Designing a dream in the Caribbean: my experience at Larimar City & Resort
When I think about my professional journey, there's one moment that will always hold a special place: the start of my work at Larimar City & ResortI remember that period perfectly, full of excitement, a sense of vertigo, and above all, immense enthusiasm. At that time, I had only been practicing as an architect for a short time, and suddenly I found myself facing a project of a magnitude I had never imagined. I knew it was a unique opportunity to grow, learn, and leave my mark on something that would transcend time because of its scale, its vision, and its purpose.
From day one, I knew this wouldn't be just any project. I was the first architect to join the Larimar City team, and that meant starting from scratch: imagining how an entire city should be conceived, how to integrate it with its surroundings, and how to ensure the design engaged with nature, comfort, and technological innovation. Every decision, every line, and every sketch carried enormous weight because we were laying the foundation for a vision that was just beginning to take shape.
The challenge of creating something unique
Being the first to shape such an ambitious project was a mixture of responsibility and excitement. I felt the weight of every decision, but also the thrill of knowing we were building something that would go far beyond architecture. It's not every day you get the chance to participate from scratch in the creation of a city, and even less so in a setting as spectacular as Punta Cana.
My main source of inspiration has always been the location. I envisioned Larimar City perched on the cliff, a hundred meters above the sea, surrounded by tropical vegetation and with endless views of the Caribbean. Designing with that landscape in mind was both a privilege and a responsibility. I wanted everyone who lived in or visited the city to feel that connection with nature from every corner. Each space had to be functional, aesthetically pleasing, but also welcoming, designed for well-being and everyday life.
Learning and shared leadership
From the beginning, I was fortunate to work very closely with Juan Andrés Romero, who trusted me from day one. Despite my limited experience with projects of this scale, he saw my attitude and my eagerness to learn, and gave me the opportunity to take on significant responsibilities from the outset. That trust marked a turning point in my work.
Our collaboration was very close: we shared ideas, discussed sketches, analyzed possibilities, and made decisions that gradually shaped the project. Juan Andrés taught me a great deal, not only technically, but also personally. I learned from his vision, his leadership style, and his ability to always maintain a focus on excellence without losing his passion.
I especially remember a trip to Punta Cana, when I saw for the first time the land where Larimar City would be built. Contemplating the cliffs, the sea, and the surrounding nature was an awe-inspiring experience. At that moment, Juan Andrés told me something I will never forget:
“Everyone has their own life and experiences, and what we are doing here will be very important in ours. This is something big.”
Those words left a mark on me. I understood that Larimar City wasn't just an architectural project, but a life experience, an opportunity to build a legacy that would transcend time. From then on, I approached every line and every design decision with renewed awareness and passion.
The effort behind the dream
The first few months were very intense. Organizing my time and energy became a constant challenge. I learned to divide my days between strategic planning, sketching, revisions, and monitoring the project's progress. I also understood the importance of listening to myself and knowing when to stop to recharge.
The most demanding phase was the conceptual definition: structuring the city from scratch, ensuring that every decision aligned with the overall vision. It was a continuous learning process, involving revision and adjustment, but also an immense source of satisfaction. Every small step forward reminded me that we were building something truly special.
Seeing the dream materialize
Today, after several years of work, seeing Larimar City & Resort begin to take shape fills me with pride. The Origen restaurant and the initial structures of the Prime Towers are now a reality, and they represent much more than just buildings: they are the result of thousands of hours of effort, dedication, and shared passion.
Seeing something that once only existed on paper come to life is a feeling that's hard to describe. It thrills me to think that these spaces will soon be part of many people's lives, that they will enjoy them and create memories in the places we once dreamed of on paper.
What Larimar taught me
Working on this project has profoundly transformed my understanding of architecture. I learned that it's not just about designing buildings, but about creating experiences and connections between people and their environment. Larimar taught me to combine creativity with technique, to make strategic decisions without losing sensitivity, and to value every detail because every line has a purpose.
On a professional level, it gave me the confidence to take on great responsibilities and the certainty that passion, discipline, and teamwork can turn the impossible into reality.
A dream come true
If I had to summarize what Larimar City & Resort represents for me, I would say it is a dream come true, where every design reflects passion, learning, and the opportunity to create a legacy that connects people with nature, well-being, and the life we always imagined.
Looking back, I know that Larimar shaped my career and my perspective on architecture. But beyond that, it shaped me as a person. It was and continues to be a unique experience: a reminder that great projects are not only built with blueprints and materials, but with vision, confidence, and an inexhaustible passion for creating something that inspires.
By Jesus Molina Trujillo
Department of Architecture