Mónica Arellano is currently Editor at ArchDaily. Founder of the “Communication in Architecture” workshop, and partner of the communication agency “losocial”. She has taken part as speaker on panels such as “Tomorrow’s Design Media” for SPACE10 among other national and international conferences.” Additionally, she has participated as a dancer in workshops such as “Mobile Architecture” by Edwin Vargas (Colombia), and “Collective Jumps” by Isabelle Schad (Germany).
Welcome to Future Talks by RTF, where we engage in thought-provoking discussions with influential figures who are shaping the world of design and architecture. Join us as we explore Mónica Arellano’s fascinating journey, her perspectives on architecture communication, and her unique blend of talents that enrich the design world. Her insights promise to be a source of inspiration and enlightenment for our audience of architects, designers, and enthusiasts. Stay tuned for an engaging conversation with a true innovator in the field.
RTF: Hi Monica, we are so glad to have you as a guest on Future Talks. Thanks for joining us. How did you first become interested in design, and what inspired you to pursue a career as a content editor?
Monica: Thank you for the invitation, it is a great honor to have been given this space to reflect about our work. I chose to study architecture because I felt a great affinity with history, art and cities. However, I believe that my training as a dancer greatly influenced my understanding of architecture from a phenomenological perspective and the relationship with the body. Dance brought me closer to poetry, poetry to writing and my brilliant teachers showed me this wonderful path of communication in architecture.
RTF: What is you role and what does your day as a Content Editor at DAAily platforms look like?
Monica: My job as an editor consists of finding and publishing the best architecture in the country where I live, which is Mexico. I curate the best architecture of the moment and develop content strategies that are innovative and of interest to our readers. In addition, I interview the most influential architects, attend events of interest and give lectures at conferences to bring the platform closer to students and professionals from different regions.
RTF: Do you receive submissions from both designers and PR agencies? What are the challenges that you face while dealing with each of them?
Monica: Both. We have worked with some architects and agencies for years and they perfectly understand the editorial guidelines, as well as the formats. In addition, the platform has a section where anyone can send their project for us to evaluate it for publication with very clear instructions, which makes it very democratic for anyone interested in being published on the platform.
RTF: How do you choose content for publishing or take a call on which content gets published?
Monica: I focus on selecting projects or news that contribute something innovative to contemporary discourse. For me, context sensitivity in design is very important and I think it is something that cannot be faked, it is evident when it exists or not in a project. Mexico has an important cultural wealth that is reflected in its architecture. In addition to this, I seek to attend to the news of the moment to keep our readers informed about what is happening in the world of architecture every day.
RTF: What are the key components that make a project/piece of content feature worthy?
Monica: I think the main and most important component is the fact of recognizing the world in which it is inserted. As I mentioned before, sensitivity to context is fundamental in design and architecture. From here, factors such as sustainability, materiality, gender, as well as social and economic factors are broken down. But it all starts from asking ‘where do we stand?’ The answer to this question demands observing and listening.
RTF: What drew you to writing and which themes interest you the most when it comes to writing?
Monica: As I mentioned before, dance pushed me to poetry and poetry to architectural writing. For me, the only relationship that exists between these disciplines is life itself, human existence, our journey through the world with the body. I like when architecture touches you and opens like a stage for life to happen, without imposing itself. I really enjoy when architecture not only addresses fundamental human needs but also stimulates the contemplation of nature, human relationships and makes you reflect on your existence in this world.
RTF: Can you describe your approach to writing about design? Share with us some tips for design writing for all aspiring architecture and design writers.
Monica: In my workshop I always tell my students that writing is a very introspective and very personal task. They have to find what they are passionate about besides design or architecture themselves, we all have particular interests that complement our way of seeing the world. Mine was dance, I think my writing is very corporeal. There are parts of communication and texts that are immovable, but the hallmark that will differentiate you is making the most of that particular vision you have of the world. Stimulating your own voice is essential.
RTF: How has the media landscape transformed over the years and how has it affected your work?
Monica: With the health emergency it was difficult to connect with the union since we were used to attending events all the time. During the most critical months I had to develop content strategies so that all architects felt seen without feeling overwhelmed and it worked wonderfully. Currently I believe that we have found a balance between in-person and digital for our benefit.
RTF: What’s the most rewarding part of your job?/What is the best part about working at DAAily platforms?
Monica: The possibility of meeting and connecting with exceptional people. Sharing reflections and experiences with people I admire is something for which I will always be deeply grateful.
RTF: Share some tips for the ones who wish to work at DAAily platforms. How can they get a chance to be a part of the team at DAAily platforms?
Monica: I recommend keeping an eye on the platforms of your interest, as well as social networks since they are constantly sharing information about new positions.
RTF: What is the skill set one must possess to be an editor?
Monica: The main and most important thing for me is to have a tremendous curiosity to learn. Have a very keen eye for finding new talents in your field of work and of course, know how to have great conversations and tell stories.
