Riccardo began his academic architectural studies at the Università di Firenze, picking this institute for its prestige and also for the fact that it is surrounded by some of the most impressive buildings in Tuscany. After 5 years of studying, Riccardo was awarded a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture.

To coincide with RVA’s expansion into the UK market, Riccardo furthered his skills and ability to move the practice towards meeting new objectives by undertaking modules at Hult International Business School. This would pave the way for the Dubai practice expansion, but it also helped to solidify the presence of RVA in London.

Having secured his Bachelors and Masters Degrees in architecture, Riccardo began the process of gaining recognition from the ⁠⁠Ordine degli Architetti di Perugia, the professional regulatory body for architects in Italy. Riccardo completed this process, gaining accreditation and the ability to use the title ‘Architetto’ and practice in Italy, where he started work on projects with Centro Studi.

In 2016, RVA secured its status as a Chartered Practice, recognised by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). Riccardo worked hard to ensure that the practice exemplified the standards of excellence necessary in order to gain this accreditation, pursuing internal CPD progression for key team members, implementing the RIBA Code Of Conduct, and establishing sustainability & environmental standards. RVA maintains its status as a RIBA Chartered Practice, following the internationally-recognised RIBA Plan of Work, a seven-stage framework approach used to outline a project in its entirety.

This accreditation is a symbol of our credibility across the UK, Europe and in the UAE, and we’re proud to work in line with these standards.

Following on from his studies in London, Riccardo pursued his entrepreneurial instinct and established his own architectural practice, RVA Architects. Riccardo appointed a commercial team from his professional network, basing this branch of the business in Perugia, where the RVA Headquarters is located. Back In London, he built a team of designers, technical experts and project managers, and to date, they’ve worked on over 20 successful projects across the city. In 2023, this structure grew further, as RVA established its presence in the UAE, opening an office in Dubai.

Architecture and Interior Design are two key pillars of the business, complemented by a range of broader services including Planning Application support, Project Management, and Building Regulations compliance. Riccardo found a way to fuse RVA’s expertise by developing a Design & Build service, which offers an end-to-end, turnkey solution including architecture, interior design and project management expertise.

Riccardo placed a particular emphasis on developing the commercial side of the business, refining RVA’s Local Architect service. To date, RVA has worked with some of the most prestigious retail brands, and the company also orchestrated its first commercial design and build project in Dubai for The Hour Dress.

Riccardo joined his father Claudio Vicarelli’s firm Centro Studi in 1999, as a lead ‘Architetto’, working on large scale projects in and around Perugia, Umbria. Riccardo played a key role in the consultation, design, and project management stages of commercial, residential, and industrial projects, providing architectural and civil engineering services for clients. Riccardo supported his father in shaping innovative briefs for clients that provided longevity, quality, and personalisation.

Riccardo played an integral role in some of the companies most significant works. This role led him to develop his own approach towards renovations, and he refined his ability to highlight both the advantages and challenges that each project posed, striving to provide the most practical solutions to meet the needs of those who will eventually live, or work from these spaces.

One of Riccardo’s specialist services at Centro Studio was casali renovations. The company was appointed to refurbish and modernise traditional Umbrian farmhouses, and Riccardo worked on several of these types of projects during his time at the practice.