Orestes Valella AIA PC
Orestes Valella AIA PC
Orestes Valella, AIA PC, is a distinguished architect with a private practice based in New Jersey. A proud graduate of Pratt Institute in New York, Orestes brings decades of expertise in architecture, design, and construction to each project. His work has earned widespread recognition, including multiple prestigious awards, such as the Queens County Builders & Contractors Association Building Award of Excellence and the Chamber of Commerce First Prize Bronze Plaque for The New York Bancorp Building.
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In addition to his architectural practice, Orestes has a rich background in education and thought leadership. He served as an Associate Professor at Pratt Institute, where he taught Materials and Methods of Construction, and has delivered insightful lectures on architecture and modern design at Georgian Court College's Elder Hostel program.
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From competing as a finalist in an international secondary school design competition in Malawi, Africa, to contributing to New York City's architectural landscape, Orestes Valella continues to shape spaces that are both functional and inspiring. His commitment to innovation and architectural excellence stands as a testament to his lifelong passion for design.
Employment
1991 - now
Orestes Valella AIA PC, Union City, New Jersey
Private practice.
1989 - 1991
Richard Meier & Partners, New York, New York
1988 - 1989
Ellerbe Becket, New York, New York
1982 - 1988
Skidmore Owings & Merrill, New York, New York
1980 - 1982
Becker Bendixen & Murphy, Newark, New Jersey
Awards
2019
Finalist
Secondary School International Competition
Malawi, Africa
1991
Queens County Builders & Contractors Association, Inc.
25th Anniversary Building Award of Excellence for
The New York Bancorp Building
1989
Chamber of Commerce of the Borough of Queens
First Prize Bronze Plaque for
The New York Bancorp Building
Educational Experience
1994 - 1995
Lecture Series, Elder Hostel, Georgian Court College, New Jersey Architecture and Modern
1980
Associate Professor, Pratt Institute
Materials and Methods of Construction
Exhibition
1994
One-person Exhibit, Recent Projects
Design and Architecture, Senior High School
Miami, Florida
Education
1976-1981
Bachelors of Architecture
Pratt Institute, New York
Key Personnel
At Orestes Valella, AIA PC, our team is driven by a passion for innovative design, technical excellence, and a deep commitment to shaping the built environment.​
​Senior Architects
Elaine Bosch-Pitarresi
Elaine has been an integral part of Orestes Valella, AIA PC since 2001, bringing decades of experience in architectural design, project management, and client collaboration.
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Valentina Lopez
Since joining the firm in 2015, Valentina has played a key role in leading diverse architectural projects, from private residences to large-scale developments.
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Collaborators & Contributors
Over the years, numerous architects and interns have contributed to our firm's success, bringing fresh perspectives, creativity, and dedication. Their collective efforts have helped shape our projects and uphold our reputation for architectural excellence.
Elaine Bosch-Pitarresi
Senior Project Architect
With over two decades at Orestes Valella, AIA PC, Elaine Bosch-Pitarresi brings a wealth of experience in architectural design, urban planning, and accessibility-focused construction. Originally from Cuba, she began her career as a Junior Architect at the Municipal Housing Authority of Santa Clara, where she contributed to innovative housing solutions. She later pursued graduate studies in urban planning and low-cost housing in Madrid, further strengthening her expertise in community-driven architecture.
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Elaine’s dedication to inclusive design is evident in her specialization in ADA-compliant buildings, and her academic background includes serving as a history and design professor at the Royal School in Costa Rica. Recognized early in her career for her contributions to architectural research, she was selected to participate in a Scientific Forum at Universidad Central de las Villas. Her extensive experience and commitment to thoughtful, sustainable design continue to shape the projects at Orestes Valella, AIA PC.
Valentina Lopez
Senior Project Architect
With a diverse background in architectural design, project supervision, and construction management, Valentina Lopez has been a key member of Orestes Valella, AIA PC since 2015. Her expertise spans both residential and commercial architecture, with a strong foundation in field supervision and technical design.
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Before joining the firm, Valentina gained valuable experience as a Project Architect at A&A Building Consultants in Queens and BRS Construction INC in New York, where she honed her skills in project coordination and site supervision. Her international experience includes working with Comercial Caldas in Colombia, where she contributed to innovative design and construction developments.
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Holding a Bachelor’s in Architecture from Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Valentina has further expanded her expertise with certifications in AutoCAD, OSHA Construction Safety, and lightweight dry construction solutions. Her technical precision, hands-on construction knowledge, and commitment to excellence make her an invaluable leader at Orestes Valella, AIA PC.
Other Personnel
Architects and Interns who have worked with and contributed to the office over the years.
Hilda Arrieta
Milarys Cardenas
Joseph Cestaro
Octavio Chavez
Geovani Diaz
Alicia Dominguez
Hayk Ekshian
Fernando Martinez-Encinas
Aimeen Epstein
Jorge Gallardo
Luis Gabriel Gomez
Carlos Gonzalez
Damarys Laya
Luis Leal
Valentina Lopez
​Gregory Maxwell
​Colin Mcardle
Ana Melgar
Felipe Moralez
Yanet Munoz
Alan Nachman
Manuel Pereira
Elaine Bosch-Pitarresi
Madelene Ramos
William Rice
Moataz Mahmoud Tolba
Vaibhabi Ude
Sandra Velasquez
Regina Vicente
Ashley Villapaz
Lina Zapata​