Claudia Chanin was born in Arlington, VA, and earned her degree in architecture from the University of Monterrey in Monterrey, Mexico. After beginning her career designing residential and commercial buildings in Monterrey, she relocated to the United States to continue her work in architecture.

As the principal of NOMA Studio, a boutique architectural firm in the Rio Grande Valley, Claudia has built a reputation as a talented contemporary designer with over 20 years of experience. Her work spans both residential and commercial projects, grounded in her strong understanding of space, structure, and aesthetics.

Recently, Claudia rediscovered her passion for painting, embracing it as a profound means of self-expression—a lens through which she explores self-discovery and translates her experiences into visual narratives. Each stroke on the canvas reflects memory, emotion, and personal growth, drawing from her architectural background and the interplay of movement, light, and shadow. She seeks to capture not only the physicality of a moment but its emotional resonance—a fleeting memory, a cherished view, or a meaningful space.

In her process, Claudia pushes beyond the limitations of flat surfaces. Texture and dimensionality are key to her work, as she experiments with extrusions and bold, dynamic forms that invite both visual and tactile engagement. Believing in the transformative power of color, she infuses her pieces with bright, vivid hues to evoke emotion and draw viewers deeper into the story. Through the use of texture, she creates an immersive experience, where each piece expresses depth beyond what flat paint can convey.

Her art is ultimately a celebration of the moments and places that have left an indelible mark on her life—a reflection of love, light, beauty and transformation. It serves as an invitation for others to connect with their own experiences through her work. Claudia’s pieces have been exhibited at various venues, including a juried show at the International Museum of McAllen. She also showcases her art at her interior design showroom, where her vibrant and textured creations engage viewers in her personal journey.