Collaborative Design Office

CO-LAB is a full-service architecture and design-build studio located in Tulum, Mexico. Founded in 2010 by Joana Gomes and Joshua Beck. Inspired by the natural beauty of the Yucatan, our projects encourage a greater connection to the natural world through design. Embracing sustainable principles, each project carefully weaves the architectural program with the beauty of each site to create unique contextual designs. Locally sourced natural materials and handcrafted finishes render rooms built around views of nature, gentle breezes, light and shadows, to create new compositions and relationships. Seeing beauty in the imperfections of hand-crafted finishes and locally sourced natural materials CO-LAB works directly with artisans to create sustainable environments in harmony with their surroundings.

Our office is a unique blend of a design studio and a workshop, allowing us to bring ideas to life and rapidly prototype furniture, objects, and accessories while experimenting with various materials and finishing techniques. We develop finishes in our workshop, which are then implemented by our on-site building team and collaborating artisans. This collaborative approach ensures that our projects are completed to the highest standards, with every detail meticulously crafted. Our team is highly flexible and works both in the office and on-site as needed, providing a seamless and efficient experience for our clients.

Joana Gomes, a graduate of the Masters Oporto FAUP program, brings over 19 years of diverse experience in architecture and urbanism to our team. Her background includes four years at MVRDV in Rotterdam, working alongside Winy Maas, as well as four years as the Design Director for FR-EE Fernando Romero in Mexico City.

Joshua Beck, who holds a Master of Architecture from UC Berkeley and a Bachelor of Environmental Design from CU Boulder, has over 26 years of international experience in architecture, construction, and wooden boat building. He worked five years with Rem Koolhaas at OMA in Rotterdam, and with Michael Kovac designing high-end homes in Los Angeles.

CO-LAB Design Office has achieved notable recognition in the global architectural community, with features in highly regarded publications such as Architectural Digest, Elle, Vogue, Conde Nast, EST Living, among others. For two consecutive years, CO-LAB has been selected for the prestigious AD100 Latin America list, highlighting the top 100 designers who are driving innovation and transforming the world of design. We are honored to have been recognized for our commitment to creating exceptional and sustainable designs that enhance our experiences and strengthen our connection to the natural world.

Our Studio is located in downtown Tulum. We ask you to contact us through email. We are in the process of opening an office in Costa Rica.

Project: inbox@co-labdesignoffice.com

Press: press@co-labdesignoffice.com

Employment: jobs@co-labdesignoffice.com