Alberto Villanueva Galindo

Alberto Villanueva Galindo is an architect, academic leader, and Head of the School of Architecture and Built Environment at Ravensbourne University London. He leads a multidisciplinary portfolio spanning architecture, urbanism, design engineering, and interiors, with a strong focus on interdisciplinary education, industry collaboration, and the future of the built environment.

With over a decade of experience across academia, practice, and institutional leadership, Alberto operates at the intersection of design, technology, and innovation. His work engages with creative economies and urban systems, advancing new models of architectural education that respond to contemporary challenges such as climate change, digital transformation, and social impact.

His academic and professional projects span multiple geographies including Spain, South Korea, China, Slovenia, Italy, France, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States. His early research, Mars UTOPIA, explored 3D printing and advanced materials for construction in extreme environments, proposing new architectural responses to climate conditions. The work was recognised by the Royal Academy of Arts and featured in leading international platforms such as Dezeen, Designboom, and ArchDaily.

Prior to his academic leadership roles, Alberto founded IDEA Architecture Office in Madrid, an interdisciplinary practice collaborating with both public and private sectors. The studio focused on innovation in digital fabrication, sustainability, and socially engaged design, contributing to projects that bridged research and real-world application.

In 2017, he was appointed Spanish Ambassador for Science and Innovation to the United Kingdom, recognising his contribution to strengthening connections between science, technology, and design across international contexts.

Alongside his leadership role, Alberto contributes to the wider academic and professional landscape as an external examiner in architecture and design, and as a frequent keynote speaker at international conferences. His work focuses on the role of interdisciplinary thinking, organisational leadership, and design as a driver for societal change.

He is a registered architect with the Architects Registration Board (ARB), a Fellow of Advance HE, and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (RSA). In addition, Alberto is Court Assistant of the Worshipful Company of Chartered Architects.