Andres Lira Vigneaux is an architect, educator, and researcher whose work explores the intersection of design, construction, and emerging building technologies. He is the co-founder of Lira Vigneaux Studio, an architecture and research practice based in Chile focused on housing innovation, public infrastructure, and experimental construction systems.
He graduated from the School of Architecture at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile and later earned a Master in Architecture II from Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design. While at Harvard, his thesis, Gentle Densities and Radical Construction Systems, received the JCHS Thesis Prize for excellence in housing research and design. He also received the Student Research Support Program (SRSP) Grant from the Joint Center for Housing Studies to advance his research on timber construction and innovative housing systems. This body of research was subsequently selected for the MIT DesignX Accelerator.
His work investigates the relationship between material cultures, emerging technologies, timber construction, and digital fabrication, with a particular interest in reconnecting design and construction through innovative building systems. He has taught architecture studios at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile and Northeastern University, where he is joining the faculty as a Visiting Associate Teaching Professor in Fall 2026. His work has received multiple awards in public architecture and design competitions in Chile and internationally.
Research/Publications Highlights
Student Research Support Program (SRSP) Research Grant, Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies
Awarded for Housing Shortages vs. Emerging Technologies, conducted in collaboration with Professor George Legendre.
Real Estate Research Grant, Harvard Department of Urban Planning and Design
Awarded for research on addressing the U.S. housing crisis through off-site manufacturing.
Thesis Traveling Research Grant, Harvard Graduate School of Desing and JCHS
Supported research travel to Chile to collaborate with a CLT manufacturer on the development of innovative timber housing systems integrating emerging construction technologies.
Departments
Architecture
Education
- MArch, Harvard University
- BArch, Minor in Economics, Pontifical University of Chile
Awards
- JCHS Thesis Prize, Harvard Graduate School of Design (GSD)_2025
- Plimpton-Poorvu Design Prize_Harvard Graduate School of Design (GSD)_2025
- MIT DesignX Accelerator_Cohort 2025
- GSD Merit Scholarship, Harvard GSD MArch II_2023
- Lira Vigneaux Studio_“Villa O`Higgins town hall” / First Prize_Public Competition_2021
- Lira Vigneaux Studio_“The Floating Warehouse Square” / First Prize_Public Competition_2020
- Lira Vigneaux Studio_“Puerto Tranquilo Waterfront” / First Prize_Public Competition_2018
- Lira Vigneaux Studio_Venice Biennale_Second Prize_Public Competition for the Chilean Pavilion_“Estelar” _2025
Research Focus
- Construction
- Material cultures
- Emerging technologies.
Courses Taught
- ARCH 5115 – Option Studio, “Gentle Densities and Radical Construction Systems”
- ARCH 5140 – Capstone Studio, “Timber Implants”