About RVA
An international practice, rooted in Italy
Founded in Umbria in 1983 and led today by Riccardo Vicarelli, RVA has grown into an international architecture and design & build practice with teams in Dubai, London and Umbria.
Each location brings a deep understanding of its own market, while every project reflects the same design culture, enacting Made in Italy standards throughout the entire process.
Inside RVA
A shared culture of design
Our multidisciplinary team brings architecture, interiors and delivery into one coordinated practice. Expertise is shared across locations, while every project responds to its people, setting and local requirements.
This balance of international perspective and local knowledge creates continuity, and a consistent standard of design.
Our Origin
Where everything began.
RVA was founded in Umbria in 1983 by architect Claudio Vicarelli, establishing a design culture shaped by Italian craftsmanship and a knack for observing how people live.
Today, his son Riccardo Vicarelli leads the practice across Umbria, London and Dubai, remaining personally involved in the creative direction and defining decisions of projects in every location. Under his leadership, RVA has evolved into an international, multidisciplinary team carrying the same standards into every project.
The journey
A story told through milestones
Take a peek at the defining moments, projects and decisions that have shaped RVA’s evolution and continue to guide the practice today.
The foundation
Architect Claudio Vicarelli, Riccardo’s father, establishes the family practice in Umbria, shaping a design culture rooted in Italian craftsmanship.
Rooted in the region
Close knowledge of the landscape, architectural heritage and local building traditions continues to define RVA’s work in Umbria.
Beyond Italy
Riccardo Vicarelli introduces RVA’s Italian design culture to London, developing residential and selected commercial projects across the UK.
Design & build, in-house
RVA enters the UAE market with an integrated team delivering architecture, interiors and complete fit-out projects under one roof.
One practice, one standard
Across three locations, RVA brings together local expertise and a shared Italian design culture, delivering every project with the same commitment to quality.
Founder & Lead Architect
Riccardo Vicarelli
As RVA’s Lead Architect, Riccardo guides the creative direction of projects across every location, bringing a refined European sensibility shaped by his Italian background. His approach is defined by balanced proportions, timeless elegance and close attention to how each space will be lived in.
Personally involved in the defining decisions, he listens closely and often translates initial ideas into hand-drawn concepts before guiding them towards a clear, buildable solution. This ensures the original vision remains present through to completion.
Our values
The principles behind every project
Listening first
We take time to understand each client’s priorities, ensuring the project begins with a clear and shared direction.
Individual expression
Every design is shaped around the people who will experience it, rather than a predetermined house style.
Personal ownership
We approach each project with care and accountability, remaining closely involved in the decisions that define the final result.
Clear communication
Thoughtful, timely communication creates confidence and keeps the process moving with clarity.
Integrity in practice
Honesty and respect guide how we work with clients, consultants, craftspeople and partners.
Method
Our process
A clear path from the first brief to life after handover.
Stage 01 / 08
Brief and strategy
We define your priorities, the project scope and its feasibility, establishing a clear direction before design begins.
Our team
Exceeding client expectations.
Riccardo Vicarelli
Fabio Marri
Marta Berrettoni
Elisa Bettollini
Serena Agnesi
Alessio Boco
Mirco Anselmi
Benedetto Benvenuto
Gianluca Baldi
Antonio Birsa
Alessio Lupattelli
Giovanni Ballarani
Rayan Yassir
Lorenzo Vicarelli
Claudio Vicarelli
Giulio Vicarelli
Gaia Montagnoli
Cristina Ceccarelli
Camilla Mastrolia
Caterina Piscopo
Gabriella Ilardi
Irena Fiorentini
Riccardo Vicarelli — Director | Senior Architect
Riccardo Vicarelli
Director | Senior Architect
Fabio Marri
Civil Engineer | Partner
Marta Berrettoni
Senior Architect | Partner
Elisa Bettollini
Civil Engineer | Partner
Serena Agnesi
Civil Engineer | Partner
Alessio Boco
Architect SAR/MSA | Partner
Mirco Anselmi
Construction Manager | Partner
Benedetto Benvenuto
Construction Manager | Partner
Gianluca Baldi
Construction Manager | Partner
Antonio Birsa
Construction Manager
Alessio Lupattelli
Civil Engineer
Giovanni Ballarani
Junior Architect
Rayan Yassir
Junior Architect
Lorenzo Vicarelli
Architectural Assistant
Claudio Vicarelli
Building Surveyor
Giulio Vicarelli
3D Visualiser
Gaia Montagnoli
Designer
Cristina Ceccarelli
Designer
Camilla Mastrolia
Designer
Caterina Piscopo
Project Manager
Gabriella Ilardi
Marketing & Communication Manager
Irena Fiorentini
Administration Manager
FAQs
Frequently asked questions.
Will the design reflect my style? +
How much does a complete home renovation cost? +
Which documents will my project require? +
How are architectural fees calculated? +
How is the right builder selected? +
Architecture designed around the way you live.
Riccardo Vicarelli — Founder & Lead Architect