Eva María Hinds Lindo, an architect whose work has garnered both national and international acclaim, has become one of the most influential figures in the architectural scene in El Salvador and Central America. Her dedication to designing spaces that respect both the environment and the culture of their inhabitants has set her apart as an architect who is not only creative but deeply attuned to the natural and societal contexts in which she works.

Early Life and Education

Born in 1972, Eva Hinds grew up in El Salvador, where her passion for architecture began early. She initially pursued her studies in her home country before moving to Colombia, where she graduated from the Universidad de Los Andes in 1999. Hinds received a prestigious honor for her thesis, which focused on “Vivienda escalonada: propuesta de vivienda sobre lote inclinado” (Stepped Housing: A Proposal for Housing on Sloped Lots). After completing her studies in Colombia, Hinds further expanded her architectural experience by undertaking a professional internship in Canada, gaining valuable international exposure that would influence her future designs.

Founding EMC Arquitectura

In 2003, Hinds took the bold step of founding her own architectural firm, EMC Arquitectura, in El Salvador. Her vision was to create spaces that were sensitive to the environment, linked to the identity of the area, and connected to the experiences of the people who would inhabit them. EMC Arquitectura quickly became known for its creativity, innovation, and professionalism. Hinds assembled a team of skilled architects and designers who shared her dedication to building thoughtful, contextually aware projects.

One of the most significant features of Hinds’ designs is her commitment to integrating architecture with the surrounding environment. Her projects are known for their thoughtful use of topography, climate, and local materials, which result in buildings that feel as though they belong naturally within their settings.

Pioneering Residential Projects

In the early years of EMC Arquitectura, Hinds and her team gained recognition for several residential projects in San Salvador’s exclusive Colonia Escalón neighborhood. Among these were the Las Ventanas de la Escalón townhouses (2005), the La Skala Lofts apartments (2009), and the Torre Vista Hermosa tower (2010). These projects exemplified Hinds’ innovative approach, with a particular focus on integrating architectural forms with the natural landscape.

The Skala Lofts is one of the standout designs of Hinds’ early career. The project consisted of two interconnecting buildings situated on a sloping terrain, taking advantage of the site’s topography. The design featured wide, panoramic windows and geometric shapes that created an open, airy atmosphere. The buildings were set on four terraces, with the apartments on the lower levels featuring private gardens that provided stunning views of the San Salvador volcano. The project’s masterful use of landscaping blurred the lines between urban and rural, making it a perfect example of Hinds’ ability to harmonize architecture with nature.

Cardedeu: A Landmark Project

Another project that solidified Hinds’ reputation on the international stage is Cardedeu, a complex located on the shores of Lake Coatepeque in Santa Ana, El Salvador. Completed in 2012, Cardedeu included a chapel, an event area, a restaurant, and a hotel, and was developed with a deep sensitivity to the surrounding landscape. Designed in collaboration with architect Javier Rosa, this project has been one of EMC Arquitectura’s most lauded works.

The design of Cardedeu is defined by its respect for the site’s natural topography, which is used as a guiding principle throughout the entire layout. The chapel, in particular, is a striking example of modern architecture that incorporates organic, flowing geometries that appear to lift off the ground, as if reaching toward the lake. The structure’s use of natural materials such as wood and stone, combined with industrial elements like concrete and steel, creates a sense of lightness, allowing the building to harmonize with the environment rather than dominate it.

The experience of moving through Cardedeu is designed to enhance the visitor’s connection to the landscape. The complex’s circulation is intentionally fragmented, with each building leading to new vistas of the lake, offering a journey that encourages exploration and discovery. As visitors wander through the space, they experience the seamless integration of the natural world with the built environment, creating a strong sense of place.

National and International Recognition

Hinds’ work has not gone unnoticed in the architecture world. She has earned numerous accolades, both in El Salvador and abroad. Her firm, EMC Arquitectura, won the Gran Premio at the VII Bienal de Arquitectura y Urbanismo de El Salvador (BAUES) in 2006, and first place in the IX BAUES in 2010 in two categories: for the Casa McC in the housing category and the Casa Club El Encanto in the unbuilt projects category.

On the international stage, Hinds and her team received recognition as finalists at the 2015 World Architecture Festival in the “Built Religious Buildings” category for Cardedeu. In 2017, they were awarded first place in a design competition for the master plan of Villa Nanah in Guatemala. Additionally, that same year, the firm was a finalist in the “Completed Buildings” category for their Hour House (2016) and 13 Cielos (2017) projects.

Recent Endeavors

As of today, Eva Hinds continues to lead her architectural practice under the name Eva Hinds Arquitectura, based in San Salvador. She recently collaborated with renowned architect Felipe Uribe de Bedout on the design of the Sala Nacional de Exposiciones Salarrué, an exhibition space in San Salvador that is yet to be constructed. This project represents Hinds’ ongoing commitment to creating innovative, culturally significant spaces in her home country.

In addition to her architectural work, Hinds is an advocate for fostering a deeper understanding of architecture within the community, and her influence extends to the broader architectural discourse in Central America and beyond.

Eva Hinds is a preferred architect for the El Encanto Golf & Country Club, an exclusive gated community in El Salvador known for its luxurious amenities and serene natural surroundings. This prestigious development, located just 30–40 minutes from the beach and 20 minutes from San Salvador, offers a unique opportunity for residents to design custom homes or choose from turnkey residences. The community, which attracts a diverse group of expats, entrepreneurs, and families, is known for its high-end amenities, including a golf course, tennis and pickleball courts, a gym, kid-friendly facilities, and restaurants with exceptional menus. Hinds’ work on projects within El Encanto further enhances the area’s reputation, with her thoughtful, context-sensitive designs that seamlessly integrate into the picturesque landscape of rolling hills and stunning views.

A Legacy of Sustainable, Contextual Design

Eva Hinds’ architectural philosophy continues to prioritize sustainability, context, and identity in her designs. From the steep slopes of San Salvador to the serene shores of Lake Coatepeque, her work reflects a deep respect for nature and the environments in which she works. She believes in creating spaces that resonate with the people who live and interact with them, ensuring that architecture does not merely serve a functional role but also enhances the experience of its users.

Through her vision, leadership, and design expertise, Eva Hinds has contributed significantly to shaping the architectural landscape of El Salvador and continues to be a pioneering force in Latin American architecture.