Dr. Francesco Proto is a music composesr, design practitioner and academic with a wide-ranging expertise in architectural philosophy, critical theory, and studio-based practice. Recognised as a leading voice in contemporary architectural discourse, he has established a strong reputation as both theorist and historian, with a consistent record of excellence in research and teaching. His most recent edited volume, Lacan + Architecture (Palgrave, 2024), was awarded the 2025 Architectural Theory Book of the Year. He is currently developing a new line of research investigating the inhuman strategies of the subject.

EDUCATION

Francesco Proto earned a Summa cum Laude degree in Architecture from the University of Rome Sapienza (RIBA Parts I & II equivalent), followed by the RIBA Part III equivalent at the University of Naples Federico II. He later completed an MA in Architecture, International Design Competitions and Critical Theory, and a PhD in Architecture and Visual Culture at the University of Nottingham. His doctoral thesis, which examined the shifting relationship between architecture and contemporary society, evolved into a long-standing research and teaching interest in the post-human. Francesco is a chartered member of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), the Architects Registration Board (ARB), and the Italian Architects’ Registration Board (Ordine degli Architetti di Roma). He is also an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (TFHEA).  

AFFILIATION

A full member of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), registered with the UK Architects Registration Board  (ARB) and the Italian Registration Board, Francesco has trained at Dominique Perrault in Paris, where he focussed on international competitions and projects . He is also an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (AFHEA), a member of the editorial board The International Journal of Baudrillard Studies, a founding member of the Institute for the Psychoanalytic Study of Architecture (IPSA) and an Associate Editor for the Institute’s journal, Psyche Extended.  

EXHIBITIONS,  AWARDS

Francesco has either curated, participated and lectured in a number of exhibitions at the University of Chieti, Venice Architecture/Art Biennale, Lincoln Frequency Digital Arts Festival, Milan Design Triennale. Having specialized in international architectural competitions at Dominique Perrault Architecture in Paris, he takes part into architectural competitions with his students (RIBA Journal Bull’s Eye Design Competition, Berlin Natural History Museum, Costa Concordia Lighthouse Memorial, etc.) all of which having received special Honourable Mentions.