Konti Design | Build Studio: Empowering communities through sustainable, modular construction

We’re shaping the way for resilient, beautiful, self-sustaining communities in Puerto Rico and beyond.

3d concept art of the Elefante project
Our Vision

Protect our future from the impacts of climate change by rebuilding with sustainable, resilient solutions.

We purposefully design and build spaces with local climate challenges in mind:

We build with steel, upcycled shipping containers that are fire and wind resistant in cases of high-intensity natural disasters like fires, earthquakes, and hurricanes, withstanding up to 200 mph wind gusts.

We include rainwater collection and potabilization systems, as well as biogarden septic systems, to ensure long-term water accessibility in case of disaster.

We enable spaces to be self-sustaining with off-grid capabilities like solar power.

Our Ethos Comes Alive in Our Work

We built the FIRST single-family home in the Caribbean to achieve LEED Platinum Certification

KONTi Design Build Studio began with a mission to create sustainable, cost-effective solutions for our communities. Today, our eco-friendly designs don’t just adapt to the environment—they enhance it.

Our solutions offer you greater efficiency, lower utility costs, and long-term resilience. With smart resource management and durable materials, you can count on healthier spaces, reduced maintenance, and a stronger return on investment.

Our

Story

Konti was born from post-hurricane reconstruction efforts in Puerto Rico. We recognized the urgent need for affordable housing and the development of sustainable, resilient, and cost-effective structures. Since then, we’ve leveraged our expertise in modular construction to help rebuild and fortify vulnerable communities.

Let’s talk
Let’s talk

Our Design-Build firm team includes

LEED Green Associate
Accredited Professionals
American Institute of Architects
Active members
National Council of Architectural Registration Boards
Active members
CAPM- and PMP-c
Certified team members
Kevane Grant Thornton
Previous Tax Associate
Multiple Master’s degree holders
Accredited Professionals
A team-wide focus on how construction and design can promote sustainability
Accredited Professionals
CAPMPMPAIA MemberLeed Green AssociateNCARB

Started and led by visionary architect and thought leader, Carla Gautier

Slideshow of Carla Gautier's event appearances
Carla Gautier | Founder & CEO
BSA, M.Arch, Dr. (h.c.), AIT, LEED GA

Carla is a third-generation Puerto Rican architect. She founded KONTi Design Build Studio after witnessing the catastrophic impact of Hurricanes Maria and Irma in 2017.  Carla envisioned communities that were resilient and self-sustaining in the face of disasters. While she first focused on ensuring that structures could withstand hurricanes, using upcycled shipping containers as a base structure,  her vision has evolved to address sustainable and resilient living for a broad range of natural disasters.

Carla has been recognized worldwide as a thought leader for her work:
Advisor to the board of the Dean of Architecture at Wentworth Institute of Technology
2025
Regeneration Future Leaders Fellow (Prince Albert II Foundation)
2024
One Young World Ambassador
2024
Forbes 30 under 30 Lister
2023
UN’s World Habitat Day Local Observance in Honolulu, HI
2023
Grist 50 Fellow
2022
UN’s World Urban Forum in Katowice Poland
2022
Mujeres Rompiendo el Molde
2022
UN’s World Habitat Day Local Observance in Honolulu, HI
2021
Osha Conference
2020
CNN’s Champion of Change
2020
AIA Certificate of Merit - M. Arch
2017

Meet our award-winning team

Jorge Rosa
Chief Operations Officer
BBA

Expertise: Operations, planning, and logistics

Experience: 4+ years with Konti Design Build Studio and previous Tax Associate at Kevane Grant Thorntonll

Education: Bachelor's in Business Administration with a Major in Accounting from the University of Puerto Rico at Bayamón

Michelle Telon Sosa
Lead Architectural Designer
BSA, M. Arch & AIT

Expertise: Sustainable design, biomimicry, urbanism, social housing, and community restoration

Experience: Pharma, environmental design and research in biomimicry

Education: Master’s in Architecture from the University of Puerto Rico, Bachelors degrees in Environmental Design and Architecture from the University of Puerto Rico

Nainoshka Pagan Sánchez
Environmental Project Manager
BA in Architecture & Interior Design

Expertise: Architecture, sustainability, interior design, conceptualization, parametric design

Experience: Construction Documentation, client consulting, custom architectural proposals

Education: Bachelor's Degrees in Architecture and Interior Design from the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico

Maoz Knight
Environmental Construction Manager
San Diego CA BSA, CLCA

Expertise: Seamless indoor-outdoor transitions, craftsmanship, and sustainability

Experience: 10+ years in landscape architecture and construction, and leading expert in home and landscape preservation in San Diego

Education: Bachelor’s of Science in Architecture from Wentworth Institute of Technology

Miranda Klope
Business Development
BSA, M.Arch

Expertise: Sustainable design for commercial and residential projects.

Experience: 3+ years with Konti Design Build Studio, works at S3 Design Inc., as well

Education: Bachelor of Science in Architecture and Master of Architecture from Wentworth Institute

We continue to pursue and achieve key UN sustainable development goals (SGD’s)

Learn more
Learn more
Sustainable Development Goals

Why partner with us?

Contact us
Contact us
Sustainable expertise
Fast-track construction
ADA accessibility
Your vision, our execution
Step-by-step guidance
Contact

Start planning a beautiful, resilient space that’s ready for our changing climate

Whether you have land you’re ready to develop or you have some questions before you begin, we’d love to talk.

Book a consultation
Book a consultation