Meet the Associate Principals – Emilio Todescato

What is your favorite city? Why?

I'm probably a little biased, but my hometown of Bologna, Italy ranks high on my list of favorite places. It truly feels like home and has shaped who I am today. I owe so much to that city. Everything about it is beautiful, from the architecture to the food to the people. The longer I stay away, the more I find myself wanting to return.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

“Just keep going.” I use this on everything I do especially when things feel difficult.

What are your hobbies?

I often spend my free time exploring Los Angeles art galleries, which has become a real passion after settling here. I love discovering new creative spaces across the city's different neighborhoods. Cycling is another hobby I'm devoted to, there's nothing like being on my bike in nature to spark new ideas and provide contrast to city life. I'm also an avid traveler, the trips aren't just vacations, they've become an essential way I recharge and gather inspiration that I bring back to my everyday life and work.

Which project did you find the most rewarding to work on?

Every project has the ability to reward in different ways, it’s a bit at the base of what I find so inspiring about architecture. Our current project at The University of Texas at Austin has challenged me and made me grow as a designer. I feel very lucky to have had the chance to help our client make such a significant addition to their historic campus.

Construction for the Engineering Discovery Building at UT Austin is well underway and recently celebrated topping out.

If you could travel to a different time, when would it be?

I would go back to the 40s or 60s and collect architectural gems, especially in LA.

What is something you learned in school that you still think about/use every day?

I often think back to my time at University of Oregon with real appreciation. They taught me more than just architecture they gave me tools for solving all kinds of problems in my daily life. It's amazing how those skills show up everywhere, not just at work.