Insatiably Curious: Atelier Manferdini's Elena Manferdini on Experimentation, Critical Thinking, and Global Citizens
By Julia Gamolina
Elena Manferdini, principal of Atelier Manferdini, has over twenty years of experience in design, placemaking, and education. She serves as Graduate Programs Chair at SCI-Arc and has taught at Cornell, UC Berkeley, UPenn, and Seika University. Her work is exhibited internationally, and she holds engineering and architecture licenses in Italy, with a Master's from UCLA.
In 2019, she received the ICON Award at the LA Design Festival for her impact on Los Angeles and society. In her interview with Julia Gamolina, Elena talks about the effects of a home-base in LA on her contributions in practice and pedagogy, advising those just starting their careers to be open to new ideas and technologies.
JG: There's a lot of responsibility in being the Chair of a program — what are you thinking most about in your role as Chair as SCI-Arc, and what would you encourage all of our readers to pay attention to and keep our eye on for the beginning of 2025?
EM: Today’s schools have a dual responsibility: to shape innovative designers and to educate global citizens. Looking ahead to 2025, the focus of SCI-Arc Graduate Programs will center on advancements in AI and emerging technologies, as well as on social and environmental justice at both local and global levels.
We are learning in a global classroom, and today’s architectural curriculum must prioritize worldwide awareness and cultural competency, creating an inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives. In recent years, SCI-Arc has developed a set of ethical ambitions to align its practices with evolving values in architecture and education, reflecting a commitment to creativity, inclusivity, transparency, and sustainability. Additionally, the curriculum must stay relevant and responsive to technical advancements, integrating the latest tools and methodologies. By doing so, we can prepare students to navigate the changing landscape of architectural practice and equip them with the skills needed to thrive.
RaDD Purple Haze, San Diego, 2024. Photography by Alex Nye.
Zev Yaroslavsky Family Support Center, Inverted Landscapes, Van Nuys, 2015.
Now let's go back a little bit — tell me about why you yourself studied architecture, and how you chose where you went.
My first degree is in Structural Engineering from the Università degli Studi di Bologna, Italy. In 1997, I left Italy for an exchange program at UCLA, where I earned my M.Arch I degree in 2000. Bologna, with its rich architectural history, is a medieval city characterized by a complex tapestry of layered facades, deep arcades, leaning towers, and unfinished churches. Growing up in this environment, I was surrounded by buildings that shaped both public and private life, deeply influencing my appreciation for visual and material culture.
Upon arriving in Los Angeles, I quickly realized that the city was a complete contrast — a hub for contemporary architecture and art, constantly building and expanding with a vibrant energy that drew me in. It also became evident how important innovation and technology were in academia and their deep connection to entrepreneurship. Los Angeles fascinated me with its multiculturalism, rapid urban development, and bold formalist architecture, offering a fresh perspective that broadened my understanding of architecture.
“I came to realize that architectural education is never an individual journey; I find far greater fulfillment in collective success than in personal achievements.”
How did your practice come about, and your role at SCI-Arc?
Moving to Los Angeles from Italy was pivotal not just for my career but for my entire approach to architecture. After completing my master’s degree, I worked in an architectural office in Venice, LA and learned how to navigate the challenges of the profession. In 2003, I began teaching at SCI-Arc and soon after founded my own practice, Atelier Manferdini. This decision was driven by a desire for greater creative freedom and the opportunity to explore the intersection of architecture, art, and technology in my work. I’m deeply invested in public art, as I believe that this scale of work reflects and reveals our society, adding meaning to our cities and uniqueness to our communities. It humanizes the built environment and invigorates public spaces, making them more engaging and accessible to all.
At SCI-Arc, I focus on fostering a creative environment that encourages experimentation and critical thinking. This position allows me to guide students in exploring their own design philosophies while providing mentorship and support as they navigate their educational journeys. By bridging my professional practice ambitions with my academic goals, I aim to inspire the next generation of architects to think creatively and responsibly about their work in the built environment.
KAIDA Center of Science & Design, Dongguan, China, 2019 – Interactive Wall.
KAIDA Center of Science & Design, Dongguan, China, 2019 – Interior.
Looking back at it all, what have been the biggest challenges? How did you both manage through perceived disappointments or setbacks?
My story is not dissimilar to that of many international students who come to this country to study and then remain in the USA. In my earlier years in Los Angeles, I faced challenges as a foreigner that limited my professional growth and development, as well as institutional gender discrimination that impacted my opportunities and sense of security. However, those who know me will attest to my persistence; I never take things for granted and am always willing to put in the hard work for projects I truly believe in.
What is something that didn't turn out as you'd expected, and what did you make of it to make things work for yourself and your career?
Contrary to my initial beliefs, teaching has been a transformative experience that has shown me I find deeper fulfillment in serving a larger cause rather than in pursuing my own. During my years as a faculty member at SCI-Arc, I gained insights into human nature, the distinction between leading and managing, and, most importantly, the power of a self-confident community—a truly inspiring environment to be part of. I developed a willingness to sit at the table and represent perspectives that had previously been excluded. Through this leadership experience, I learned the importance of resilience, patience, and assertiveness in matters that affect the collective. I came to realize that architectural education is never an individual journey; I find far greater fulfillment in collective success than in personal achievements.
“The field is constantly evolving, and being open to new ideas and technologies will keep you ahead. Architecture is, after all, for the insatiably curious mind.”
Who are you admiring now and why?
There is nothing more impactful than ideas that can transform the world, and those ideas are worth protecting. I value individuals and institutions that can suspend judgment and create platforms that nurture fragile, unclear concepts until they evolve into something powerful. At this exact moment I admire the work of Democracy Forward and the Berggruen Institute for their innovative approaches to fostering nonpartisan collective actions.
What is the impact you’d like to have on the world? What is your core mission? And, what does success in that look like to you?
On a personal level, I am no longer interested in being proven right; time is both limited and precious in everyone’s life. Today, I cherish being part of a global network of thinkers who navigate change through innovation. As an educator, I strive to serve the collective and inspire the next generation of architects to think creatively and responsibly about their contributions to their communities. In my opinion success as an educator is when a strong curriculum emerges from the alignment of values and purpose. Parallel to my academic practice, my work at Atelier Manferdini focuses on creating spaces and objects that provoke emotional and intellectual responses—places of meaning within a community.
City of Hopes, Blossoms, Duarte, 2024.
Dominion Energy Substation, InVisible, Crystal City, 2023.
Finally, what advice do you have for those starting their career? Would your advice be any different for women?
For women, my advice is to articulate what you want, both to yourself and others. The world is changing, albeit slowly. It’s also crucial to ensure you receive credit for your contributions—a practice I had to consciously embrace. In organizations, formal authority comes from position, but actual authority is negotiated daily, and linguistic style subtly reflects status within a hierarchy.
For those starting their careers in architecture, my advice is to stay curious and embrace every opportunity that challenges you creatively and intellectually. The field is constantly evolving, and being open to new ideas and technologies will keep you ahead. Architecture is, after all, for the insatiably curious mind.