Armando Elias, Director of Craft Design, holds a Master’s Degree in Architecture and Urbanism from the Architectural Association School of Architecture in London, completed within the Design Research Laboratory (DRL). His postgraduate studies focused on architectural research, urban systems, and advanced design methodologies, forming the foundation of his architectural approach.
At the core of Armando’s work is a strong passion for architecture as a crafted discipline, where concept, materiality, and construction are inseparable. He is particularly driven by the translation of ideas into built form, with a hands-on approach grounded in buildability, precision, and close collaboration.
Beyond architecture, Armando draws inspiration from a wide range of creative and cultural interests, including photography, motorbikes, classic cars, travel, and art. These passions inform his sensitivity to proportion, movement, materiality, and narrative, enriching his architectural work with a broader design perspective shaped by global experiences and visual culture.
Prior to relocating to London, Armando studied architecture at the Central University of Venezuela, graduating with Honours in 2001, before moving to London in 2002. He later worked on high-profile projects internationally, across scales ranging from product design to large architectural and urban developments, with experience at leading practices including Foster + Partners, Murphy Jahn, BFLS, ARUP, and Woods Bagot.
