A Day in Puerto Escondido with Creative Consultant Monica Arellano

Monica Arellano by Juan Carlos González Palacios.

Monica Arellano is an architecture graduate of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). She currently works independently as a public relations manager and creative consultant for architecture studios across Mexico. She previously served as an editor at ArchDaily, where she contributed to positioning Mexican architecture on the global stage. She co-authored The ArchDaily Guide to Good Architecture and the WA Magazine (Issue 354: Mexico: Tradition and Evolution). Monica’s day involves a beach walk, writing about architecture, and French classes.

6:00am: I wake up with the golden light of dawn streaming through my window. Like every morning, I head up to the terrace with a warm cup of coffee in hand. From there, the ocean stretches out before me — a calm, open promise.

A year ago, I moved to Puerto Escondido, on the Oaxacan coast of Mexico, after living my entire life in Mexico City. The transition was profound — trading in the noise, the rush, and the chaos of the capital for a life rooted in nature. It wasn’t an easy decision, but it was a necessary one. I started coming here regularly, and little by little, I fell in love. One day, I just knew — this was home.

Daily morning river walk with Chori. Courtesy Monica Arellano.

6:30am: I’m out the door with my little dog, Chori. Our morning walk takes us along the riverbed, which in the dry season becomes a walkable path. These walks activate all my senses — the smell of damp earth, the sound of flowing water, and the sheer joy of watching her run and swim. It's a simple but profound way to feel in sync with my surroundings.

7:30am: Time to move my body. Whether it’s a Pilates session on the terrace, some light weight training, or a run, physical activity is an essential part of my day. It energizes me and brings mental clarity. I often think of it as active meditation — a vital, grounding moment that supports both my physical and emotional health.

Sometimes, I swim in open water, and those sessions have taught me so much about perseverance, patience, and even stoicism. I believe that being in touch with your body — and breaking down the mental limitations you’ve built around it — makes you more resilient in life and work alike.

8:30am: I’m back home, having breakfast and preparing for an uninterrupted workday. I currently work independently, representing various architecture offices in Mexico.

Los Colados by Locus featured in Architectural Digest for April’s Edition 2024. Courtesy of Monica Arellano.

9:00am: I sit down at my desk to plan the day ahead. I go over the week’s priorities and take time to check in with clients. Most are based in Mexico City, so I make sure everyone is updated — a solid, transparent relationship makes all the difference. This first part of my workday is dedicated to anything that involves other people: emails, communications, calls, and planning.

1:00pm: I take a break to cook lunch with my partner. It’s one of the things I’ve come to love most about this new pace of life. In Mexico City, I barely had time to cook or even think about my meals. Now, we treat our diet as part of our holistic creative process. Eating well fuels your brain, as your brain keeps everything else running.

3:00pm: I dive into deep work: writing about architecture, developing strategies, researching contacts, preparing presentations, editing documents, curating images, or planning trips to Mexico City. I try to go at least once a month, depending on the client's needs. Sometimes I’m there conducting interviews for special projects — like the Versailles Biennale — other times I’m meeting new clients, attending design and architecture events, or holding in-person planning sessions. 

Current read at the beach. Courtesy Monica Arellano.

6:00pm: If my schedule allows it, this time is reserved for something sacred: watching the sunset at the beach. It’s a reset moment — a way to release the stress and return to a clear mental state.

7:00pm: I begin my French class. I’m currently studying two hours a day during the week. It’s intense, yes, but also deeply rewarding. Language is a powerful connector, and learning someone’s native tongue opens the door to understanding their culture, humor, and nuances. I hope to confidently call myself trilingual by the end of this year!

9:00pm: I’m usually wrapping up class, exhausted but happy. I eat a light dinner, take a shower, read a bit, and head to bed. Even though I end most days tired, I feel incredibly fortunate. We live in a time where it's no longer necessary to be physically tied to one place to work well or to thrive in a public-facing role. I get to live in paradise and still feel deeply connected to my colleagues, thanks to the tools the internet has placed at our fingertips. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of connecting — both in person and virtually — with remarkable professionals who have taught me lessons I hold close to my heart.

This piece has been edited and condensed for clarity.