Meet the Mind of Carlos Valle, CVG’s Artistic Virtuoso

Hailing from Portland, Oregon, Carlos Valle brings a rich blend of artistic leadership and graphic design expertise to the team, cultivated over more than a decade. As CVG’s Art Director, Carlos merges his passion for design with a profound fascination for the built environment. His journey at CVG showcases his diverse skill set and underscores his commitment to excellence.

What's the most interesting project you've worked on recently, and what did you learn from it?

The most interesting project I worked on was Bayview Landscape Architecture’s rebrand. I’ve been with CVG for almost two years, and this was my first time working with landscape architects. I learned a lot about how landscape architects and architects work in concert with one another for a holistic approach. The most successful environments are those in which the landscape and the built environment work in harmony. 

What's your go-to morning routine to kickstart a productive day at work?

I start my mornings with classical music, morning jazz, or NPR while making coffee. My cat joins me for breakfast as we make a French press coffee. Making a French press every morning allows me to start my morning slowly and intentionally, scooping the perfect weight of coffee beans, grinding them at just the right level, setting the boiling temperature of the water, slowly pouring over the grinds, waiting 5 minutes, pouring into my favorite ceramic mug, then enjoying with a splash of steamed oat milk. Can you tell I was a barista in a previous life?

What do you find most unique about your firm and services?

CVG is unique because we offer experts in various facets of your business. Whether learning about best business practices across the industry, leadership transition, search engine optimization, effective marketing tools, human resources, or creating a beautiful, functional website – CVG has an expert for that.

Can you give us a glimpse into your workspace? What items or decorations make it uniquely yours?

My workspace is fun! I use two monitors – one for production work (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and the other for administrative work (slack, email, calendar). My home office has two large south-facing windows, so I keep most of my tropical plants in and around my desk for that extra spark of creativity. I also have some colorful, kitschy art pieces that bring some color into a place that’s grey for six months of the year.

What's your favorite part of your firm’s culture, and how does it contribute to your professional growth?

I love how flexible our remote work environment is. As a student, I get to work on client work from my studio space in the school of architecture. Being immersed in architecture through an academic lens informs my creative career at work. As a professional, being visible in my work allows me to connect with other students as they get a sneak peek into the world of real-life architecture firms through the lens of branding. There’s a level of mutualism that I really enjoy.

Can you share a hobby or talent that people might be surprised to learn about you?

I love music and dancing very much! Once a season, I DJ at parties or weddings. I’ll be officiating my first wedding this spring and DJ’ing the welcome party. It’s a fun way to create the vibe and get people moving. Fun fact: disco never died!

Share a moment of pride or accomplishment from your professional journey.

After wrapping up Bayview’s rebrand, we worked closely with Indigo Life Media to produce a case study video on how it’s impacted their business. Working with an investment partner on their branding and bringing that brand to life has always been rewarding, but seeing how the brand breathes life into their office space and culture ushers in a new level of pride. I am inspired to continue to bring the firm’s visions to reality!

What’s the most adventurous thing you've ever done, and would you do it again?

Before starting my career at CVG, my best friends and I took a road trip from Portland, Oregon, through Idaho, Montana, Calgary, Banff, Vancouver, and the San Juan Islands. We visited several national parks and completely disconnected from the digital world. There were many great memories and a few undesirable interactions with wildlife, but I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything. I would absolutely do it again, perhaps through the American Southwest.

Carlos Valle embodies the spirit of innovation at CVG, continuously infusing his work with the inspirations around him. As a driving force within the team, he propels CVG forward with a desire for the rewarding feeling and level of pride that comes from bringing a firm's visions to reality.