Christopher Villalta

Chris enlisted in the Army infantry at 18 and has deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq. While deployment altered some of his goals, it also introduced new passions: mentorship and ethical architectural design.

Chris has witnessed the destruction of land, monuments, and traditions but also experienced enduring structures and thriving cultures. As part of a larger mission, Chris trained Afghan soldiers in Qalat to strengthen their defensive position, a Hellenistic fortress built by Alexander the Great. He felt privileged to teach them how to defend their families and homeland from oppressive forces. This experience grew Chris’ vision to design buildings that recognize indigenous wisdom, situational landscapes, and high-performance construction.

While pursuing an MBA, Chris accepted an opportunity to train Army Officer Candidates at Fitchburg State University, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, and Fort Knox. He also completed a Master of Architecture at Rhode Island School of Design.  Furthermore, Chris designed and taught a new collegiate-level course about ethical, inclusive design.

Now a certified Passive House architect in Boston, Chris has been involved in multiple projects of various sizes, from industrial facilities to low-income, multi-use housing projects aimed at revitalizing communities.  As a First Sergeant in a Military Intelligence Company, Chris recently led the unit’s divestment and activation from Massachusetts to Washington, D.C., returning the unit and culture to full mission capability.

Chris is working to connect cutting edge Passive House building design methodology with regional indigenous vernacular and site-specific landscapes. After retiring from First Sergeant responsibilities, Chris plans on developing strategies for better integrating construction, landscapes, ecosystems, and regional cultures.