Alberto Villanueva

Alberto Villanueva is an architect and associate professor at Ravensbourne University London, where he leads the Department of Architecture and the Built Environment. He has extensive experience in education, management and engagement with the creative economies and the built environment.

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About Alberto

Originally from Spain, Alberto established his own practice, IDEA Architecture Office, in Madrid over a decade ago, an interdisciplinary studio working with architecture offices and the public sector on digital crafting, sustainability and social impact. In 2017 he was invited to become a Spanish Ambassador for Science and Technology to the United Kingdom. His research explores emerging technologies and their social impact, including AI, digital fabrication and bio-based materials, alongside cultural heritage and spatial practice. His Mars UTOPIA project on 3D printing for extreme environments was highlighted by the Royal Academy of Arts and published by Dezeen, Designboom and ArchDaily.

A registered architect (ARB), Alberto is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and a member of the Higher Education Academy, the Architects Climate Action Network and the Worshipful Company of Chartered Architects, as well as a Freeman of the City of London. He is an external examiner at the University of the Arts London and De Montfort University.

In this Architecture Social episode he joins Stephen Drew to discuss the state of architecture in 2025, the financial realities facing students and practices, the value of crits and presentation skills, the role of AI, and the future of architectural education.