Genaro Jesus RivasArchitecture + Fashion

Architecture + Fashion · San Diego, CA

Buildings and garments, designed with the same hand.

A design studio practicing at two scales — from homes, ADUs, restaurants, and convention centers to hand-knit rebozos that honor Mexican tradition.

Architecture Portfolio Fashion Portfolio
Axonometric line drawing of the GJR A+F studio, showing drafting tables, a dress form, and material shelves
DrawingThe Studio — East Village
ViewAxonometric
SheetA-00
Approved in ✳ City of San Diego ✳ Ramona ✳ Encinitas ✳ Coronado ✳ Oceanside ✳ Homes ✳ ADUs ✳ Restaurants ✳ Apartment Complexes ✳ Convention Centers ✳
Portrait of Genaro Jesus Rivas
PrincipalGenaro Jesus Rivas
StudioEast Village

Hello, I’m Genaro

Twelve years of drawing, building, and making.

I’m an architectural designer and textile artist based in San Diego’s East Village. My practice spans feasibility studies, design development, construction documents, and building-permit plans — for projects ranging from single-family homes and ADUs to restaurants, apartment complexes, and convention centers — alongside a line of bespoke, hand-knit apparel rooted in Mexican craft tradition.

My designs have been approved by jurisdictions across the county — Ramona, Encinitas, Coronado, and Oceanside — with primary work through the City of San Diego. And I still practice a craft that’s becoming rare among newer designers: rough plans sketched by hand, on site, so design conversations can happen right where the building will stand.

12Years in practice
5Cities with approved projects
2Disciplines

Work Philosophy

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How the studio works.

i.

Collaborative

We team with interior and food-service designers; mechanical, electrical, plumbing, civil, and structural engineers; product manufacturers; lenders; and contractors to deliver a turnkey service for every client.

ii.

Thorough

Attention to detail is my name — from start to finish is our game. Every drawing set is built to be clear on site, not just pretty on paper.

iii.

No Egos

The only things that deserve space are those that truly matter: bespoke design, natural light, and sustainable practice. Every element must serve the end user and the long-term value of the space.

“Our main goal is to protect the public health, safety, comfort, convenience, and general welfare of the communities we serve.”

Selected Work

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Two practices, one studio.

01 /
Line-drawn perspective render of a single-family residence with a proposed room addition
Architecture · 2024

300 SF Room Addition

An accessible ground-floor addition designed for aging parents — passive cooling, vaulted ceilings, and a direct connection to the garden.

View the architecture portfolio
02 /
Hand-knit striped rebozo laid on a rug, with a curious dog alongside
Fashion · 2023–Present

The Mexican Rebozo

A hand-knit exploration of the traditional Mexican shawl in cashmere, merino, mulberry silk, and linen — dedicated to our mothers and grandmothers.

View the fashion portfolio

Building Services

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From first sketch to final record.

The studio guides you toward your dream structure — and through the permitting and approvals the building process demands before construction can begin. Services are organized in three phases, so you always know where your project stands.

01

Introduction

Understand what’s possible

Existing “As-Builts”

To-scale 2D documentation of your existing building or space — the foundation for any future design.

“By-Right” Study

A clear picture of what is legal and feasible on your property, drawn from building code, zoning, municipal code, parcel maps, historical records, and hazard zones.

On-Site Hand Sketches

Rough plans sketched by hand during a site visit — a craft few newer designers still practice, and the fastest way to test an idea standing right where it will be built.

Schematic Design

Site plans, floor plans, ceiling and roof plans, elevations, sections, and line-drawn 3D renders that make the design easy to understand.

Schematic Master Plan

The same schematic rigor, applied across a whole property or multiple phases of work.

02

Growth & Record

Develop & document

3D Modeling — Physical & Digital

Study models you can hold and digital models you can walk through, keeping design decisions grounded.

Renders

High-detail render images of the proposed work, ready for presentations and approvals.

Design Development

With parameters set, we fine-tune and articulate your ideas into a workable design that serves the space’s ultimate goal.

Construction Documents

The complete, coordinated drawing set a contractor needs to price and build the work.

03

Assembly

Permit, build, protect

Building-Plan Permitting

Preparation and shepherding of your permit set through the authorities having jurisdiction.

Construction Administration

Support during construction — answering questions, reviewing progress, and keeping the design intent intact.

Construction Changes

Documented revisions when field conditions or client needs evolve mid-build.

Project Management

Coordination of the various contractors on your build, keeping the project on schedule and on budget — because nobody likes costs added by a mismanaged project.

Post-Construction “As-Built”

After completion, we update the record set with every alteration, so you own an accurate document of the final built product.

FAQ

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Common questions.

First things first — don’t be nervous. We start with a free consultation to understand your design needs and make sure we’ll be great collaborators.

Pricing is based on the project’s scope and your desired timeline. I promise fair rates, and nothing begins without your approval.

Timelines depend on the project, but I generally dedicate up to a month to each client, with extensions possible based on availability.

Get in Touch

Let’s draw the first line.

A free 30-minute design review — bring your property questions, your permit worries, or just an idea. We’ll talk through what’s feasible, no obligation.