Name: Fernando Villa, AIA, LEED AP BD +C
Title: Principal
Company: Magnusson Architecture and Planning, PC (MAP)
Location: New York, N.Y.
Birthplace: Medellin, Colombia
Education: Bachelor of Architecture Pontificia Bolivariana University, Medellin
First job outside of real estate: Illustrator of children books
First job in real estate or allied field: Working as a junior designer at Cooperativa de Habitaciones in Medellin during my third year of architecture school.
What do you do now and what are you planning for the future? I am the director of design at MAP and the co-chair of the American Institute of Architects New York Chapter's Housing Committee. I will continue to push the envelope for high-quality, sustainable design for all of MAP's projects, including housing projects with limited budgets in my new role as principal.
How do you unwind from a busy day in real estate? Cooking with my wife while enjoying a glass of Malbec.
Favorite book or author: "The Hungry Ocean" by Linda Greenlaw
Favorite movie: "Sideways"
Last song you purchased/downloaded? "Difference Maker" by NEEDTOBREATHE
One word to describe your work environment: Energy
Rules to live by in business: Believe in yourself; think big; adopt a winning mindset. Pursue your passion relentlessly.
If you could invite one person to dinner (living or dead) who would it be and where would you go? Paul Heyer, my mentor. I'd love to have had the chance to show him the social change produced by the architecture in my hometown of Medellin.

What is your dream job?

The one I have. I love to sketch and create architectural designs that I can then see built. It is the magic of the creation process, and I do it all the time at MAP.



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