Università della Svizzera italiana - USI

Architect based in London, he received his Bachelor and Master of Science degrees from the Mendrisio Academy of Architecture, where he studied under the main guidance of Mario Botta and Peter Zumthor. After graduating, he has gained international experience in Italy, Japan, Switzerland, United States and United Kingdom working on a wide range of projects from domestic scale to infrastructure. From 2012 to 2014 he worked at Richard Meier & Partners in New York City on prestigious large-scale projects such as the recently completed Jesolo Hotel in Italy and Engel & Völkers new headquarters in Hamburg. His most notable involvement was with the Reforma Towers, an over 1 million square feet mixed use office and hotel complex in downtown Mexico City. In 2015 he joined Foster + Partners in London where he has been involved in several major projects including the expansion of the New Doha International Airport, Two Central Square development in Cardiff and Shams Towers in Abu Dhabi. Furthermore, he has also been part of the team designing the next generation of Apple Global Flagship Store, developing an innovative carbon fiber roof.

Born in 1993 in Tehran (Iran), after living in México, Switzerland and Holland, in 2017 he graduated from the Mendrisio Academy of Architecture. In 2018 he partnered with Ruben Valdez (who graduated from the Academy in 2011) to open their own practice, Yektajo & Valdez. Since then they have worked on various projects, mainly residential and touristic in the Americas and Europe.

During my studies at the Mendrisio Academy and in the early years after my Diploma, I had broadly different work experiences, travelling between Spain, Portugal, Japan and Switzerland. In 2018 I moved to Basel, where today I work as a project architect in the office of Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron. The years spent in the Academy have been crucial in my personal and professional growth. The school’s educational approach, generalist and humanist, made me aware of the responsibilities of our profession and of how important a vision of architecture as a cultural practice can be in contemporary society. During my years of study I had the opportunity to work in Lisbon, first in the office of Gonçalo Byrne then that of João Nunes. The encounter with Portugal gave a very solid basis to my training, approaching the themes of the city, the voids and the landscape that today, after many years, I feel rooted in my design thinking. The encounter with Portuguese architecture and with the great generosity of its professionals was also possible thanks to the internship year that was part of my undergraduate course. With great pleasure that today I realize the importance that this period of compulsory internship had in the training at the Academy. Working for at least a year, while studying, first of all allows a first comparison with the reality of the profession, then helps clarify one’s interests and finally it offers a great opportunity to build relationships in an exciting but also very demanding world.

After working as an architect in Lisbon for a year, I realized the importance of visualization in effectively communicating design projects. This understanding led me to specialize in creating digital images that capture and convey the unique poetry and character of each building.
In 2017, I founded my studio with the goal of producing high-quality visualizations for competitions and private projects. Together with my team of architects, we create images that express the essence and identity of every project.
I coordinate the production of images, focusing on both the overall aesthetic and the specific client requirements. I oversee the team, ensuring that each image effectively conveys the character of the project while meeting both the architectural vision and the client's needs. I maintain constant communication with clients to ensure that the final result is a balance between their expectations and our creative interpretation.
In my opinion, the key qualities necessary for a successful career at my company are a strong eye for aesthetics, attention to detail, and excellent communication skills. Since we focus on creating high-quality visualizations, the ability to understand and interpret architectural concepts and translate them into compelling images is crucial. Additionally, adaptability and problem-solving are important, as each project comes with unique challenges and client expectations. Lastly, collaboration is essential, as working closely with both the team and clients ensures the final product meets both creative and practical goals.
During my study program, the aspects that meant the most to me were the emphasis on creative problem-solving and the strong foundation in architectural theory and design. The program encouraged critical thinking and challenged us to explore innovative solutions, which helped me develop a deeper understanding of how to translate concepts into practical designs. Collaboration with peers was also a key positive aspect, as it fostered teamwork and exposed me to different perspectives. The combination of technical skills and creative freedom provided a well-rounded education that has been extremely precious in my career.
The program's focus on blending theory with practice formed my problem-solving abilities, allowing me to address both aesthetic and functional challenges effectively. Additionally, I developed strong communication skills, which have been essential when collaborating with clients and teams. The exposure to diverse architectural methodologies and digital tools during my studies has also been invaluable for my work in 3D visualization and project management.
My advice to the students entering the job market is to focus on building a strong portfolio that highlights not only your technical skills but also your creativity and unique approach. Be open to learning from every opportunity, even those outside your comfort zone, as versatility is highly valued in the industry. Networking is also crucial—connect with professionals, attend events, and stay engaged with the architectural community. Lastly, be patient and persistent; finding the right role may take time, but each experience will contribute to your growth and career development.

After graduating from the Academy, I started my professional career first in Switzerland, in Mario Botta’s practice, then in the United States, in New York, in the offices of Richard Meier and Anderson Architects. In 2009 I returned to Italy to expand the family business and devote myself in particular to developing an innovative project that uses prefabrication in residential and quality construction. This gave rise to More, of which I am now the creative director. In 2015 the firm received the ADI Index Award for Innovation. In recent years, More has integrated interior architecture into its services, dealing with private residences, hotels, restaurants and public buildings. Year after year I had the opportunity to expand my role in the company, until I was appointed Vice President of Moretti SpA, as well as dealing with the organisation of the work and personnel policies.

In order to help current students and recent graduates to find their way in the working world, many of our alumni shared their career story. Here the story of Stefano Belingardi Clusoni, Founder and Architect of BE.ST Belingardi Stefano Architect in Milan. USI Degree: Master in Architecture, 2012.
How did you start your career?
Stefano Belingardi Clusoni was born in Milan in 1987. He graduated from the Academy of Architecture in Mendrisio, Switzerland. He got an award for the Diploma project from the SIA A&C (architecture & culture) Jury.
In 2007 he worked at EMBT Miralles Tagliabue office in Barcelona, Spain and in 2009 at Cino Zucchi Architetti office in Milan, Italy. In 2010 he was selected for an Erasmus program at the Charles Rennie Mackintosh School of Art in Scotland were he got the bachelor. In 2011 he worked for Daniel Libeskind’s studio and in 2012 still for EMBT Miralles Tagliabue: he lived one year in Shanghai, China.
In 2013 with the winning of an international competition he founded his own studio BE.ST Belingardi Stefano Architect that today follows international scale projects in Italy and abroad. In 2020 he was selected within the best architects under 40 in Italy.