From the artistic influences of his grandfather’s attic studio in Italy to the technical and creative challenges of leading Enari Architects, Ermanno’s journey in architecture has been one of passion and purpose. Inspired by a blend of art, mathematics, and the works of Antoni Gaudí, he pursued a hybrid Engineering/Architecture degree, which laid the foundation for his multifaceted career. His role at Enari involves not only designing and executing projects but also engaging stakeholders, embracing leadership, and strategically navigating the business aspects of the field.

At Enari, he has led remarkable projects like Chong Pang City, a testament to community-focused design and sustainability. His dedication to teamwork and collaboration is evident in his leadership style, fostering a creative and inclusive environment where diverse talents thrive. Beyond architecture, he values the life lessons learned from basketball, such as teamwork and discipline, which he imparts to his children.

His journey is a blend of artistic passion, technical expertise, and a commitment to making a meaningful impact through architecture. Without further ado, let’s see Ermanno’s full story below.

1. Can you tell us about your background and how you got into architecture?

I’ve always loved Art. For as long as I can remember, it has been a passion of mine. I recall spending many long summer evenings as a child in Italy, inside my grandfather’s attic studio, where he painted and sculpted. It was there that I first picked up painting.

In school, I had a fantastic art teacher. Along with philosophy, art was really the only subject that truly captivated me. However, I also discovered a natural talent for mathematics. This, combined with my growing interest in buildings and architecture—including their technical aspects—led me to consider a new path.

When it came time to choose a university program, I opted for a hybrid Engineering/Architecture degree. It was probably during my late high school years that I encountered the work of Antoni Gaudí. His designs ignited my passion and helped crystallize my career aspirations.

2. What is your role at Enari and what are some of your main responsibilities?

Helming the studio is a hectic affair that involves me in a variety of aspects. My passion lies in design, but I’m equally interested in project execution. I thrive on bringing designs to life and tackling the inevitable challenges that arise during planning and construction. Most importantly, I relish engaging with all stakeholders, mediating diverse requirements, and embracing a leadership role. As architects, we’re uniquely positioned to lead the way.

I believe that leadership is service; a leader must act for the greater good. Without a spirit of service, one will struggle in this role. Beyond design and leadership, there are crucial business aspects to manage. From ensuring a sustainable flow of projects to strategizing our growth and embracing new technologies, I relish wearing different hats and being involved in such a wide range of responsibilities.

3. What has been your favorite project so far and why?

Every project has unique elements that involve personal investment, making it challenging to choose a favorite. However, I would say that Chong Pang City stands out as the most remarkable so far. We’re undertaking this project in collaboration with CIAP Architects, a well-established and respected firm in Singapore, with the Singapore government as our client.

The project embodies all the facets that ignite my passion for architecture. It’s a public building designed for the community, open to the city, and housing a multitude of different functions. The design is highly climate-responsive to Singapore’s specific context, evident in its façade and massing. Moreover, it’s a super-low energy building, with sustainability as a key aspect.

This project is a testament to great team collaboration. The building is truly the culmination and synthesis of visions from many different actors working together: community leaders, government agencies, professional consultants, and builders. We’re eagerly anticipating its completion, which is slated for about two years from now.

4. Can you share a memorable experience or a lesson you’ve learned during your time at Enari?

I remember walking around one of our first completed projects with an intense mix of emotion and admiration. The experience was humbling; architecture is the product of many different agents working together. Yet, it was also incredibly exciting. I vividly recall the nights spent drawing the first schematic plans. Seeing them translated into the real world evokes a feeling that’s difficult to describe.

I learn lessons every day, but the most important thing I’ve come to appreciate is how much we depend on others. This realization doesn’t diminish our responsibility; we must still focus on what we can control. Rather, it underscores that we are limited if we don’t engage and excite others with our vision. Architecture, therefore, is much more than design. Ultimately, it’s about how we listen, understand, relate to, and win the trust of our fellow human beings.

5. What do you enjoy most about being part of the team at Enari?

Our team is everything. My job is to motivate everyone every day, helping them find meaning and purpose in our work. Fortunately, this isn’t difficult, as every member of Team Enari is passionate about architecture and design. We encourage our team members to take pride in their work and feel a sense of ownership over their projects.

We’re fortunate to have many talented individuals on our team. We maintain an informal and open environment, which fosters creativity and collaboration. Our team members come from different parts of the world. It’s amazing to observe how people from such diverse backgrounds and cultures can come together to create something from scratch.

This is the magic of architecture, and perhaps a model for society at large. When we build together, our differences fade away. We find ourselves on equal footing, united by a higher purpose and a common objective.

6. In your opinion, what are some of the most important skills an architect should possess?

I believe soft skills are critical to our profession, including emotional intelligence, clear communication, and the ability to read situations and interpret messages. While design is a crucial skill, it’s perhaps not the most challenging aspect of our work, though it certainly requires talent. The real challenge lies in bringing people to your side to ensure projects come to fruition.

Assuming a foundation of creativity and design ability, I would argue that human relations skills are the next most critical element. How you communicate, carry yourself, and respond to external input—sometimes unexpected—are difficult but crucial skills that can make a significant difference in your career.

7. How do you see the field of architecture evolving in the next 5-10 years, and how you think Enari will adapt to these changes?

We must embrace change and accept discomfort; the world demands it. Simultaneously, we need to stay true to ourselves, occasionally tuning out external noise to discover our unique propositions. These are what ultimately differentiate us and make us valuable to our partners and clients.

AI is clearly spreading into every aspect of work at an unprecedented speed. The challenge lies in using it meaningfully, which is not a straightforward task. At Enari, our small, boutique studio setting gives us a significant advantage. We’re agile and can quickly incorporate new workflows.

We operate with a strategy rather than a rigid plan—a direction that continually pushes us as we strive to provide the best possible service to our clients. The crucial elements are motivation and flexibility to adapt. At Enari, we lack neither.

8. Outside work, what are some of your hobbies or interests? How do you spend your free time?

I’m a simple person who loves spending my rare free time reading books. That is, when my lovely boys, ages 3 and 5, allow it. I have an intense passion for basketball. When I’m not traveling, I always try to start my day by spending about 30-40 minutes shooting hoops.

Playing basketball as a child and then as a young man taught me valuable life lessons: how to work in a team, how to subordinate my ego for the greater good of winning together, and how to function within a system of roles and hierarchies by following the coach’s directions. Perhaps most importantly, I learned to be passionate about rules. They create a fair playing field where we can excel without taking shortcuts.

This last lesson is perhaps the most crucial, and it’s a value I try to instill in my children every day.

9. What advice would you give to someone who is considering a career in architecture?

I firmly believe that being an architect is one of the most fulfilling professions. It allows for artistic and poetic self-expression while significantly impacting the lives of others. However, it’s important to acknowledge that this career isn’t for everyone.

I would strongly recommend seeking out mentorship opportunities. Connect with professionals in the field and its various branches. Architects can play relevant roles in many areas beyond traditional firms or studios. Explore these diverse paths early in your career.

At the same time, remember that others’ experiences are just that—theirs, not yours. Take all advice, including mine, with a grain of salt.

10. If you could go back in time and give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?

I’ve always tried to step out of my comfort zone and seek challenges. It’s been almost instinctual for me, despite being naturally extremely lazy. I’ve had to fight a lot with myself, balancing these two sides: the restless and the lazy.

As a result, I’ve made many mistakes. Yet, I don’t regret a single day or decision. I’m somewhat of a fatalist; I believe what happened was meant to be.

On a more practical note, I’d encourage my younger, architecture student self to be more curious about the business aspects of the profession. Regrettably, these are often viewed with disdain in academia.