Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Bonvecchio.
Hi Amanda, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was born and raised in Miami, and my love for architecture began earlier than I even realized. I grew up going to school in a beautiful Spanish Mediterranean historic building, and walking those breezeways every day sparked my appreciation for craftsmanship, proportion, and the quiet presence of history. That early exposure planted the seed for my passion for preservation and my belief that buildings carry cultural memory.
I went on to study architecture at the University of Miami and later earned my Master’s in Real Estate Development + Urbanism. That combination—design and development—helped me understand not just how to create beautiful buildings, but how thoughtful planning and adaptive reuse can shape stronger, healthier communities. I’ve always been fascinated by the intersection of beauty, economics, and long-term stewardship.
After working for several firms, I co-founded Vagabond ARQ with my business partner, Natalia Cebollero. We wanted to build a female-led architecture practice focused on adaptive reuse, historic preservation, and meaningful new development. Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of working with visionary clients like Avra Jain, Valerio Morabito, and Peter Gardner on projects across Miami—from restoring MiMo motels to reimagining large-scale industrial spaces like Factory Town. Each project has reinforced my belief that architecture can honor the past while elevating the future.
Outside of work, I’ve always been a multidisciplinary creative. I bake, paint, design clothes, and spend a lot of time studying Italian and European architecture. These interests help me see design through a more holistic lens—one that’s emotional, cultural, and deeply tied to the way people live. Health and wellness have also become a major focus in my life, and that philosophy naturally influences how I think about space: calm, intentional environments that support well-being.
Today, I’m grateful to be building a career that blends preservation, creativity, and community impact. Every project, every client, and every experience has strengthened my commitment to creating architecture that is both beautiful and meaningful. I feel fortunate to do work that inspires me daily, and I’m excited to continue contributing to Miami’s evolving landscape with designs that honor its past and elevate its future.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Like any meaningful path, it hasn’t been completely smooth. Architecture is a demanding profession, and building a practice in a fast-moving city like Miami requires navigating complex projects, tight timelines, and constant problem-solving. Starting Vagabond ARQ came with the usual challenges of a young firm—long nights, steep learning curves, and the pressure to deliver high-quality design while growing our client base.
But those challenges made me a stronger architect and business owner. They taught me resilience, sharpened my leadership, and reinforced the importance of staying true to my design values. And every time I see a project completed—especially a restoration that brings new life to a historic building—I’m reminded that the difficult moments were part of what made the work so rewarding.
We’ve been impressed with Vagabond ARQ, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Vagabond ARQ is a Miami-based, female-led architecture firm that my business partner, Natalia Cebollero, and I founded with a very clear vision: to create thoughtful, contextual, and enduring architecture rooted in history, craftsmanship, and community impact. We specialize in adaptive reuse, historic preservation, and meaningful new development, and we’re known for our ability to blend old and new in a way that feels effortless and emotional.
A large portion of our work involves restoring Miami’s historic buildings—MiMo motels, industrial warehouses, and Spanish Mediterranean properties—and giving them a new chapter without erasing their past. We believe that preservation isn’t about freezing time, but about honoring character while allowing buildings to serve today’s needs.
What sets us apart is our design approach. We’re extremely hands-on, detail-oriented, and passionate about creating architecture with soul. We don’t chase trends; we focus on timelessness, good proportion, and materials that age beautifully. We also bring a deep understanding of real estate development, zoning, and community context, which allows us to approach projects holistically—from concept and entitlement to design and execution.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud that Vagabond ARQ feels authentic to who we are: women who care deeply about beauty, history, and the future of Miami’s built environment. Our projects are diverse, but they’re united by a commitment to quality and a respect for the stories that buildings carry.
For anyone reading, I want people to know that we offer full architectural services, but more importantly, we offer partnership. We care about our clients’ vision as much as they do, and we love helping them bring it to life in a way that feels intentional, contextual, and refined. Whether we’re restoring a historic motel, designing a new multifamily building, or transforming an industrial warehouse to a world class entertainment venue, our goal is always the same: to create places that elevate daily life and contribute to a more beautiful and thoughtful Miami.
What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is creating architecture that tells a meaningful story and genuinely supports people’s well-being. I believe buildings carry memory and identity, and honoring that history—while designing spaces that feel calming, healthy, and intentional—is central to my work.
Good architecture should elevate everyday life. Natural light, thoughtful proportions, and materials with soul all affect how we feel and function. Designing places that connect people to beauty, heritage, and a sense of ease is what motivates me.
Ultimately, I care about creating spaces that leave people feeling grounded, inspired, and connected to the environment around them.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://vagabondarq.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vagabondarchitecture/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandabonvecchio
Image Credits
Images of Factory Town are World Red Eye.
