People

Daniela Acevedo
Designer

Daniela Acevedo
Education
  • Northeastern University
Affiliations
  • Urban Land Institute

What advice would you give to your twenty-year-old self?

Take a deep breath and be present. Everything eventually falls into place so enjoy each moment. You’re learning from every single thing even though you may not realize it!

What are your top three travel destinations?

I can’t wait to visit Greece (planning on this being a ‘passing the ARE sigh of relief treat to myself’), Brazil, and the Amalfi Coast.

What’s your favorite life hack?

The moment I realized how liberating it is to not take things personally was the moment I learned to be more empathetic but also to free myself from any feelings that could stem from potential misunderstandings of life events we don’t always have control over.

Coffee or tea?

I think I’ve had maybe a single sip of coffee my entire life, so I’m definitely a tea fanatic. Love me some chamomile, ginger, and lemongrass with a touch of honey!

What is your favorite productivity tool?

My planner. This, and its trusty sidekick, Sticky Notes. I love planning out my days/weeks in detail or else I feel disoriented. Also, I subconsciously became a planner collector (?) I didn’t realize I was doing this, but I’ve kept every single planner I’ve used for over 10 years!

What’s your most powerful characteristic?

Resilience! Time and time again I’ve been able to reinvent myself for a bigger purpose and embracing the challenges that have come along with those times has proven that leading with intentionality and a desire to grow are key to achieving anything you want out of life.

What are you reading?

I am currently reading The Architecture of Happiness, a birthday gift from my little sister! So far I’m really enjoying the read since it brings forward a concept that I have always been fascinated by, and which has to do with the intangible effects the built environment can have on people. Fun fact, I was about two courses short of double majoring in psychology and so understanding the way design can have an impact on how we feel in different spaces has always been very interesting to me.

Who inspires you?

Beyonce. Like she’s actually not real. Can’t be.