House of the Future 2024/25 competition Honorable mention winners - Francesco Valletta and Katarina Brnovic

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the Honorable mention winners of our House of the Future 24/25 competition – Francesco Valletta and Katarina Brnovic from Italy!

Francesco Valletta and Katarina Brnovic

Please tell us about your company (when it was founded, where it is based, how many employees, etc) Alternatively, if you do not have a company, please give us some insights on your own professional/academia background.

We both studied Architecture at the University of Florence where our shared passion for design first brought us together. After earning our degrees and professional licenses over six years ago, we chose to stay in Florence, a city we deeply love and that continues to inspire our work every day. I, Francesco, have specialized in architectural visualization, combining technical precision with artistic sensitivity to bring unbuilt spaces to life through compelling imagery. Katarina founded her own architecture studio where she leads projects that thoughtfully balance innovation and tradition. Together we represent a complementary professional journey rooted in shared values, creative synergy, and a profound appreciation for Florence’s rich architectural heritage.

Brief information about the projects that you/your company have been involved with. For instance, what scale have you focused on/preferred, any significant projects where the company/ individuals have been Involved?

Since our time at university, we have both been involved in projects of various scales and purposes from residential to commercial, from cultural to educational, as well as interior design. In our professional careers, we’ve also had the opportunity to work across a wide range of topics and project sizes, which has allowed us to develop strong flexibility in our design approach. This diversity has taught us to value the many facets of architectural work, enabling us to approach each project with attentiveness, openness, and awareness.

What does architecture mean to you and what is the role of an architect in your society?

To us, architecture is both a cultural and social tool. It shapes the identity of places, responds to human needs, and translates values into space. It is not merely about building, but an act of responsibility toward context, memory, and the future. We believe in an architecture that balances tradition and innovation, rooted in place yet open to change. An architecture that listens and engages with the landscape, climate, and local cultures. As architects, we see ourselves as mediators between practical needs and poetic visions, between past and future. Our role is to create spaces that improve everyday life with intelligence, beauty, and integrity

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

We participate in architecture competitions because they push us to explore new ideas and engage deeply with cultural contexts. Competitions allow us to experiment, challenge conventions, and refine how we communicate complex design concepts. They help us grow both technically and ethically, sharpening our vision so that our architecture serves people and place in meaningful ways.

What advice would you give to individuals who struggle to decide whether it would be beneficial for them to participate in architecture competitions?

Participating in an architecture competition is an opportunity not to be missed. They certainly require a great deal of time and effort, especially for those like us who have multiple projects to manage, but it is an investment that allows continuous growth both as a person and as an architect. You don’t need to participate solely to win or to give your absolute best for victory; rather, the goal is to create a project that first and foremost makes you feel satisfied and enriched.