Beatriz del Cueto, FAIA

Beatriz del Cueto López-Hidalgo is a renowned Cuban-born architect known for her extensive work in historical preservation both in Puerto Rico and internationally. She is a member of the prestigious American Academy in Rome, where she conducted research as the recipient of the Roma Prize, awarded by the institution with the support of the National Endowment for the Arts in the field of historic preservation.

Early Life and Education

Beatriz was born in La Habana, Cuba, in 1952. At the age of 8, she left her homeland with her family. She developed an early interest in architecture, largely influenced by her father, a mechanical engineer who passed away when Beatriz was just 14 years old. She pursued her passion by studying architecture at the University of Florida in Gainesville, where she graduated in 1976. In 1975, she took a course at the Nantucket Preservation Institute and later obtained a Master of Arts in Architecture with a specialization in Historic Preservation, also from the University of Florida.

Her academic journey took her to Rome in 1984, where she studied at the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property. In 2011, she returned to Rome as a member of the American Academy, further solidifying her expertise in the field.

Career and Contributions

In 1977, Beatriz began working with the renowned architect Henry Klumb in Puerto Rico. She received her architectural license in 1984 and spent the following three years working for the government at the Puerto Rico State Office of Historical Preservation. Between 1984 and 1986, she served as the deputy director of the Puerto Rico Architects Association.

In 1990, Beatriz established her own architectural practice. Two years later, in 1992, she co-founded the firm Pantel, del Cueto & Asociados with her husband, Agammenon Pantel. The firm specializes in heritage consulting, archaeology, and traditional architecture. She quickly became a leading figure in the field, gaining recognition both in Puerto Rico and internationally for her vast knowledge of Caribbean traditional architecture.

Beatriz has served as a consultant for the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and AIA Legacy, Inc., assisting with the evaluation and preservation guidelines for the historic and cultural heritage of the northeast corridor of Haiti. She is also a pioneer in the study and restoration of vernacular architecture and interpretive design.

In 2000, Beatriz founded the Laboratorio de Conservación Arquitectónica (Architectural Conservation Laboratory) at the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico, where she currently serves as its director. At the laboratory, she teaches courses in conservation theory and scientific analysis of building materials.

Advocacy and Recognition

Beyond her technical expertise, Beatriz is a strong advocate for women in architecture. In 1992, she curated the exhibit Island Architecture: Women Architects from Puerto Rico, the Caribbean, Florida, and Long Island at the Pratt Institute in Long Island, New York. The exhibition, which featured the work of 35 female architects, was previously showcased in Puerto Rico and included lectures by prominent architects such as Ann Beha, Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk, Maya Lin, and Zaha Hadid.

Throughout her career, Beatriz has been honored with numerous accolades for her contributions to both architecture and historical preservation. She was also the president of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Puerto Rico Chapter, further cementing her influence in the field.

Legacy

Today, Beatriz del Cueto López continues to be a leading voice in the preservation of Puerto Rico’s architectural heritage. Her dedication to historical conservation, combined with her passion for teaching and mentoring future architects, ensures her lasting impact on both the built environment and the next generation of design professionals.