After graduating as an architect at the École Nationale Superieure des Beaux Arts in Paris, Virginia Schneidewind began her career as a freelancer, working on architectural design projects for an Italian developer and an architectural firm, both based in Ecuador, her country of origin.
A few years later, in 1985, Schneidewind founded Arkitektura focusing solely on architectural design. In 1990, Arkitektura launched a construction department to complement the now thriving design practice—allowing the firm to expand and offer a complete suite of services including consulting on land development potential, architectural design, coordination with engineering and technical studies, project management, construction, and interior design. Integrating all these disciplines under one roof, from concept to the delivery of fully furnished and equipped spaces, has become Arkitektura’s hallmark.
In 1998, Arkitektura formed a joint venture with Carlos Zapata Studio, an architectural firm based in New York City, and began a collaboration on a series of residential projects in Miami and New York.
Since 2016, Miami has become an important focus, leading to a collaboration with talented architects, designers, and artists. The collaborative Design+Object allows Arkitektura to become part of a group of professionals in the design and art world.
Arkitektura is founded on environmental awareness and a commitment to sustainability as a key component of its practice.
