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My StoRY

MITO IS A HUMAN/NATURE-CENTERED
ARCHITECTURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN STUDIO
BASED IN COSTA RICA.

FOUNDER

ANGIE MENA

FOUNDER-LEAD ARCHITECT

Angie is an accomplished architect and interior designer with a degree from the Technological Institute of Costa Rica (TEC) and certifications in design thinking, neuroarchitecture, and salutogenic design, based in Nosara for nearly a decade. She specializes in creating functional, meaningful spaces that integrate the built and natural environments. Her multicultural experience stems from collaborating on residential and commercial projects with talented professionals and clients from diverse backgrounds, enriching her human-centered approach. Committed to fostering a positive cohabitation between buildings, humans, and nature; she leads her team in designing spaces that inspire balance, beauty, and a deep connection to their surroundings.

“In the art of all times and all peoples, the irrational logic of myth prevails”,
my friend Edmundo O’Gorman once told me, and with or without his permission,
I have appropriated his words.

Architect Luis Barragán
– Pritzker Prize acceptance speech, 1980.

In college, during my first architecture theory class, my professor, Architect Jorge Sancho, opened with a striking question: What is architecture?

Architecture, by definition, is the art and science of designing and constructing buildings. But to me, it’s far more than that. Beyond all the technical aspects that go into a project, there’s an irrational side to architecture—one that is magical, mysterious, and inherently human.

Buildings, much like the stories behind them, have the power to endure through time. Architecture feeds on stories and, at the same time, creates new ones. Stories shape culture and influence the way we see and understand the world. In a way, we’ve all grown up surrounded by myths.

MITO, which translates to myth in English, is a reminder for me that no matter how the world changes or how the needs of new generations evolve, architecture must always speak to our emotions, dreams, and desires. It represents my belief that architecture is more than just a craft; it’s a language —one that communicates with us in ways beyond words. It has the power to transform lives and transcend time.

In this journey of self-discovery that is life, I’ve found my purpose in the work I do. I’m drawn to the artistic and intuitive side of architecture because it serves as a reminder of the beauty and mystery that surround us, and that makes us humans.

Ultimately, the stories we tell—and the way we touch others through our work—are how we will be remembered. And for me, MITO is my way of leaving behind a story worth telling.

READ OUR MANIFESTO

VIEW OUR PORTFOLIO PROJECTS

MITO DESIGN STUDIO 2025

MANIFESTING
CHANGE

As change is the only constant in life, this Manifesto is a work in progress. It reflects the inner conversation that inspired me to start my studio and shape my vision. While these ideas guide me now, they are not set in stone. New lessons and chapters will be added when the time is right.

MITO / MYTH

“In the art of all times and all peoples, the irrational logic of myth prevails”, my friend Edmundo O’Gorman once told
me, and with or without his permission, I have appropriated his words.

Architect Luis Barragán

Pritzker Price acceptance speech, 1980.
When I was in college, during my very first architecture theory class, my professor at the time, Architect Jorge Sancho, opened with a striking question: What is architecture?

By definition, architecture is the art and science of designing and constructing buildings. But to me, it’s far more than that. Beyond all the technical aspects that go into a project, there’s an irrational side to architecture—one that is magical, mysterious, and inherently human.

Buildings, much like the stories behind them, have the power to endure through time. Architecture feeds on stories and, at the same time, creates new ones. Stories shape culture and influence the way we see and understand the world. In a way, we’ve all grown up surrounded by myths.

MITO, which translates to myth in English, is a reminder for me that no matter how the world changes or how the needs of new generations evolve, architecture must always speak to our emotions, dreams, and desires. It represents my belief that architecture is more than just a craft; it’s a language —one that communicates with us in ways beyond words. It has the power to transform lives and transcend time.

In this journey of self-discovery that is life, I’ve found my purpose in the work I do. I’m drawn to the artistic and intuitive side of architecture because it serves as a reminder of the beauty and mystery that surround us, and that makes us humans.

Ultimately, the stories we tell—and the way we touch others through our work—are how we will be remembered. And for me, MITO is my way of leaving behind a story worth telling.

I. Sustainability is not enough

“Tangible observation rather than abstract speculation will have to be the proper guide. And drifting will no longer do.”

Richard Neutra,
1954.Survival through design.
I belong to a generation for whom architecture and sustainability are inseparable subjects. The construction industry is one of the largest contributors to pollution and resource depletion—this is no secret. As architects, we carry a profound responsibility not only in how we design and build but also in how we educate others about sustainability in our field. In the era of information technology, misinformation abounds. Marketing has twisted the meaning of sustainability into greenwashing, and social media amplifies this narrative by glorifying projects that claim to be sustainable without providing evidence or documentation. Sustainability claims should be fact-checked, documented, and shared transparently to foster healthier discussions and raise awareness. Sustainability should not be a mere moral badge for validation or an excuse to avoid addressing critical aspects of design: how it works, how it behaves, and how it impacts the people it serves. We do not design for nature—nature’s design is already perfect. We design for people. In doing so, we must become more attuned to our surroundings and communities. In Costa Rica, the push for international sustainability certifications often neglects local realities, ignoring complex community challenges arising from rapid development. Many imported design trends fail to adapt to this tropical context. These trends prioritize aesthetics over functionality, leading to buildings that age poorly, require excessive maintenance, and fail to provide proper shelter, safety, or joy. The COVID-19 pandemic changed our understanding of home, health, privacy, and community. It reminded us of architecture’s role in shaping mental health, fostering connection, and adapting to evolving needs. Mental health, as noted by the World Health Organization, is becoming the next global crisis. Architecture must evolve beyond sustainability to address these pressing human challenges. Without this shift, we risk losing the true purpose of design: to serve humanity.

II. Architecture should be human, or it will not be

Changing the narrative of sustainability and architecture does not diminish the urgency of addressing climate change and environmental preservation—it deepens it. Environmental preservation and human well-being are intertwined. But design must return to its core purpose: to serve humanity.

Vernacular architecture demonstrates how minimal resources, rudimentary techniques, and deep contextual understanding can achieve a true balance. Contemporary design must relearn these lessons. The answers to many of today’s challenges already exist in the principles of past architecture.

We must reduce reliance on technology to make buildings functional. Instead, let us focus on craftsmanship, holistic solutions, and the human experience of architecture—how it touches the mind, body, and spirit in meaningful, enduring ways. This approach can reconnect us to ourselves, foster a sense of community, and inspire a collective responsibility to care for one another.

The environmental crisis reflects a deeper crisis within humanity. Architecture cannot address one without tackling the other. Nature’s incredible resilience and capacity for adaptation arise from the way living systems naturally work as a community, surviving and thriving through collective intelligence. Connection is key to overcoming the complex challenges we face as a society. Architecture must prioritize community, creating opportunities for inclusivity and diversity, reframing our shared affinity through a common journey, fostering a sense of belonging, celebrating rituals, and supporting meaningful ways of living.
“Design, the act of putting constructs in an order, or dis-order, seems to be human destiny. It seems to be the way into
trouble and it may be the way out. It is the specific responsibility to which our species has matured, and constitutes
the only chance of the thinking, foreseeing, and constructing animal, that we are, to preserve life on this shrunken
planet and to survive with grace.

Such survival is undoubtedly our grand objective, according to an innate pattern of feeling. It is a matter of urgent
concern to everyone-from the loftiest philosopher to the most matter-of-fact businessman.”

Richard Neutra,
1954.Survival through design.

III. Create new narratives by challenging the current ones

New critical thinking is essential in today’s architectural practice. Too often, younger architects are driven by recognition rather than the desire to create meaningful discourse or generate knowledge. An industry obsessed with awards and social media visibility exploits the ego that dominates this field, equating success with magazine features and accolades.

While recognition is valuable, the lack of encouragement to question, research, and share experiences stifles creativity. Architecture shapes society and culture—its practice demands bravery and intellectual rigor.

Challenging the status quo is the only way to create transformative ideas. It requires questioning assumptions, rejecting outdated paradigms, and exploring new possibilities. This process empowers diverse voices, promotes inclusivity, and aligns architecture with evolving values.

Fear of judgment or losing credibility often silences young designers. But expressing ideas, questioning norms, and standing by one’s vision is the true measure of courage. Following trends may be easy, but true innovation lies in daring to ask difficult questions and reimagine what is possible.

KEY CLAIMS

Sustainability must be transparent, not greenwashed.
Architecture must address mental health and adaptability alongside sustainability.
Environmental and human well-being are equally vital.
Architecture’s purpose is to serve humanity.
Vernacular design holds timeless lessons.
Technology should complement, not dominate, design.
Environmental decay mirrors humanity’s deeper crises.
Questioning norms is key to innovation.
Architects are too focused on ego and recognition.
True progress comes from research and knowledge-sharing.
Bravery in this field means creating your own vision, not following trends.
Diverse voices and inclusive values lead to meaningful change in architecture.

MITO DESIGN STUDIO 2025