Principal, Fernando Villa elevated to AIA College of Fellows
New York, NY (March 1, 2021) – Magnusson Architecture and Planning (MAP) is proud to announce that Principal, Fernando Villa has been elevated to the AIA’s College of Fellows. This honor caps more than twenty years of social impact design centered on beautiful, healthy and sustainable housing for New Yorkers most in need.
Fernando Villa’s sketches of affordable, supportive and senior housing developments on the boards.
Mr. Villa’s approach to affordable, supportive and senior housing emphasizes quality materials, inclusivity, and an embrace of the unique opportunities inherent in every site. His thoughtful concepts which focus attention on sustainability, wellness, exceptional amenity areas and living spaces, are wrapped in distinctive, sophisticated exteriors. This purpose-driven architecture helps to meet the programmatic goals of MAP’s nonprofit clients and also stands as a statement of principle. It lets those who live and work in these buildings know that they are valued and conveys the same message to the surrounding community. In this way Mr. Villa has empowered residents and service providers and challenged the negative stereotypes so often and unfairly ascribed to this industry and those who benefit from it.
“These are more than just places to live, these are places to be proud of. If you want to change people’s lives, then you have to treat them with dignity. That starts with good design.”
Fernando Villa, FAIA, LEED AP BD+C
Principal Magnusson Architecture and Planning
Mr. Villa’s efforts have led New York City and local advocacy organizations to hold his work up as an example for the field. His Creston Avenue Residence was included in the New York City Planning and Design Commission’s “Designing New York: Affordable Housing” and two of his designs have won Supportive Housing Project of the Year honors through The Supportive Housing Network of New York (SHNNY). His work has been recognized on the local and national level by the AIA, SARA, and The National Association of Home Builders among others. In fact, his MLK Plaza in the Bronx was honored with a 2020 AIA National Housing award. Mr. Villa’s St. Augustine Terrace, which won a 2020 AIANY design award, is featured in this New York Times piece.
ABOUT AIA FELLOWS
AIA Fellows are recognized with the AIA’s highest membership honor for their exceptional work and contributions to architecture and society. Architects who have made significant contributions to the profession and society and who exemplify architectural excellence can become a member of the AIA College of Fellows. Only 3 percent of the AIA members have this distinction.
ABOUT MAP
For over three decades, Magnusson Architecture and Planning (MAP) has worked with non-profit groups, municipalities, and for-profit developers to produce award-winning housing and neighborhood revitalization projects at the forefront of quality design and sustainability. MAP offers comprehensive architectural and planning services, and specializes in affordable, supportive, senior and workforce housing, as well as buildings with a range of affordability including market-rate or integrated supportive units. MAP’s expertise extends to community-based planning and urban design, resident-in-place renovations, mixed-use development and sustainable design for Passive House, LEED, NYSERDA, Energy Star, and Enterprise Green Communities certification.