MIAMI, FL, November 04, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Giovanni Medina Marenco has been recognized for achievement in hospitality, high-end residential, branded residences and the luxury sector.

Mr. Medina Marenco was born in Granada, Nicaragua. He spent his early years amid the turmoil of civil war, with vivid memories such as a Russian tank stationed across from the cathedral in the city's plaza. In 1984, his family immigrated to the United States to start anew. His parents' dedication and perseverance provided the foundation for his future achievements, and they remain proud of his accomplishments and continue to support him, including by caring for his dog during his frequent travels.

Since 2025, Mr. Medina Marenco has served as Regional Director at 1508 London in Miami, overseeing design teams and projects throughout the Americas. His responsibilities include guiding design, reviewing project progress, supporting team development and resourcing, communicating with headquarters, developing business opportunities and representing the firm on conference panels. His expertise spans hospitality, high-end residential developments, branded residences and the luxury sector.

From 2019 to 2025, Mr. Medina Marenco worked at OBM International, where he was hired as an Associate Lead Designer. His project work included Al Hamra Palace in Jeddah for Boutique Group, the Grand Reserve luxury residences in Puerto Rico and a Luxury Collection hotel at Reserva Conchal in Costa Rica. He continued to develop his approach to luxury architecture while working with multidisciplinary teams.

From 2015 to 2019, Mr. Medina Marenco served as Vice President and Senior Designer at HKS Inc. in Coral Gables. While at HKS, he designed Lopesan Costa Bávaro and CocoCay for Royal Caribbean. He also contributed to large-scale hospitality projects and developed his experience in creative direction and client relations.

Between 2005 and 2015, Mr. Medina Marenco was a senior associate and senior designer at SB Architects in Coral Gables. This period was pivotal in his career. He began designing after a colleague encouraged him to share his ambitions directly with his supervisor, Joe Andriola. When asked at short notice to revise the master plan and design the arrival building for The Palmyra project in Jamaica, he completed the work over a weekend, matching the original designer's style so closely that the client did not notice the transition. The assignment marked the beginning of his design career at the firm.

At SB Architects, Mr. Medina Marenco led the design of Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, from inception through completion. It was the first Reserve property in the Americas and remains one of the projects he values most. His contributions helped shape the property's design environment and set the tone for the guest experience.

His earlier work at St. Regis Bahia Beach included the town center and conference center, where he helped develop an architectural vocabulary blending Thai influences with traditional colonial motifs. His contributions helped establish the atmosphere and sense of place for the broader property. When John Paulson acquired the St. Regis property in Puerto Rico, he invited Mr. Medina Marenco's firm back to refresh it and later commissioned him to design a private residence on site. What began as an investment opportunity became Mr. Paulson's own home after extensive planning.

Earlier in his career, Mr. Medina Marenco worked as an associate at Perkins+Will from 1998 to 2005, gaining experience on diverse architectural assignments under seasoned mentors. He began working as a designer at Jorge Hernandez Architects from 1997 to 1998 while still a University of Miami student. He joined Perkins+Will in 1998 and continued with the firm after earning his Bachelor of Architecture in 2000.

Beyond his work in architecture and design, Mr. Medina Marenco was a founding member of the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM).

Mr. Medina Marenco earned a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Miami in 2000. On the advice of a former professor, he chose not to pursue a master's degree, instead learning through apprenticeships in respected design studios. In 2024, he completed Cornell University's Hotel Real Estate Investments and Asset Management Certificate through eCornell, deepening his understanding of real estate deals, financing structures and brand agreements—knowledge he considers valuable for architects working closely with developers. He also holds LEED Accredited Professional status.

Mr. Medina Marenco attributes his success to drive, a passion for design and the persistence architecture demands. He believes it is important to maintain faith in one's talent, since recognition is not always immediate or guaranteed by employers or clients. Repeat commissions, he says, are among the highest compliments an architect can receive. Lessons from mentors such as Joe Andriola—particularly attentive listening and building lasting client relationships—continue to shape his approach.

Hospitality remains central to Mr. Medina Marenco's work. He is constantly considering how guests will experience each space he helps create. His design philosophy centers on the pursuit of beauty and craftsmanship and on creating environments that serve as the setting for people's most precious moments—spaces that leave an indelible impression. He also seeks to honor local culture, expressing its character with care and sophistication so that people from around the world can experience and enjoy it.

His interest in architecture took shape in high school, when, with his mother's support and a background in art classes, he pursued specialized education at Design and Architecture Senior High School after finding traditional schooling unfulfilling. He was part of DASH's first graduating class.

While still a student, Mr. Medina Marenco spent his first summer working at the Federal Bureau of Prisons, documenting facilities after Hurricane Andrew. He also assisted professors with small projects and model-building assignments. Visiting professor Miriam Gussevich introduced him to Perkins+Will in Chicago for summer work, which led to full-time employment in the firm's Miami office after graduation.

Two properties in Mr. Medina Marenco's portfolio—Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, and the former St. Regis Bahia Beach, now Four Seasons Resort and Residences Puerto Rico—each received One MICHELIN Key in 2026. The Keys recognize the hotels. At both properties, Mr. Medina Marenco's design contributions helped shape the environment and set the tone for the wider guest experience.

His projects have been featured in publications including Hospitality Design, Sleeper and Travel + Leisure. Condé Nast Traveler has featured Dorado Beach multiple times. In more recent coverage related to Mandarin Oriental Residences Beverly Hills, Mr. Medina Marenco represented 1508 London's design philosophy, sharing the firm's perspective on Japandi and biophilic design in Branded Living, Homes & Gardens and the Los Angeles Times.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Mr. Medina Marenco enjoys traveling worldwide to study architecture firsthand, dining at Michelin-starred restaurants, attending concerts, watching fashion documentaries and visiting galleries and exhibitions that showcase creative innovation.

Looking ahead, he hopes to grow 1508 London's presence in the Americas while supporting emerging talent on his team. He aims to encourage excellence in design and emotional intelligence, and to provide honest guidance through regular feedback. He also aspires to write a book capturing the stories behind many of his signature projects and sharing insights gained over decades of work.

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