Rafael Pérez began his career as an architect.  In 1987 he founded, along with his brother Antonio, Tres Dieciseis a graphic design company specializing in booths, point of purchase displays, set design, interiors and architectural design for Casa Marzam, Adidas, Casa Pedro DomecQ, Carrier Transicold, Coca-Cola, and Swatch.  The Perez brothers also founded a!Diseño Gráfico, the first mexican graphic design magazine of which Rafael is the Commercial Director and Antonio is the Editorial Director.  Tha magazine was awarded the Premio México in 1997.  Since 1993 Rafael Pérez is president of the organizing committee for 16 international design conferences and international awards of design, a! Diseño.