Paolo graduated in architecture from the Politecnico di Milano with Pierluigi Nicolin in 1996 after studying at the Architectural Association in London and at the École normale supérieure in Paris. He worked with Renzo Piano until 2000, when he founded OBR with Tommaso Principi, setting up a design network operating in Milan, London, and Mumbai. Paolo has been awarded an honourable mention for emerging architecture at RIBA in London, Europe 40 under 40 in Madrid, WAN Award in London, Leaf Overall in London, and the American Architecture Prize in New York.
Tommaso graduated in architecture from the Università di Genova in 2000 after studying civil engineering at Università di Bologna. He worked with Renzo Piano until 2000 when he founded OBR with Paolo Brescia setting up a design network operating in Milan, London, and Mumbai. Tommaso has been awarded with an honourable mention for emerging architecture at RIBA in London, Europe 40 under 40 in Madrid, WAN Award in London, Leaf Overall in London, and the American Architecture Prize in New York.
Andrea joined OBR in 2008 and became a partner in 2017. After graduating in Architecture at Politecnico di Milano in 2006, he developed strong design skills in architecture design. He has been involved in many of OBR’s most renowned projects including Galliera Hospital in Genoa, Riviera Airport in Albenga, Galleria Sabauda in Turin, Triennale di Milano, Bassi Business Park in Milano. He contributed to the research activity of OBR applied in the exhibition Right to Energy at MAXXI in Rome in 2013. Thanks to his long-standing design experience, Andrea holds the position of Design Manager of OBR in large-scale international projects, such as the ongoing project of the BFF Bank Headquarters.
After graduating in Fashion Design at Politecnico di Milano, Gioele joined OBR in 2023 as the Personal Assistant to the Founding Partner Paolo Brescia. With his creative approach and thanks to his positive attitude in teamworking, he contributes to the research of OBR rising questions and turning problems into opportunities through resilient thinking.
From 2021 Mariagrazia is Design Manager in OBR. After graduating in Architecture ad Politecnico di Milano in 2015, she worked in several Architecture Firms in Italy. With experience in a range of architectural fields, interior design, workplace strategies and building design. In OBR she is leading the design team focused on real estate projects in Milano.
Edoardo graduated in Architecture at Politecnico di Milano in 2012. After several work experiences, he joined forces with OBR in 2014 dealing with a wide range of local and international projects at different design stages. Over the years his responsibilities have grown consistently along with his design skills. As a Design Manager, he developed strong abilities in team working and team leading, dealing with clients, consultants and authorities. He’s been involved in many OBR’s projects such as Terrazza Triennale di Milano, ERG Offices, Ex Aura Nervi, Unimore University in Modena, Casa Vela in Genoa. He is currently managing the project for the Waterfront di Levante in Genoa where OBR is working together with Renzo Piano and RPBW.
Ludovico graduated in Architecture and Urban Design at Politecnico di Milano. He has been involved in several projects of OBR from 2021, in Italy, India and Ghana. He covers different design phases, from concept design to technical design and artistic direction. His deep love for the sea and sport led him to win numerous international awards in sailing. Ludovico combines architecture with passions for graphic design and photography.
Sara is an architect at OBR since 2021. She graduated with a Master’s Degree in Architecture from La Sapienza Università di Roma, after spending one year abroad at the Technische Universität München. She deepened her interest in participatory and community-based design with academic research projects with the KNUST in Ghana. After she worked in Rome and Rotterdam, she joined OBR getting involved in renowned projects such as The Innovation Hub in the MIND district, evolving a detail-oriented design approach.
Pietro studied architecture at the ETSAM in Madrid and at the Academy of Architecture in Mendrisio, where he graduates in 2021. Before joining OBR in 2021, he collaborated with international architectural practices in Italy and the Netherlands. As part of the design team, he is working from concept to technical design in museums and in large-scale urban requalification. Alongside his design activity in OBR, he pursues his interest towards contemporary challenges in the construction industry, focusing on the reuse of disposed materials in the fields of art, architecture and product design.
Paola joined the OBR team in 2015. She graduated in Architecture at Politecnico di Milano in 2014, after completing her studies abroad at the University of Western Australia. She has been involved in many of OBR’s most renowned projects, including Parco Centrale di Prato, Museo Mitoraj and several Milan office buildings. Her professional abilities as her capacity to work in a team, and to manage projects at different stages enabled her to lead as Project Manager. She is involved in international projects with both, private clients and the public sector, ranging from urban scale to executive details: she has a particular focus on urban regeneration and landscape.
Trained at the Politecnico di Milano and the University of Queensland, Biancamaria graduated in Architecture in 2016. After a tutoring experience at the Politecnico di Milano in Technological Design and Architectural Design Studio courses. She joined the OBR team in 2017. Biancamaria’s exposure to different projects as such: cultural, commercial, hospitality design, residential interiors as well as custom-made furniture design made her a confident, creative, and proven designer asset for OBR with an eye for detail. As a Design Manager in OBR, she has worked with clients, consultants and authorities, across all project stages, concept design through to completion, on different scales of buildings with a keen interest in small to medium size architecture and bespoke houses.
Paolo graduated from Politecnico di Milano, international MSc Programme Architettura delle costruzioni in 2020. He joined OBR in 2021 as an architect. He has been involved in many of OBR’s most renowned office projects including Bassi Business Park and Casa BFF in Milano. Thanks to his creative talent and tenacious attitude in team working, he quickly becomes the Design Manager of OBR in complex projects, such as the Biblioteca Universitaria di Via Balbi in Genova for the Ministero della Cultura.
Giacomo graduated with a Master’s Degree in Architecture, Built Environment, and Interiors at Politecnico di Milano in 2021. He has been involved in several projects of OBR, covering different design areas, from competitions to concept and technical design. Meantime, he is involved by the Politecnico di Milano as co-supervisor of master’s theses. He combines his interest in architecture with his passion for music, which boost his creativity and energy.
Paolo joined OBR in 2020, after gaining extensive working experience in the UK and China. He completed his studies in architecture at the University of Florence in 2007 and he qualified with RIBA at London South Bank University in 2011. Since joining OBR, Paolo worked on large-scale projects, such as Casa BFF, MITA and Waterfront di Levante, mostly in Design Developed and Construction Design phases. He is proficient in using both the BIM and hand sketch as tools to facilitate the construction process. He likes to share his knowledge and experience across multiple OBR teams. Empathy and a positive attitude are for Paolo the most important aspects of the OBR working environment.
From 2021 Maddalena is architect in OBR. After graduating from Politecnico di Milano with the MSc Programme Architettura Ambiente Costruito in 2020, she received a postgraduate master’s degree in 2022. Her professional skills evolve around urban design. She has been involved in several projects of OBR in Genova, including HUB 799 for Generali as Design Manager. She is currently involved in the design of the Waterfront di Levante with Reno Piano and RPBW, working on the project for Casa Vela and the refurbishment of the Palasport.
Matilde joined OBR’s team in 2022 in the role of architect. After graduating from Politecnico di Milano in Building Architecture, she pursued a master’s degree in Architecture for Archeology and Exhibitions, achieving the overall award for the best thesis. Matilde is involved in several projects of OBR such as the Waterfront di Levante with Renzo Piano and RPBW. When she’s not in the office, you can find her on her horse.
Francesco studied Architecture at the IUAV di Venezia, the UCL – Bartlett School of Architecture in London, and graduated from Politecnico di Milano. Before joining OBR in 2020, he worked for several Italian firms. His role at OBR involves collaborating with foreign investors and guiding them in developing their ideas within the Italian territory for large-scale projects. Francesco is mainly responsible for overseeing the design process, from concept to execution, and handling strategic and legal aspects.
Federico graduated in 2017 with a Diploma from the Alta Scuola Politecnica and two Masters of Architecture from Politecnico di Milano and Politecnico di Torino. Before joining OBR as a Senior Architect in 2022, he worked for five years in affirmed Scandinavian firms in Norway, where he was actively involved in the design and construction of multiple complex projects. At OBR, Federico applies his professional expertise in architectural design, digital modelling, visualization, computational design, and BIM-CAD interoperability across the entire design process, from concept definition to building site and construction.
Ipsita graduated from the Manipal Institute of Technology with a Gold Medal in Architecture in 1996. Her career trajectory thereafter has encompassed all aspects of the Real Estate life-cycle, including architectural design, project and development management, where she played a pioneering role in India. As Director at OBR for over a decade, Ipsita works closely with the Founding Partners to contribute to the overall growth and development of the firm while also being involved with projects in Italy, India and the Middle East.
Since 2017 Michele is Senior Architect at OBR. After graduating in Architecture at Accademia Architettura di Mendrisio in 2017, Michele worked in several architecture firms in Italy and UK. He combines his passion for skiing and cycling with architecture. His professional skills evolve around urban design. In OBR he is leading as Design Manager the team of several projects such as the Comparto Stazioni in Varese, Ex Aura Nervi in Genova, and the new offices of the Municipality of Portofino.
Luigi has worked as BIM Coordinator at OBR since 2022. He holds a Master of Architecture from Sapienza Università di Roma and a postgraduate degree from the Ecole d’Architecture de Paris-Val-de-Seine in Paris, where he also published his graduate thesis titled Innovation of AEC industry with Building Information Modeling. Luigi worked for over 6 years as BIM coordinator, supporting several design firms and construction companies in Toronto, focusing on the research and development of BIM standards and digital technologies. During his time in Toronto, he also completed a postgraduate certification in BIM Management at George Brown College. At OBR, Luigi oversees the adoption of BIM applications and the implementation of BIM Management processes.
From 2022 Clemente is Architect in OBR. After graduating in Architecture at Scuola di Architettura di Firenze in 2021, he worked between Florence and Milan. He combines his passion for gardening with architecture. His professional skills evolve around architecture visualization and concept design.
Simona graduated in Architecture at the Università di Genova in 1998 in urban planning with Stefano Boeri after working one year in Barcelona with Eduard Bru. She worked in several architecture firms in Milan while becoming the mother of three. She soon started working on her own at interior renovation of both offices and private residences. She joined OBR in 2016 with the opportunity of sharing skills and work relationships with the founding partners Paolo and Tommaso. Simona works on interior design and renovation of restaurants, offices and private residences with the same passion and deep friendship.
From 2023 Luca is an intern at OBR. He is currently studying in the international MSc in Architecture and Urban Design at Politecnico di Milano and ETSAM, after completing his bachelor’s at IUAV in Venice.
Giulia has been working for OBR since 2021, initially as Office Manager, moving to Chief Operating Officer. Giulia has been combining her academic career with her passion for athletics. After earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Modern Literature from the Università Statale di Milano in 2017, she pursued a Master’s Degree in Archeology and Art History from the Università Cattolica di Milano in 2020 and a Master’s Degree in Economics and Management of Art and Cultural Heritage from 24 Ore Business School in 2021. Working closely with the founding partners of OBR, Giulia’s creative approach is constantly appreciated for her capability in merging her interest in the art field with architecture, developing lateral thinking which makes her become a central figure in OBR.
Alessandra joined OBR in 2022, after gaining working experience in the UK and Sweden specializing in commercial and retail development projects. She completed her studies in Architecture at the Politecnico di Milano in 2014. During her academic years, she took part in the International Exchange Program by studying sustainability architecture at the University of Western Australia, in Perth. Her skillset ranges from concept design to technical project management. Alessandra is a passionate and enthusiastic traveller, who constantly looks out for new challenges to get inspired and to inspire others.
Alessandro is the Communication Manager in OBR since 2023. After graduating with his BA in Industrial Design at Politecnico di Milano in 2010 and his MA in Media, Arts, and Design at the University of Westminster in 2011, he accomplished a Professional Certificate in Digital Transformation at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2023. Alessandro combines his passion for scuba photography and sailing with communication strategies. Having spent more than a decade working for major international media players from conflict zones and active frontlines, he developed strong skills in digital project management and design innovation toward corporate identity.
Executive Director at OBR since the beginning of 2023. Father of Three. Brother of Two. Husband of One. Emanuele has a broad experience in many fields of Architecture having worked for more than 10 years in the UK and Australia since his Master’s in Structural Consolidation & Restoration and two bachelor’s degrees, one in Architecture and one in Landscape Design. Having a pivotal role in the project Escala NewQuay, which won at 2022 UDIA Victoria Awards for Excellence, Emanuele demonstrated to maintain composure under challenging circumstances and in stressful situations. Moreover, his ability to blend with people from all walks of life assists him to coordinate any kind of projects and clients and liaise with sub-consultants and local authorities.
Marco has been an architect at OBR since 2020. He graduated with a master’s degree in Architecture from the University of Florence in 2020 after an internship in Germany. He combines his passion for art and social issues with architecture. His professional skills evolve around technical design and artistic direction. At OBR, he supervises the construction progress and the proper execution of works on site.
OBR Open Building Research
Paolo Brescia and Tommaso Principi
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