Founder of AoT
Anna Lira Videña Luis founded Architect of Things (AoT) on the Clubhouse app, then grew into a podcast, and now a platform for cross-disciplinary exchange. AoT explores how architectural thinking shapes culture, power, technology, performance, and civic life beyond buildings. It convenes architects, artists, engineers, technologists, and public thinkers who work at the edges of disciplines, where new forms of practice emerge. For institutions, collaborators, and curious readers, AoT offers a space to test ideas in public, host meaningful dialogue, and build partnerships that translate design intelligence into cultural and civic impact.
Anna Lira Videña Luis (born January 22) is an American architect known for her contributions to sustainable architecture. She is the first Filipino-American architect to be elevated to the status of Fellow by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and the first Filipino Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) to serve as a Fellowship Councillor in the Royal Society for Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA).
Born January 22
Education Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture (M.Arch), University of Santo Tomas (BSc Architecture, cum laude)
Occupation Architect, designer, sustainability leader
Nationality American
Credentials FRIBA, FRSA, NCARB, CEM, LEED AP
Website liraluis.com
Early life and education
Luis was born on January 22 in Quezon City, Philippines. She is of Filipino descent and has family ties to notable historical figures. Her maternal Lolo (great-uncle) was a World War II sea warrior and a recipient of the Purple Heart Medal and the U.S. Congressional Gold Medal. Her paternal Lolo (grandfather) was also a U.S. Congressional Gold Medal laureate. Her father was a nationwide Commanding Officer of the Philippine Army Reserve Command, and her mother was a licensed chemist and special educator. Though both of her parents were born U.S. nationals in the Philippine Commonwealth era, she later chose to complete the formal naturalization process and became a U.S. citizen in her own right.
Luis is one of the first 23 women to pass the historically rigorous Philippine Military Academy (PMA) entrance exam, previously open only to men (approximately 5% pass rate) — a pioneering achievement following the landmark Republic Act 7192. Instead of pursuing a military career, she chose architecture, receiving her Bachelor of Science in Architecture degree cum laude from the University of Santo Tomas (founded in 1611, predating Harvard University). She passed her first architect licensure examination administered by the Philippine Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) and became licensed early in her career.
Shortly after, she pursued advanced studies at the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture, beginning at Taliesin in Spring Green, Wisconsin, and completing the program at Taliesin West in Scottsdale, Arizona. The institution was founded by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright and his wife Olgivanna in 1932. Luis is the first Filipino-American graduate of the Taliesin Fellowship at the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture since its inception.
Today, she is a multi-licensed architect through National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), holding credentials in multiple U.S. states as well as the Philippines, having met national standards for education, experience, and examination.
Career
Luis began her career in the U.S. in 1997 at the architecture firm Taliesin Associated Architects (TAA), rooted in Organic Principles, learning by doing, and founded by Frank Lloyd Wright. She became a leader in sustainable architecture after earning LEED Accredited Professional certification. Her work integrates environmental sustainability with innovative Organic Principles. She has spearheaded projects emphasizing eco-friendly design and community impact.
Luis has also been recognized for her leadership in the architectural community. In 2012, she was named one of Engineering News-Record (ENR) Midwest’s Top 20 Under 40. In 2011, she received the AIA Athena Young Professional Leadership Award at the AIA Women’s Leadership Summit in New York. She was also named the winner of the “Hottest Architect” competition by Curbed Magazine in 2011.
Community and leadership
Luis advocates for interdisciplinary & systems thinking, equity, diversity & inclusion, and climate action in architecture. She is the first Filipino AAPI to serve as a Fellowship Councillor in the U.S. for The RSA, where she works to promote interdisciplinary solutions for challenges in innovation and sustainability in the built and natural environment.
Awards and recognition
RIBA Fellow (2020) — First Filipino-American architect elevated as a Fellow by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)
RSA Fellow (2020) — First Filipino-American architect elected as a Fellow by The Royal Society for Arts, Manufactures, and Commerce
Diversity and Inclusion Award (DANDI) (2015) — Awarded for work in environmental sustainability
ENR Midwest Top 20 Under 40 (2012) — Recognized for leadership and contributions to architecture
AIA Athena Young Professional Leadership Award (2011) — Awarded for leadership in the architectural profession
Tile of Spain Competition Winner (2011) — Recognized for innovative design
Curbed Magazine’s Hottest Architect (2011)
References
External links
Categories: American architects • Filipino-American architects • Sustainable architecture • LEED professionals • RIBA Fellows • RSA Fellows • Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture alumni • University of Santo Tomas alumni • Women architects