BESONÍAS ALMEIDA is an architectural office founded by Argentine architects María Victoria Besonías and Guillermo de Almeida. Both have been practicing independently since 1975. Between 2000 and 2011, they led BAK arquitectos (Besonías Almeida Kruk), where they created projects that have garnered widespread international recognition. In 2012, they founded Besonías Almeida arquitectos, a studio through which they continue to design architecture of synthesis, earning significant awards and recognition.
MARÍA VICTORIA BESONÍAS
Born in Madrid, Spain, in 1947. She graduated with a degree in Architecture from the Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism at the University of Buenos Aires (UBA) in 1975.
Academic and Institutional Career: She served as a Professor of Architecture at the Faculty of Architecture, Design, and Urbanism of the University of Buenos Aires (FADU/UBA) (1986–2017). She was a member of the Jury Panel of the College of Architects of the Province of Buenos Aires (CAPBA) (1986–2020). She is a member of the Jury Panel of the Argentine Federation of Architects’ Associations (FADEA) and the Central Society of Architects (SCA). She has served as a juror in numerous competitions organized by these institutions.
Awards and Lectures: Her work has been recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Senate of the Province of Buenos Aires (2012) and the Lifetime Achievement Award for Women in Architecture (CAPBA, 2023). In 2018, she was honored by Metalocus for the international selection “10 Architecture Firms Led by Women.”
Currently, she is actively engaged in educational outreach and critical thinking through lectures at various national and international forums, approaching architecture from the perspective of the relationship between landscape, life, material, and form.
GUILLERMO DE ALMEIDA
Born in Buenos Aires in 1945. He graduated with a degree in Architecture from the Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism at the University of Buenos Aires (UBA) in 1975.
Academic and Professional Career: He has an extensive teaching career; he served as an Associate Professor of Architecture at the University of Morón (1975–2003). In the institutional field, he was a member of the Superior Council of the College of Architects of the Province of Buenos Aires (CAPBA) and a member of its Board of Jurors. His professional practice focuses on the execution of projects with a strong emphasis on material honesty and constructive rigor.
CONFERENCES
International
Spain | 10th International Congress on White Architecture, Polytechnic University of Valencia (2023)
France | French Society of Architects, Paris Headquarters (2018)
United States | L4titudes International Conference, University of Texas, Austin (2012)
Mexico | International Architecture Congress, Autonomous University of Sinaloa (2016); 45th International Symposium, Autonomous University of Nuevo León (2015); 14th International Architecture Congress of Monterrey (2009)
Ecuador | 18th Pan-American Architecture Biennial of Quito, BAQ (2012); PAE International Congress, Guayaquil (2020)
Colombia | National University of Colombia, Manizales Campus (2013); Pontifical Bolivarian University of Medellín (2012)
Uruguay | University of the Republic, Berio Chair, Montevideo (2025, 2020)
Paraguay | National University of Asunción, E-FADA Chair (2014)
Peru | Santa María Catholic University, International Workshop, Arequipa (2024, 2013)
Costa Rica | 24th Latin American Conference of Schools and Faculties of Architecture (2012)
Brazil | 12th International Biennial of Brazilian Architecture, BAB, Brasília (2006)
National (Argentina)
Academic Institutions | University of Belgrano, Chair of Theory and Criticism of Architecture (2024); National University of La Plata, Chairs of Architecture (2022, 2021, 2016); National University of San Martín (2021); University of Buenos Aires, FADU (2026, 2025, 2024, 2021, 2017, 2007); National University of Avellaneda (2018); National University of Córdoba (2014).
Professional Institutions | Central Society of Architects, SCA (2021, 2018); Professional Council of Architecture and Urbanism, CPAU (2019, 2007); College of Architects of the Province of Buenos Aires, CAPBA (Districts 2, 3, 6, 7, and 8) (2006 to 2025); Mutual Society of Architecture of the Province of Buenos Aires (2024).
AWARDS
2023 | Médanos House. Honorable Mention, Biennial of Architecture, Urbanism, Research, and Theory, CAPBA
2021 | Pilará House. Second Prize, Biennial of Architecture, Urbanism, Research, and Theory, CAPBA
2018 | Torcuato House Pavilion. Nominated for the Mies Crown Hall Americas Prize (MCHAP 2016/2017)
2018 | Suburban House. First Prize PRO.CRE.AR, Biennial of Architecture, Urbanism, Research, and Theory, CAPBA
2018 | Forest House. First Prize, CAPBA Biennial of Architecture, Urbanism, Research, and Theory
2016 | Wein House. Nominated for the Mies Crown Hall Americas Prize (MCHAP 2014/2015)
2012 | Franz House. First Prize for Single-Family Housing, Central Society of Architects (SCA)
2011 | Cher House. Honorable Mention in the Small-Scale Category, ARQ Awards for Argentine Architecture
2011 | JD House. Second Prize, 13th SCA/CPAU Architecture Biennial
2009 | House on the Beach. First Prize, CAPBA Biennial of Architecture, Urbanism, Research, and Theory
2009 | Brick House. Second Prize, XII International Architecture Biennial of Buenos Aires
2008 | Concrete House. Third Honorable Mention, Pan-American Architecture Biennial of Quito (BAQ)
2007 | Concrete House. First Prize, CAPBA Biennial of Architecture, Urbanism, Research, and Theory
2006 | Mar Azul House. Grand Prize, CPAU/SCA Architecture Biennial
2005 | Mar Azul House. Eduardo Sacriste Special Prize, CAPBA Biennial of Architecture, Urbanism, Research, and Theory