Engineering can thrive when it isn't compartmentalized into narrow specialties, and that's the belief that has defined S3 Ingenieros' business approach. In founder Alberto Solano's view, engineering goes beyond technical work. Rather, he sees it as a meticulous craft that encompasses as much empathy and creativity as it does technical flair. With S3 Ingenieros, he has created a multidisciplinary firm that aims to solve complex problems and build optimal structures while putting people and relationships at the heart of every project.
"We bring disciplines, people, and purpose together, designing clarity instead of complexity," he explains. "Engineering should honor imagination, and that's what we strive to do, evolving one of humanity's oldest acts of creation with intelligence and heart."
Based in Costa Rica, S3 Ingenieros specializes in ultra-luxury residential and hospitality projects, providing structural, civil, and MEP design, integrated project coordination, technical inspection, pre-construction support, and discovery packages. Solano notes the company has cultivated a strong team to establish itself as a trusted partner for developers, architects, and international firms.
"We take great pride in our multifaceted approach," Solano says. "This way, we can position ourselves as a one-stop shop for our clients and their varying needs." Yet according to Solano, what sets S3 Ingenieros apart is not only its technical breadth but its human-centered approach.
"In the end, I think what makes us different is that we listen," he says. Every project begins with a conversation, not just a blueprint. "We interview clients to understand their goals, even small things they might not think about. That's when we know how to transform a dream into reality," Solano shares. "Our clients are buying a vision. And we honor that responsibility."
Solano's own journey mirrors the ethos of his company. Coming from a family of engineers, he grew up fascinated by math, science, and the mechanics of construction. After graduating in 2008, work was scarce, but he took every opportunity to learn, travel for clients, and build a reputation from the ground up.
He partnered with his brother in 2014, forming a company with nothing but a small loan and determination. Their first major project, designing for an architectural firm, became the launchpad for the firm's growth. "We succeeded because we built trust, delivered precision, and nurtured relationships," he says. That trust has now expanded into a purpose-driven team across Costa Rica and Colombia.
International expansion is the next chapter. S3 Ingenieros is now preparing to work across Mexico, the US, and Canada, offering both project collaboration and staff growth. "We're connecting with firms that want near-shore services, aiming to provide engineers with affordability and quality craftsmanship," Solano explains. "The goal is to build trust before any contract is signed. Sales is emotional; people hire those they trust."
His philosophy of leadership and resilience informs every decision. After receiving a Stage 4 cancer diagnosis in 2024, Solano stepped away from the company for seven months. "The business sustained itself without me. That's when I realized I'd built systems and relationships that endure," he says. "Leadership ultimately lies in supporting others and designing structures that don't rely on unsung heroes."
Solano also emphasizes the importance of empathy in business. "Seeing the human behind every role, whether it's a draftsman or a client, can elevate collaboration. Everyone becomes a peer, and together, the work can multiply exponentially," he says.
As S3 Ingenieros prepares for bigger projects, Solano mirrors that ambition. He states, "I want to be valued for creating systems that last, for leading with empathy, and for helping clients, collaborators, and communities bring their ideas to life." Through S3 Ingenieros, he continues to elevate engineering beyond structures, building bridges between imagination, precision, and human connection.
