Elena Manferdini is an Italian architect and designer whose work seamlessly merges creativity with technical precision. With over two decades of experience in architecture, industrial design, and public art, Elena’s design practice, Atelier Manferdini, is based in Venice, California. Her work is known for its vibrant use of color, innovative technology, and meaningful connections to community and place.

Elena is a global citizen with a deep passion for art, creativity, and innovation. Her contributions to the field have earned her numerous awards and accolades, including the 2016 PAN Award for Best Public Art Project in North America. In 2019 she was honored with the ICON Award, which is a prize that recognizes iconic women who have made an indelible mark on Los Angeles, culture, and society in general through their work, character, and creative leadership.

In addition to her design practice, Elena is a dedicated educator, serving as the Graduate Programs Chair at the Southern California Institute of Architecture from 2015 to 2025. She has also held visiting professor roles at institutions like UC Berkeley, Cornell University, and the University of Pennsylvania. Since 2023 she has served as external curricular advisor for the Shanghai Institute of Visual Arts. In 2024 the presidentially appointed 12-member Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board has selected Elena Manferdini as a Fulbright Specialist Award to the United Arab Emirates.