A. Alberto Lugo is the esteemed CEO and founder of Framing Futures Architectural Firm (FFAF), established in Southern California in 2019. As the founding partner, he directs daily operations and design initiatives for a variety of projects within the firm. His leadership extends to collaborating with board members to recruit and mentor new architects, focusing on pioneering commercial and public structures founded on modern architectural engineering principles.
Professional Background
Before launching FFAF, Alberto dedicated a decade as a Senior Architect at prominent firms such as Parkins and Rhodon in New York and Fentrell Architects in San Francisco. His earlier career included significant positions at Macaby and Roy, where he evolved from a Senior Architectural Design Strategist to a Senior Architect. His foundational experiences in architecture started at a firm founded by his father in Albany, NY, where he ascended from an internship to the role of Project Architect in 2002 after initially working as a business consultant in New York City.
Education and Training
His academic path began with a Bachelor of Business from the University of Pennsylvania in 2000. He soon pivoted to architecture, obtaining his Master of Architecture from Cornell University in 2002, where he graduated with distinction. His commitment to education continued at Cornell, where he furthered his expertise in environmentally-conscious building and design in 2003.
Career Highlights
Throughout A. Alberto Lugo's two decades in architecture, he has been integral to several high-profile projects. These include collaborations with the San Francisco Historic Buildings Committee in 2012 and the design of a pioneering sustainable structure for the Hagman's Group of NYC in 2015. At Parkins and Rhodon, he led the design of a significant shopping center, contributed to a multi-story house of worship, and worked with urban development teams on affordable housing initiatives, including projects in Eastchester, NY.
Focus on Sustainability
Environmental protection through sustainable architectural design has been a defining theme of his recent career. His expertise in creating eco-friendly building designs has established him as a significant advocate for ecological preservation. He promotes the integration of construction practices with natural environmental systems, particularly in regions like Eastchester, where his influence continues to grow.
Philanthropy and Recognition
Lugo actively contributes pro-bono services to various organizations, including Habitat for Humanity and Homes for Veterans. In 2015, he founded the Architecture and Earth Awareness Foundation to promote green initiatives within the building industry. His contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including recognitions from Homes for Veterans and the Green Initiative Climate Council. His architectural prowess led to nominations for the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2019 and the Architecture Master's Prize in 2020, winning the Architectural Visionary Award in 2021.
Personal Life
Away from architecture, A. Alberto Lugo enjoys wilderness activities, fishing, and exploring diverse cultures through travel. He values family above all, cherishing time with his wife Genavieve, their two sons, three Alaskan Malamutes, and a goldfish named Lou. His family and personal life remain his most incredible pride and accomplishment.
In 2015, A. Alberto Lugo transformed his passion for sustainable design into action by founding the Architecture and Earth Awareness Foundation. This organization emerged as his answer to one of the most pressing challenges of modern construction—how to balance the demands of urban development with the need to protect the environment. His vision was not merely to build green but to reshape how architects, engineers, and developers think about architecture, encouraging them to see sustainability as a cornerstone rather than an afterthought.
Lugo’s foundation became a vital platform for advocating eco-friendly practices across the construction industry. Through seminars, educational outreach, and consulting services, the organization equipped architects and builders with the knowledge and tools to adopt sustainable techniques in their projects. From recycled materials to solar-powered solutions, the foundation highlighted practical methods for reducing the environmental impact of modern architecture.
One of the foundation’s most significant achievements was its role in guiding over 400 large-scale projects worldwide toward sustainable practices. He and his team worked hand-in-hand with developers to implement green technologies—ranging from energy-efficient heating systems to rainwater harvesting setups—ensuring that each structure aligned with environmentally conscious principles. The projects spanned diverse sectors, including public spaces, residential housing, and commercial buildings, all unified by a commitment to sustainability.
Beyond consulting, Lugo was driven by a desire to change industry mindsets. He emphasized that architecture must embrace its responsibility to serve both people and the planet. The foundation promoted green certifications, encouraging companies to adopt eco-conscious standards that would endure well into the future. He believed that architects, as creators of space, hold the power to shape the future in meaningful ways, not just by reducing environmental harm but by designing spaces that enrich the connection between humans and nature.
Today, the Architecture and Earth Awareness Foundation stands as a testament to A. Alberto Lugo’s vision continues to inspire architects around the world to embrace sustainable innovation. It serves as both a reminder and a call to action—that the most impactful buildings are those that respect the environment, nurture communities, and stand as a legacy for future generations.