The KPF Director joined host Stephen Drew to offer advice to young architects and discuss the values of working at KPF for over a decade.
The Architecture Social YouTube channel acts as a resource for burgeoning architects to learn about the industry from the experts that are actively shaping the profession. In the interview, Francesco shares his journey from Italy to London, how he came to KPF, and how the firm’s development has shaped that of his own career. He reflects: “The great thing about a firm like KPF is that it amplifies the personal voice of an architect. The firm functions in the overlap between the personal curiosities of the individuals within them and the legacy that the firm carries with it. You can become one with the firm and grow with it, but to do so it’s equally important to branch out and stay interested in everything beyond the firm itself, and even beyond architecture.”
Francesco emphasizes how the horizontally collaborative structure of KPF fosters an environment that prioritizes the best idea, no matter where it comes from. This enables personal voices to develop and is what allows him to successfully lead innovative international projects like the DAMAC Tower in London and Lorenzini 8, 10 and 12. Stephen and Francesco discuss the challenges and opportunities affecting the future of architecture, including design technology and the integration of artificial intelligence. Reacting to an ever-evolving field, Francesco offers his design philosophy of focusing on how the project will function as a real, tangible contribution to people’s lives and the communities within which projects are built.
