We design with purpose, nature, and people in mind
CJarq is an architecture studio in Guanacaste that follows each project from start to finish. We analyse the site, design the architecture, the interiors, the furniture, the landscape and the lighting, and stay with the work through construction. We believe architecture is a powerful tool to enhance people's quality of life, and our approach starts from the natural conditions of each site: its light, climate, vegetation and textures.
We create architecture that harmoniously blends with its environment, minimizing impact and maximizing comfort, efficiency, and well-being. Each project is a dialogue with its surroundings: contemporary tropical spaces that belong to the place where they stand.
We work in English, Spanish and German
We design architecture and landscape together, from the first sketch.
Every project is conceived as a living system where space, nature, and people coexist fluidly. Our design process focuses on:
From concept to construction, we guide our clients through a collaborative and meticulous process to ensure that every detail reflects the highest standards of performance, durability, and design.
The people behind CJarq
Melanie Jasser
Arq. Melanie Jasser is an architect licensed by the University of Costa Rica (UCR, 2018) and holds a degree in Architecture from the Faculty of Architecture, Design and Urbanism of the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina (FADU-UBA, 2013). She has been a registered member of the Colegio Federado de Ingenieros y de Arquitectos de Costa Rica (CFIA) since 2020, member no. A-35097.
She has specialized in bioclimatic architecture, focusing on designs that respond intelligently to climate and context, and has deepened her expertise in bioconstruction, exploring natural, low-impact building systems that promote sustainability and well-being.
Melanie founded CJarq in 2020. As Principal Architect she leads each project from concept to completion, integrating environmental responsibility with contemporary tropical design and combining traditional materials with modern technologies to create architecture that harmonizes with its environment.
César E. Caso
Licensed in Landscape Planning and Design from the University of Buenos Aires (UBA, 2005), César Eduardo Caso has a solid professional and academic background in landscape design, environmental planning, and sustainability. For over a decade he served as a professor and researcher at the University of Buenos Aires, contributing to courses in Green Spaces, Topography, and Environmental Sciences.
His academic work includes research projects accredited by national and international organizations, focusing on urban watershed management, green roofs, and sustainable environmental planning, with publications on water efficiency, soil management, urban drainage, and ecological design.
As Principal Landscape Architect and co-founder, he currently leads the landscape and environmental planning department at CJarq in Costa Rica, integrating architecture, native vegetation, design, and technology to create functional, harmonious, and environmentally conscious spaces, promoting a vision of conscious development based on the balance between human needs and environmental protection.
“Melanie and her team at CJarq are by far the best architects we’ve ever worked with. She is incredible professional, her designs are brilliant and she’s fun to work with. She spends an incredible amount of time with us on every detail. I have built several homes from the ground up and many remodels. This is beyond the best experience I’ve ever had. I will definitely be using her again. Thank you Melanie!”
“Melanie is a natural at what she does. She has an incredible eye for design and detail, but what really sets her apart is how well she listens to her clients. […] She and her team truly made the entire process so much easier for us.”
“From the conceptual drawings, the attention to detail, their professionalism, kindness and patience, working through the permit process, a straightforward and fair billing process, and everything between the beginning of the job and planting the plants, we couldn’t be happier.”
“After giving her our rough ideas she presented many options and helped us revise the final design to become our dream home. Her attention to detail and constant communication made the entire process fun and easy.”
“Incredible team. Very professional, great design, kept us within budget and on time!”
