Nicolás Orellana is an aviation architect and design leader based in Boston with nearly two decades of experience delivering complex airport projects across the U.S., Europe, South America and the Middle East. Known for blending advanced geometry with human-centered design, Nicolás has contributed to landmark projects such as Boston Logan International Airport’s Terminal E. His work reflects his deep commitment to creating highly functional and meaningful spaces for the people who use them.

What inspired you to join the industry?

My path began with a passion for public art. I spent many weekends in high school painting large-scale murals, which sparked my interest in how design can shape a city and influence how people experience it. I found architecture was the best way to combine creativity, technical thinking and public impact.

A project for a small airport in Chile early in my career showed me that aviation offers a unique opportunity to create operationally complex and meaningful spaces for the people who use them every day. From that moment, I knew I wanted to focus on airport design.

I later moved to London to study Space Syntax and made my thesis on airport wayfinding, which taught me how design can improve the overall passenger experience — confirming that this was the field for me.

What is your favorite 91Ó°ĘÓ project that you’ve worked on and why?

Boston Logan International Airport means the most to me, professionally and personally. I joined the project during the concept design phase in 2016. A decade later, the city has become my home, making this project a defining part of my career and life.

I worked on the building envelope design — including the geometry of the iconic façade and roof — for the Vision Architect team. The outward design influenced the interior spaces to create a strong connection between form and experience.

One of the main challenges was translating innovative design ideas and complex geometry into buildable solutions that met local regulations and technical requirements.

Drawing on the team’s expertise in airport design, environmental performance and passenger experience, we developed innovative solutions such as the climate-responsive envelope shaped to maximize daylight and reduce glare, as well as the use of natural illumination to support wayfinding and reduce stress. These strategies contributed to the project earning numerous international awards and LEED Platinum certification. What makes it most meaningful is how people experience it — the airport is now part of Boston’s identity and fosters a positive, memorable environment for travelers.

Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community.

Airports are often overwhelming, but thoughtful, human-centered design can make them more intuitive and welcoming. Throughout projects like Santiago International Airport and Boston Logan, we upgraded the passenger experience with design strategies focused on right-sized spaces, intuitive wayfinding, creating a sense of place, integrating nature indoors and achieving sensory balance.

The most rewarding feedback comes when people say an airport feels less stressful and more comfortable. That shift in perception shows how transforming airports into spaces where people feel connected and at ease is one of the most meaningful contributions we make to the communities we serve.

Share a piece of career advice.

Build your career around what you are genuinely passionate about.

Passion drives you to keep improving, contribute original ideas and work through challenges. It gives meaning to your work and strengthens outcomes for your team. In my own career, focusing on work I feel connected to is key to my development and growth. That passion has become one of my greatest strengths and helped me build a fulfilling career.

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