From education to entrepreneurship: Three LABASAD alumni who turned their passion into a profession
From academic training to establishing their own studios and brands, Alejandro, Daniel, and Monika share their experiences, lessons, and challenges in launching their ventures in the world of design.
Starting one’s own business is one of the most challenging yet rewarding decisions any professional can make. In the world of interior design, where creativity and functionality must go hand in hand, many individuals, after completing their academic training, decide to take the leap and bring their ideas to life. Through the stories of three alumni from LABASAD’s Máster en Diseño de Interiores y Hospitality and the Máster en Dirección de Arte en Comunicación in Spanish, we will explore how academic training, combined with entrepreneurial experience, has led to innovative and successful projects in the design industry.
Alejandro Peña Villarreal, founder of Concéntrico, has always been certain that design is more than just a profession—it is a way to connect disciplines, people, and cultures. “Design is not just about aesthetics; it is a means of communicating ideas, connecting people, and creating experiences. This multidisciplinary approach is what motivated me to establish Concéntrico,” says Alejandro.
Alejandro began his architectural studies at Tecnológico de Monterrey and later had the opportunity to work at international studios such as Wittfoht Architekten in Stuttgart, Germany. Upon returning to Mexico, he led the architecture division at Cadena Concepts. It was there that his desire to continue growing and take an active role in building his own projects inspired him to found Concéntrico.
“My career in architecture allowed me to learn many techniques and construction systems, but at the same time, I felt I needed something more to shape my ideas in a comprehensive way. That was when I decided to complement my education with LABASAD’s Master’s in Interior Design and Hospitality, a course that enabled me to expand my knowledge in interior design and project management,” Alejandro explains.
Concéntrico not only provides interior design solutions but also delves into architecture, scenography, and event design. This fusion of disciplines was recognised with an award at the Archello Awards 2023, positioning the studio as a benchmark in interior design.
Alejandro highlights that the master’s programme was essential not only for acquiring technical knowledge but also for building confidence in his own creative approach:
“What I learned in the master’s didn’t just teach me how to design better; it also gave me the courage to lead a project like Concéntrico, without fear of blending disciplines and exploring new ways of doing things”
Alejandro emphasises the importance of having a flexible approach. “Design is a vast field, and there are always new horizons to explore. My advice is to have a plan but also be willing to adapt as you progress. The world is changing, and opportunities arise when you allow yourself to be creative.”
Daniel Peris, who was previously part of Limón, a studio specialising in graphic and product design, has taken a new direction in his career by launching himself as a freelancer, with a renewed focus on graphic design, communication, and art direction. For him, the journey into entrepreneurship has provided unparalleled creative freedom.
“The most interesting part of my experience at Limón was having full control over the creative process, from product design to client communication. This allowed me to better understand workflow and empathise with suppliers, collaborators, and clients,” says Daniel. After his time at Limón, he decided to take things a step further and continue as a freelancer while also establishing his own company focused on graphic design, communication, and art direction.
Regarding his experience in LABASAD’s Master’s in Art Direction, Daniel highlights how the programme reignited his passion for design:
“The master’s helped me regain my enthusiasm for creating, equipping me with the necessary tools to develop high-quality projects with well-thought-out concepts”
He also values the insightful feedback from his tutors, who gave him the confidence and security to take the leap into an independent career.
Sharing his insights on entrepreneurship, Daniel stresses that patience is key. “Starting your own business is not easy, but you must strive to do things properly, with professional ethics. In the end, word of mouth is what helps the most in growing. It is important to educate clients, helping them understand what they truly need,” he advises.
Monika Battaiola Goiriz is proof that it is never too late to reinvent oneself. After more than 20 years working in the financial sector, Monika decided to make a radical change in her professional life, steering her career towards interior design. LABASAD’s Master’s in Interior Design and Hospitality was the catalyst that enabled her to take this step towards a field she had always been passionate about.
“My background in economics gave me a unique business perspective, but I needed something more to develop my true passion: interior design. I decided it was time to do something different, something that would allow me to integrate my knowledge with my creativity:
“The master’s gave me the push I needed”
With the founding of Mika Batta Interiores Sensoriales, Monika has successfully combined her previous professional experience with her new career in design. Her company specialises in creating spaces that are not only functional but also offer a complete sensory experience, with a particular focus on lighting and colour. Monika believes that these two elements are essential in enhancing people’s well-being in the spaces they inhabit, blending functionality with sensory pleasure.
One of the biggest challenges Monika has faced was learning to balance her creative vision with business management. “At first, the administrative aspects were complicated for me. But I learned that having good legal and financial advice from the start is essential to avoid surprises. I am very grateful for what I learned in the master’s, which helped me develop a broader mindset and better organise projects,” she reflects.
The journey into entrepreneurship is not easy, but for these three LABASAD alumni, the training received in the Master’s in Interior Design and Hospitality provided a solid foundation for taking the next step. Whether by founding a design studio like Alejandro with Concéntrico, launching a freelance career and creating a company like Daniel, or merging professional experience with a passion for interior design like Monika, they all agree that educational support and the ability to combine creativity with technical knowledge are essential to achieving success.
If the idea of entrepreneurship appeals to you, do not underestimate the importance of comprehensive training, which provides not only design skills but also the ability to manage and understand the complexities of a business. As these stories demonstrate, education not only helps you find your own path but also shapes a future full of opportunities.
If you would like to know more about LABASAD and our Master’s programmes, do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected]. We are here to help you take the next step in your professional career.