A. Alberto Lugo@aalbertolugo
Since 2019, A. Alberto Lugo has served as the founding partner and CEO of Framing Futures Architectural Firm (FFAF), located in Southern California. His leadership at FFAF involves overseeing the firm's numerous ongoing projects, ensuring smooth design processes, and managing the daily workflow. He collaborates with the executive board to identify talented architects, fostering innovation and excellence in every structure the firm creates. Through his efforts, FFAF has grown to become a leader in designing modern public and commercial spaces, with a focus on integrating architectural engineering principles into practical yet visionary designs.
Before establishing FFAF, Alberto honed his expertise as a Senior Architect across several top-tier firms. His decade-long experience included roles at Parkins and Rhodon in New York, as well as Fentrell Architects in San Francisco. These positions allowed him to take on high-profile projects and refine his ability to balance functionality with aesthetic appeal. Earlier in his career, he served as a Senior Architectural Design Strategist at Macaby and Roy, where he further developed his architectural skills before being promoted to Senior Architect in 2008. His journey in architecture began at his father's firm in Albany, New York, where he served as Project Architect after completing an internship. This family-run company, founded by his father in 1990, gave Lugo a unique opportunity to build on his foundation in architectural design. Additionally, he spent time working as a business consultant in New York City, supporting small businesses before fully dedicating himself to his family's architectural legacy in 2002.
Lugo's academic background reflects his dedication to both business and architecture. In 2000, he earned a Bachelor of Business from the University of Pennsylvania, only to pivot toward architecture soon after. He pursued a Master of Architecture degree at Cornell University, graduating with distinction in 2002. His thirst for knowledge led him to further specialize in building science, technology, and environmental systems at Cornell. Recognizing the importance of sustainable design, he returned to Cornell in 2003 to expand his expertise in environmentally conscious architecture. This educational journey solidified his commitment to integrating ecological principles into every aspect of his professional work.
Throughout his career, Alberto has contributed to many prestigious projects that highlight his innovative spirit. In 2012, he collaborated with the San Francisco Historic Buildings Committee to plan and design renovations for public service facilities, maintaining their historical integrity while enhancing their functionality. His groundbreaking work in sustainable architecture came to the forefront in 2015 when he partnered with the Hagman's Group in New York City to design the first building constructed entirely from recycled and sustainable materials. During his tenure at Parkins and Rhodon, he led the design of a large-scale shopping center, developed blueprints for a multi-story house of worship, and collaborated with local urban planners to create affordable housing solutions, demonstrating his versatility across various architectural domains.
In the past decade, A. Alberto Lugo has shifted his focus toward environmental sustainability, making it the cornerstone of his architectural philosophy. His work exemplifies how architecture can coexist with nature, creating structures that blend seamlessly with the environment while preserving natural ecosystems. He is deeply committed to protecting water systems and natural habitats through thoughtful design, ensuring that every project he undertakes prioritizes ecological balance. His dedication to sustainable practices has earned him recognition as a thought leader in the architectural community, inspiring others to adopt green initiatives in their projects.
Beyond his professional achievements, Alberto is an active philanthropist, contributing his time and expertise to several charitable organizations. He offers pro-bono services to Habitat for Humanity, Homes for Veterans, and The Make It Right at Home Foundation, reflecting his commitment to social responsibility. In 2015, he founded the Architecture and Earth Awareness Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on promoting sustainable practices in the construction industry. Under his leadership, the foundation has successfully influenced over 400 large-scale projects worldwide, spreading awareness among architects, builders, and engineers about the importance of environmental stewardship in architecture.
Lugo's efforts in both architecture and philanthropy have earned him numerous accolades throughout his career. He was recognized as the top donor to Homes for Veterans. In 2019, he received the Voice of Reason award from the Green Initiative Climate Council for his commitment to sustainable design. That same year, he was nominated for the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize, followed by a nomination for the Architecture Master's Prize in 2020. His dedication to innovative and eco-conscious design was further acknowledged when he won the Architectural Visionary Award in 2021, a testament to his influence and impact on the architectural landscape.
When not immersed in his work, Alberto enjoys spending time in nature, pursuing activities that reflect his adventurous spirit. He finds joy in traveling to lesser-known destinations, immersing himself in new cultures, and testing his survival skills in remote mountainous regions. Fishing and backpacking are among his favorite pastimes, allowing him to disconnect from his professional life and reconnect with the natural world. Despite his numerous professional accolades, he considers his family to be his most outstanding achievement. He shares a deep bond with his wife, Genavieve, with whom he has been married for 18 years. Together, they raise two sons and share their home with three Alaskan Malamutes and a goldfish named Lou, symbolizing the simple joys that define Lugo's personal life.
A. Alberto Lugo's legacy is one of innovation, sustainability, and service. His architectural achievements, combined with his commitment to philanthropy and environmental stewardship, have left a lasting impact on the industry. His ability to seamlessly integrate green initiatives into architectural design serves as a model for future generations, demonstrating how architecture can harmonize with nature without compromising creativity or functionality. His journey is a testament to the power of vision, dedication, and a deep-rooted commitment to making a positive impact on both the built environment and the world at large.