A0.0 — Overview
Practice stance, operating principles, and scope of work for A. Alberto Lugo at Framing Futures Architectural Firm.
Architecture should be clear, frugal with energy, and generous with light and air. Alberto’s work favors simple forms, resilient materials, and plans that can pivot without waste.
- People first: legible access, comfort, and safety.
- Passive first: reduce loads before adding systems.
- Long life: details that can be maintained and repaired.
- Cost awareness: decisions tied to first and operating costs.
New York and New Jersey, with focus on civic, residential, and workplace projects.
A1.0 — Biography
Statement of practice and experience narrative.
Alberto leads FFAF with a builder’s practicality and a planner’s patience. He sits with stakeholders early, sets performance targets, and models options until the right balance is obvious. His teams document with clarity so coordination is easier and field changes are fewer.
He is comfortable across scales—community pavilions, mixed-use housing, and adaptable hubs for growing companies. He prefers material palettes that weather well and building systems that staff can operate without a manual.
A2.0 — Case Files
Problem → Moves → Effects. Three representative projects.
Eastchester Community Pavilion
One roof to host sports, civic meetings, and cultural events without costly reconfigurations.
- Deep overhangs and cross ventilation to reduce cooling load.
- Solar-ready roof with local timber structure.
- Flexible spans and storage to switch use quickly.
- Modeled energy use ~28% lower than baseline.
- Floor plates convert in under 2 hours for most events.
Ironbound Lofts
180 homes and ground-floor retail in Newark’s Ironbound District.
- Brick and steel echo the industrial fabric with durable detailing.
- Green roofs and shared courtyards for comfort and stormwater.
- Daylight-first layouts; transit-forward site planning.
- Daylight targets met for most units.
- Pre-leasing strengthened by rooftop common spaces.
Greenwich Innovation Hub
Workspace that can flex as startups grow without frequent fit-out waste.
- Modular planning grids and reconfigurable partitions.
- High-performance glazing shaded by vertical green walls.
- Simple MEP zones for phased expansion.
- Fit-out churn reduced; downtime minimized during reconfig.
- Thermal comfort improved across seasons.
A3.0 — Program Profile: A. Alberto Lugo Foundation
Scope, eligibility, scale, and active dockets.
- Partners: non-profits, community groups, and local agencies.
- Geography: Newark, NJ and communities across NY & NJ.
- Services: low-cost or pro bono planning and design.
- Newark Youth Arts Center — conversion of warehouse to arts/education hub.
- Eastchester Senior Housing — accessible, affordable residences.
- Harlem Community Library Annex — tech-forward branch expansion.
Email a one-page brief: goals, community served, timeline, and budget range. The Foundation reviews monthly.
A4.0 — External References
Directory of verified profiles and pages.
A5.0 — RFI / Contact
Request for Information — initiation note.