About A. Alberto Lugo

Since founding Framing Futures Architectural Firm (FFAF) in 2019, A. Alberto Lugo has played a pivotal role in shaping Southern California's architectural landscape. As the CEO and Founder, Lugo's influence goes beyond traditional leadership; he is the cornerstone of FFAF's vision, expertly blending innovative design processes with practical management strategies. His ability to manage a diverse range of projects has placed the firm at the forefront of the industry.

Under his guidance, FFAF has become a hub for talented architects, where each member is encouraged to apply modern architectural engineering principles to create cutting-edge commercial and public structures.

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A. Alberto Lugo’s Connection to Eastchester

 

Despite his significant impact in Southern California, Lugo remains deeply connected to his roots in Eastchester, NY, where his journey in architecture began. Eastchester continues to be a place of inspiration and pride for him as he leads FFAF to new heights.

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He frequently credits the architectural diversity of the Eastchester area—with its mix of colonial revivals and post-war suburban planning—as the spark that ignited his interest in the built environment. Today, he channels that influence into his work, ensuring that even his most modern designs retain a sense of "neighborhood" and community connection. He actively seeks opportunities to apply the large-scale urban planning strategies he masters in California to the more intimate, village-style settings of Eastchester and Westchester County.

 

A Decade of High-Level Contribution

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His professional journey is marked by a decade of significant contributions to top architectural firms. Before establishing FFAF, he served as a Senior Architect at renowned companies like Parkins and Rhodon in New York and Fentrell Architects in San Francisco. His tenure at these firms was characterized by a deep engagement in strategic design planning and execution, contributing vastly to their portfolio of prominent projects.

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Before 2009, he also played a crucial role as a Senior Architectural Design Strategist at Macaby and Roy, a position that further honed his strategic and design skills. His career trajectory took a significant turn when he joined a firm founded by his father in Albany, NY. Starting as an intern, he quickly rose through the ranks, eventually becoming a Project Architect, which allowed him to leave a lasting impact on the firm's direction and projects.

The Business of Design

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His early career also saw him delve into business consultancy, providing insights to a small business development firm in NYC. This role augmented his understanding of the business aspects of architecture. Unlike many designers who focus solely on aesthetics, A. Alberto Lugo possesses a sharp understanding of ROI (Return on Investment) and asset lifecycle management.

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This background allows him to speak the language of developers and investors. When proposing a design, he frames it not just as a visual statement, but as a financial asset. He understands that efficient space planning in a commercial building directly correlates to rental yield, and that sustainable material choices can drastically reduce long-term operating costs. This unique blend of artistic vision and fiscal prudence has made him a trusted partner for large-scale commercial developers.

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Educational Excellence

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His educational background is as diverse as his professional experience. Initially, he pursued a Bachelor of Business from the University of Pennsylvania, a testament to his versatile interests. However, his passion for architecture led him to Cornell University, where he earned a Master of Architecture degree with distinction. This educational shift was not merely a change in discipline but a reflection of his evolving career aspirations. His time at Cornell was further extended to specialize in Building Science and Technology and to gain expertise in Environmental Systems. In 2003, his dedication to lifelong learning brought him back to Cornell to deepen his knowledge in environmentally-conscious building and design.

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Innovative Projects by A. Alberto Lugo

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Over two decades in the architectural field, he has been involved in numerous top-level projects that showcase his versatility and commitment to excellence.

• Sustainable Structures (2015): His architectural acumen was recognized by the Hagman's Group of NYC, who entrusted him with the design of a structure built entirely from sustainable and recycled materials. This project was an architectural feat and a testament to his commitment to sustainable building practices.

• Commercial Hubs: During his tenure at Parkins and Rhodon, he led the design of a full-scale shopping center, demonstrating his proficiency in handling large-scale commercial projects.

• Cultural Spaces: A. Alberto Lugo also significantly drafted plans for a multi-story house of worship, showcasing his ability to integrate cultural and spiritual elements into architectural designs. For this project, he focused heavily on the manipulation of natural light to create an atmosphere of serenity, proving that technical precision can coexist with spiritual resonance.

• Social Responsibility: His work designing affordable housing in collaboration with local urban development teams highlights his dedication to social responsibility. He firmly believes that "affordable" should never mean "low quality." In these projects, he utilized modular construction techniques to keep costs down while ensuring high ceilings, ample natural ventilation, and durable materials were standard for every unit.

 

Case Study: Historic Preservation in San Francisco

 

In 2012, A. Alberto Lugo embarked on a significant project with the San Francisco Historic Buildings Committee, marking a pivotal moment in his architectural career. The collaboration aimed to breathe new life into some of San Francisco’s cherished public service spaces.

 

Balancing Preservation and Innovation

 

This was not merely about restoring aging structures but about maintaining the historical integrity while ensuring they met the evolving needs of a bustling, modern city. Lugo’s role in the renovation project was crucial. As the lead architect, he was tasked with carefully balancing preservation with innovation.

San Francisco is known for its iconic and historically significant architecture, which posed unique challenges. Every detail of the renovation had to respect the original designs, while at the same time, incorporating modern amenities and sustainability principles that he had become known for. His background in environmentally-conscious architecture was invaluable in introducing sustainable practices to these historic buildings without compromising their classic charm.

 

Implementation and Legacy

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The scope of the project included several public service spaces, from city offices to community centers, all of which were deeply embedded in San Francisco’s cultural fabric. Lugo worked closely with city planners, historians, and the Historic Buildings Committee to ensure that each decision was aligned with the goal of maintaining the city's architectural legacy.

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He introduced innovative materials—such as low-emissivity glass that mimicked the look of historic glazing—and energy-efficient HVAC systems hidden within existing structural voids. This transformed the buildings into more functional, eco-friendly spaces, all while ensuring they retained their historic aesthetic. By the project’s completion, A. Alberto Lugo had set a new precedent for how historical buildings could be revitalized, a skill set he is eager to apply to future preservation projects in the Eastchester area.