Luis is a distinguished architect, educator, and academic with over 35 years of experience in residential, commercial, civic, and public projects. A Harvard-trained professional, he combines visionary design with functionality, earning international acclaim for his innovative contributions to the field. In 2006, he co-founded reform, llc, a firm dedicated to integrating academic research with professional practice to deliver impactful, research-driven design. Prior to this, Luis refined his expertise at leading architecture firms such as Core PC in Washington, DC, and Kennedy & Violich Architecture in Boston, MA, contributing to award-winning projects like the East/Harlem River Ferry Landings in New York City.

As an educator, Luis has taught and lectured at prominent institutions, including the University of Maryland and The Catholic University of America School of Architecture and Planning, where he served as a tenured Associate Professor and Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies. His research focuses on advanced technologies and their potential to create transformative architectural experiences, combining academic rigor with practical applications. He established the Master of Architecture Graduate Concentration in Emerging Design Technologies, exploring how architects leverage two-, three-, and four-dimensional digital tools to design, analyze, and experience space. Additionally, Luis co-founded the CUA_DC (CUA Design Collaborative), a nonprofit organization providing design services to underserved communities, underscoring his commitment to impactful design and education.

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 built 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.

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,  project completed while a Principal at reform, llc)

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,  Project completed while a Principal at reform, llc)

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

Washingtonian Honorable Mention for Detail, Stair Screen

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,  Project completed while a Principal at reform, llc)

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)

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

Design Within Reach, Washington, DC

Best Paper, Parametrics, Performance and (Pre)Fabrication

ACSA Northeast Fall Conference, University of Massachusetts                 

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

Society for Neuroscience Headquarters

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

The Provost Award for Excellence in Creative Expression

The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC

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)

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

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

ACSA Collaborative Practice Award, CUA Design Collaborative (CUAdc)

Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA)

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

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

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

Digital Craft

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

Thinking As Doing                                 

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

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

ACSA / AIAS New Faculty Teaching Award

Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA)

American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS)

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

American Architectural Foundation, Stuart-Hobson Middle School Library

(Project completed while an Associate Architect at Kennedy & Violich Architecture (KVA), Boston, MA)

Tsunami Memorial Design Competition, Honorable Mention

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

AIA / ALA Library Building Award

The American Institute of Architects, The American Library Association

Shady Hill School Library, Cambridge, MA 

(Project completed while an Associate Architect at Kennedy & Violich Architecture (KVA), Boston, MA)

Progressive Architecture Award

East & Harlem River Ferry Landings, New York, NY 

(Project completed while an Associate Architect at Kennedy & Violich Architecture (KVA), Boston, MA)

New Public Works Award, National Endowment for the Arts

Broadway Theater, Sommerville, MA 

(Project completed while an Associate Architect at Kennedy & Violich Architecture (KVA), Boston, MA)

Michigan Vietnam Veterans Memorial Competition, Honorable Mention