Meet Adolfo Valentino Vergara | Architectural Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Adolfo Valentino Vergara and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Adolfo Valentino, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?

During my school years I was very free in all my designs and ideas. Once I started working for a firm I felt I was limited to drawing plans that someone else designed and doing repetitive tasks that were very boring. I did not go through 5 years of architecture school to end up doing that! I was just sitting there 9 – 5 with zero creativity. Although working for these firms helped me learn the architecture business, I was not enjoying it. This experience made me have the desire to start my own studio. The easy route for me would have been working for a large firm, collecting a regular paycheck and clocking out each day. It feels amazing to spend so much time on a project and then see it become real. 

This led me to create my own design studio, Earnest and Romance. I started Earnest and Romance because of the desire to showcase my individuality as an architectural designer. I wanted to explore my design ideas without any constraints. My passion for architecture led me to immerse myself into the subject with the ultimate goal of creating spaces that are innovative and unique. I didn’t want to spend my days behind a desk, drawing other people’s visions, I wanted to bring my own to life. 

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more? 

Earnest and Romance is an architectural design studio that specializes in residential projects in San Diego. We are proud to offer designs that respect the site and provide a sensory connection with

the environment. Our focus is on purposeful modernism, which deepens the user’s understanding and relationship with the space. 

Our approach to design is characterized by clean modernism, where function is key and aesthetic is inherent. The result is unique, timeless spaces that provide a truly immersive experience. We believe that design should enhance the user’s experience and create a connection with the environment. 

Throughout my journey, I’ve been driven by a deep passion for architecture. Growing up in Lima, Peru, I always knew I wanted to pursue a career in this field, and I was fortunate enough to be admitted to an architectural university. However, my family’s migration to the United States temporarily put my aspirations on hold. Despite the challenges, I never lost sight of my dream and eventually enrolled in the New School of Architecture and Design in San Diego. During my time there, I was able to hone my skills and gain invaluable experience working for local firms. This eventually led me to launch Earnest and Romance, where I continue to bring my unique perspective and drive to every project I work on. 

— How did you get to where you are today business-wise. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges?: 

It was definitely not an easy road. I struggled in the beginning. Just opening the studio was a challenge. For example, I wanted everything to be very personalized and true to my ideals. This is why it took me a while to actually open the studio because I was worrying about little things like the logo and website and not focusing on the bigger picture. 

I remember when I got my first client, I did not care what kind of project it was, I just wanted to get going. My first project was helping

to fix an unpermitted bathroom. Although it wasn’t anything exciting, it helped me get started and realize I could do this on my own. 

My next project was a ground up build and design. It wasn’t a profitable project but I was thrilled about designing something from scratch. At this point I didn’t care if I was not making money on the project, I just wanted to showcase my skills as a designer. 

Throughout the pandemic there was a demand for ADUs. I saw an opportunity to bring something new to the community with my designs. I wanted to help clients add something special to their backyards, not just a square box with a bathroom. 

Currently I am doing a variety of projects that include multi-family mixed use residential, coffee shops, and ADUs. I also work closely with real estate investors who are developing new residential spaces. I have expanded my business enough to need additional help and have chosen to outsource to very talented architects in my native Peru. I am thankful for where we are today and the projects we are working on. Looking forward I would like to expand my design firm to include furniture and fashion making Earnest and Romance a lifestyle brand.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

I would start (Weather depending) by going to the beach, preferably La Jolla or Torrey Pines for some surfing. I would then take them around the city showing a few of my favorite architectural sites like the Salk Institute. After a day of sightseeing I would book a reservation for

Azuki Sushi, where they have the best, freshest sushi in town (Not to mention amazing service!). 

The next day I would take them to Azucar in Ocean Beach for some coffee and fresh pastries, the meat pies are my personal favorites. We would walk over to Dog beach with my 2 English Bulldogs and watch them play. After a fun morning at Dog beach we would relax on the patio at the house, watching the waves roll in. That evening I would cook up a storm focusing on cuisine from my hometown, Lima, Peru. It would most likely be a fresh ceviche. 

Each day thereafter would be a mix of beach time and enjoying delicious food. I would also take them most mornings to bird rock coffee in La Jolla so that we could have enough energy to make it through the day. 

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

Firstly I’d like to shout out to all of my clients. When I started I was very small and worked on any project I could. My dream was to build something, anything! My clients have made all of this possible and come to life. With their partnership we have built some amazing spaces throughout San Diego. I look forward to continuing this creativity and working with more wonderful people over the years. 

Additionally I would like to give credit to my dear mother, Ana Canepa. She is an amazing example of an entrepreneur and runs a successful real estate business here in San Diego. She has taught me so much

over the years through her outstanding example and unconditional love. 

I would also like to give a shout out to the United States, for opening the doors and allowing me to build my business here. It is a golden opportunity to be here. I am extremely grateful to have lived and worked in the beautiful San Diego area for over 18 years.

Website: http://earnestandromance.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/earnestandromance/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/earnest-and-romance-san-diego

Image Credits
I certify I have the rights to these pictures. I took them myself.