Veronica Vela
Veronica Vela is an accomplished Design Manager based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with over a decade of experience in architecture, project management, and both commercial and residential design. She specializes in leading project teams through all phases of development, from space planning and interior design to construction coordination. Known for her strong leadership, organization, and client-focused approach, Veronica has successfully managed complex, high-profile projects, consistently delivering design solutions that align with both aesthetic and business objectives.
Currently, Veronica serves as Design Manager at Swire Properties Inc., where she partners with the Design Director and Development team on high-end residential and mixed-use projects, including The Residences at Mandarin Oriental Miami. In this role, she manages large, global A&E consultant teams, oversees design coordination, budgets, and value engineering, and collaborates with Sales, Marketing, and Operations to ensure design solutions meet business goals. In addition to her full-time role, she is Co-Founder of My Space Shades, a family business that blends design, craftsmanship, and customer service, reflecting her entrepreneurial spirit and passion for meaningful creative work.
Veronica’s career has been marked by global experience and professional growth. Prior to her current roles, she led commercial and hospitality projects at Dorsky Yue International, LA Design Inc., and VD Arquitectura, successfully delivering projects across multiple markets while mentoring teams and managing client relationships. She earned her Professional Architect degree from Universidad de San Martín de Porres and completed a Specialization Program in Project Management at Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas, with professional licensure from the Colegio de Arquitectos del Perú. Beyond her professional work, Veronica is an active volunteer, serving as a Troop Leader with American Heritage Girls, Inc., further demonstrating her leadership, mentorship, and commitment to building stronger communities.
• Architect - Colegio de Arquitectos del Perú - Consejo Nacional
• Universidad de San Martín de Porres - Profesional Architect, Architecture
• Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas - Specialization Program, Project
• Universidad del Pacífico (PE) - Specialization Program, Finance
• Colegio de Arquitectos del Perú
• American Heritage Girls, Inc.
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a combination of professional dedication, adaptability, and the support of my family. With a 15-year career rooted in my foundation as a licensed architect in Peru, I have successfully expanded into design management and construction development, navigating the challenges of building a career in a new country. Raising my two children alongside my professional growth remains one of my proudest achievements. I thrive on the “luxury experience” of leading high-impact projects, currently guiding a high-end development that represents both immense professional growth and a new chapter in my career. I value the opportunity to collaborate with a world-class global team, where dynamic teamwork and shared vision drive exceptional results. Beyond my corporate work, I draw inspiration from the entrepreneurial venture I run with my husband, a custom window treatment business that reflects creativity, craftsmanship, and partnership. The synergy between my professional projects and this personal endeavor reinforces my commitment to excellence, innovation, and meaningful collaboration in all aspects of my life.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are family, creativity, and collaboration. I especially cherish spending quality time with my daughter, which brings balance and perspective to my professional pursuits. These values guide how I lead projects, work with teams, and approach challenges, ensuring that both my personal and professional life remain meaningful and fulfilling.