Arco is a London architecture practice, specialising in practical, sustainable, and innovative people-centered architecture. With a focus on quality spaces, slow living, and sustainability, we design with people at the heart of every project.

What we do

We are a RIBA Chartered Practice which provides a range of services, including new build homes, extensions and home improvement.

Whether you're looking to extend your home, improve your living space, or build your dream home from scratch, arco can help you bring your vision to life. Our expertise in sustainable and innovative design ensures that your project not only meets your needs but also aligns with your values. Contact us today to learn more about our architectural services and how we can help you create the perfect space.

Photography by Joshua Page

With over a decade of experience in the architecture industry, Alicia Calvino has worked with some great people, on some amazing projects for some of the top 100 award-winning practices in London.

As the founder of arco, she is known for her exceptional creativity, problem-solving skills, and meticulous attention to detail. Her expertise in private residential includes interior design and a thorough knowledge of building regulations, contracts, and all RIBA stages, making her an ideal partner for any London-based architectural project.

Prior to attending The Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL in London for her postgraduate diploma in Professional Practice, Alicia gained her Masters in Architecture with honours, from ETSAV, UPC Barcelona-Tech with a final project and thesis focused on sustainable civic center construction using Passivhaus strategies.. She also earned an international scholarship for a master's degree in Architecture from École Supérieure d’Architecture Saint-Luc, in Brussels.

Alicia served as an invited critic at the John Cass School of Architecture and the Interior Design School in London. She has also mentored young architects and A-level work placements and provided career advisory and guidance in architecture.

During her career, she has received several awards and honours, including her early research work on Industrial Spaces in Terrassa which received the Architecture Research Award from the Official Institute of Catalan Architects (COAC). Together with Patricia Calvino she curated and produced The Meet The Boundaries exhibition at the London Festival of Architecture, which showcased their research on how boundaries often become meeting points rather than barriers and how architecture plays a key role in this.

She was also a winner of the Green Sky Thinking Hackathon, representing Jestico + Whiles' Green Team, and has received awards for her work on the Cuenca Civic Centre and Passivhaus Strategies and the Regents Street Windows concept.

As a highly skilled and experienced architect based in London, Alicia Calvino is an ideal partner for any London-based architectural project. Contact arco today to discuss your project needs and learn more about the services offered by this exceptional architectural firm.