Born in San Cristobal, Venezuela, and embracing a nomadic spirit, Maria Alejandra Diaz-Joves, fondly known as "la jefa," leads the way at a423 Architecture & Design Inc. With a unique upbringing shaped by her pilot father's advice to pursue lucrative dreams and her landscape architect mother's belief in the power of hard work for true happiness, Maria charted her own path as an architect, defying her father's expectations.

From a young age, Maria had a natural inclination for crafting useful objects, from dresses and ceramics to lamps and innovative storage solutions. Choosing a career in architecture was a no-brainer, as it aligned perfectly with her passion for creating practical yet beautiful spaces.

At 18, Maria's life took an unexpected turn when she followed her sister to Philadelphia to learn English, recognizing the value of multilingualism as a backup plan. Graduating with a B. Arch degree from Temple University after five transformative years, she embarked on a journey to Connecticut with her now co-founder and their faithful canine companion. Over the next seven years, Maria immersed herself in various disciplines, working on state-of-the-art performing arts centers at Cesar Pelli & Associates and exploring welding, glass blowing, construction, real estate development, and furniture making while designing public schools and apartment buildings.

In 2007, Maria's entrepreneurial spirit surged, compelling her to establish a423 Architecture & Design. This endeavor allowed her to create honest, responsible, and meaningful architecture that truly served people's needs. It became a platform for her to play with space, experiment with materials, and fulfill her purpose. Maria's unwavering dedication to craftsmanship and thoughtful design resonates through the essence of a423, empowering clients and enriching communities.