Luis is an accomplished architect, educator, and academic with over 35 years of experience across residential, commercial, civic, and public projects. A Harvard-trained architect, he combines visionary design with functionality, earning international recognition for his innovative work. In 2006, he co-founded Reform, LLC, integrating academic research with professional practice to deliver impactful, research-driven designs. Prior to Reform, Luis honed his skills at leading firms like Kennedy & Violich Architecture, contributing to award-winning projects such as the East/Harlem River Ferry Landings.

As an educator, Luis has taught at institutions including the University of Maryland and The Catholic University of America, where he served as Associate Dean and co-founded the CUA_DC (CUA Design Collaborative) a non-profit offering design services to underserved communities. His work focuses on advanced technologies and their potential to create transformative architectural experiences, blending academic rigor with real-world impact.

Design is an art that turns challenges into opportunities by navigating variables and constraints to develop thoughtful, functional solutions. Luis highlights the importance of achieving positive results for both clients and communities. Whether tackling a large construction project or renovating a small space, he believes that successful design requires collaboration among a diverse team, bringing together expertise at key moments.

Through attentive listening, analysis, and a unique representation of ideas, Luis fosters meaningful connections in his process and build works. He believes that Architecture serves as a physical framework for life, influencing movements and behaviors. Luis strives to create spaces that enrich experiences and enhance the awareness of one’s surroundings. His goal is to choreograph the spatial interactions we navigate in our daily lives.

The unique experiences resulting from his process are captured on this website as a series of Design Narratives. These narratives emphasize the storytelling components of the architectural process, highlighting relationships and the evolution of design through collaboration. In exploring these narratives, you may find parallels to the design challenges in your own environment. More importantly, Luis hopes you uncover the profound impact that good design can have on shaping your daily interactions with the built environment.

2024

ARCHITECTURE | DC Magazine : Stepping Up: The Annual Chapter Design Awards Issue, Fall 2024

“Washingtonian Residential Design Award: LOFted Space”

(featuring the Cleveland Park Residence 2)

2022

ARCHITECTURE | DC Magazine : Case Studies, Innovative Residential Architecture, Spring 2022

“Precises in Petworth: This Attic is Full of Ideas”, by Stephen K Dickens

(featuring the Petworth Residence)

2020

ARCHITECTURE | DC Magazine: The Spirit of Design Annual AIA|DC Awards Issue, Winter 2020

Washingtonian Honorable Mention for Detail, Stair Screen

2020

ARCHITECTURE | DC Magazine : In Residence, Stylish Houses and Apartments, Spring 2020

Big Little Living: Renovation Makes the Most of 500 Square Feet”, by Louis Duva

(featuring the Southwest Waterfront Residence)

2020

WASHINGTONIAN Magazine, August 2020, "Washington’s Top 12 New Houses of the Year"

“It’s the Small Things: Jurors Recognize Two Projects with “Detail” Awards”

(featuring the Stair Screen)

2008                                           

M+D+F Modern Design Function, Top Ten Judge’s Award

Design Within Reach, Washington, DC

2008       

Best Paper, Parametrics, Performance and (Pre)Fabrication

2008 ACSA Northeast Fall Conference, University of Massachusetts                 

2008                                           

Presidential Citation for Sustainable Design, American Institute of Architects - DC Chapter

Society for Neuroscience Headquarters

 (in collaboration with Envision, PLLC Wash., DC)

2008       

The Provost Award for Excellence in Creative Expression

The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC

2007                                           

Inform Award for Excellence in Design, Award of Merit, Virginia Society of the AIA

Society for Neuroscience Headquarters (in collaboration with Envision, PLLC, Wash., DC)

2007                                           

Inform Award for Excellence in Design, Award of Merit, Virginia Society of the AIA

Stuart-Hobson Middle School Library (in collaboration with CUAdc)

2007       

2006-2007 ACSA Collaborative Practice Award, CUA Design Collaborative (CUAdc)

Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA)

2006                                           

AIA|DC / WAF Pro Bono Publico Award from TheWashington Architectural Foundation

Stuart-Hobson Middle School Library (in collaboration with CUAdc)

2006                                           

Inform Award for Excellence in Design, Award of Merit, Virginia Society of the AIA

Digital Craft

2006                                           

Inform Award for Excellence in Design, Award of Merit, Virginia Society of the AIA

Thinking As Doing                                 

2006                                           

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) National Education Honors Award

The Digital Design/Build Initiative, CUA School of Architecture and Planning

2006                                           

2005-2006 ACSA / AIAS New Faculty Teaching Award

Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA)

American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS)

2006                                           

National Merit Award for Best Practices in Architectural Education K-12

American Architectural Foundation, Stuart-Hobson Middle School Library

2005                                           

Tsunami Memorial Design Competition, Honorable Mention

Sponsored by The Ministry of Culture & The Council of Architects, Thailand

2002                                           

AIA / ALA Library Building Award

The American Institute of Architects, The American Library Association

Shady Hill School Library, Cambridge, MA (in collaboration with

Kennedy & Violich Architecture (KVA), Boston, MA)

2000                                           

Progressive Architecture Award

East & Harlem River Ferry Landings, New York, NY (in collaboration with KVA, Boston, MA)

1994                                           

New Public Works Award, National Endowment for the Arts

Broadway Theater, Sommerville, MA (in collaboration with KVA, Boston, MA)

1993                                           

Michigan Vietnam Veterans Memorial Competition, Honorable Mention