallas, San Antonio, and into Mexico, Monterrey, and Mexico City. Variation in the expression of buildings was really engaging to me. Plus, the enjoyment from drawing really pulled me to architecture.

What is your favorite part of the design process?

Discovery.

How are you creating vibrant communities through design?

I approach every project as an opportunity to shape experience, not just form. From both a creative and pragmatic point of view, I’m interested in how space, light, material, and movement come together to create meaning. I think that vibrant communities emerge when places feel authentic, layered, and human—when design invites people in, supports interaction, and evolves with the life around it.

What makes Wisconsin a great place to live?

It just doesn’t feel right if I don’t live next to a large, beautiful lake!