Design With Purpose: Alex Ayuso Earns Honorable Mention
Alex Ayuso’s Honorable Mention design “Look Both Ways before Crossing”.
We’re excited to share that our very own architect associate, Alex Ayuso, received an Honorable Mention in Buildner’s international Architect’s Stair competition! This global design challenge invites architects to rethink the stair not just as a functional element, but as a powerful architectural gesture—an opportunity to explore narrative, rhythm, procession, and imagination. Among entries from around the world, Alex’s thoughtful and boundary-pushing submission, “Look Both Ways Before Crossing,” stood out.
A recent Cal Poly grad and proud native of the Mexicali/Calexico border region, Alex brings a unique lens to his work. “I’m interested in the manifestations of border conditions, and the conflicting politics that results from an agonistic model with which they interact,” he shares. “It is important to leverage architecture as the medium to propel forward both a social message, as well as providing users the direct platform with which they can inhabit their political stance.” His project embraces exactly that ambition. It’s the same thoughtful, creative approach we’ve seen from Alex as he’s contributed to several studio 2G projects and brought fresh ideas to the table.
“Look Both Ways Before Crossing” reimagines the U.S.–Mexico border as a place of connection rather than division. Alex’s design introduces a sculptural pavilion-stair that plays with movement, views, and direction—inviting visitors to experience the border as shared terrain. Using weathered steel, concrete, and a light-weight viewing box, the project creates a simple yet powerful spatial journey that reflects the complexities of la frontera.
We’re incredibly proud of Alex for bringing such meaningful, imaginative work to an international stage. His recognition is well-deserved—and we can’t wait to see what he designs next.
Alex Ayuso is an Architect Associate at studio 2G and a graduate of Cal Poly’s architecture program.