Xavier Arés is an architect based in Barcelona and co-founder of Anama Studio, an architectural practice focused on innovative design and interdisciplinary collaboration. He was born in 2000 and grew up in Barcelona, where he developed an early interest in architecture influenced by historical and cultural references. His work is driven by a desire to engage socially through design, combining theoretical reflection with a practical and resilient architectural approach. He is particularly interested in the intersection between Eastern and Western architectural traditions and philosophies. Arés studied architecture at ETSAB (UPC), complementing his education with international experiences, including studies at Waseda University in Tokyo and ETH Zurich. He has also worked as an architectural designer at Kengo Kuma & Associates in Tokyo, reinforcing his global and cross-cultural perspective.
His design approach is informed by a broader engagement with visual arts, writing, and music, and is oriented toward context-sensitive, sustainable architecture. He graduated with top academic distinction, ranking first in his cohort and receiving multiple recognitions for academic excellence.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
2025 – present
Co-Founder
Anama Studio – Barcelona, Spain
Architecture practice.
2023 – 2026
Kengo Kuma & Associates – Tokyo, Japan
Architect
–
Satellite Architect
–
2023
Shadowship
RCR Arquitectes – Olot, Spain
Studies of the urban context of the Sagrada Família.
* RCR BUNKA Scholarship
2022
Internship
Kengo Kuma & Associates – Tokyo, Japan
–
2022
Internship
Pichler & Traupmann Architekten – Vienna, Austria
–
2021 – 2022
Internship
Slow Studio – Barcelona, Spain
–
2021
Internship
Cadaval Estudio – Barcelona, Spain
–
ACADEMIC FELLOWSHIP
2023 – 2024
MEC Research Assistant
UPC (ETSAB): Polytechnic University of Catalonia – Barcelona, Spain
Research Fellowship. Department of Architecture (D-ARCH) – Architectural Rehabilitation and Restoration Group (REARQ).
2022 – 2024
INIREC Research Assistant
UPC (ETSAB): Polytechnic University of Catalonia – Barcelona, Spain
Research Fellowship. Department of Urbanism and Spatial Planning (DUOT).
2019
Teaching Assistant
UPC (ETSAB): Polytechnic University of Catalonia – Barcelona, Spain
Teaching Fellowship. Department of Architectural Technology (D-TA) – 1st year.
ACADEMIC EDUCATION
2024 – 2025
Postgraduate Degree in BIM Management (PG BIMM)
URL: La Salle – Barcelona, Spain
Postgraduate studies in Digital Construction Management, focusing on the implementation and coordination of Building Information Modelling (BIM) methodologies across the AEC lifecycle, within ISO 19650-compliant information frameworks.
The master’s programme covers the integration of architectural, structural, and MEP models, Common Data Environment (CDE) workflows, and openBIM/IFC interoperability, employing data-driven methodologies for design coordination, scheduling, cost analysis, sustainability, facility management, and advanced applications in safety, lean, and industrialised construction.
2022 – 2023
Master’s Degree in Architecture (MArch)
UPC (ETSAB): Polytechnic University of Catalonia – Barcelona, Spain
Advanced studies in architectural technology, structural design, and construction engineering, providing the required academic and professional competencies for regulated architectural practice and chartered qualification.
* Honours Degree
* Mention of Excellence for Technological Innovation
* HNA End of Studies Scholarship
2022 – 2023
Erasmus exchange – Master of Architecture (MSc Arch)
ETH Zurich: Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule – Zurich, Switzerland
2021 – 2022
Erasmus exchange – Master of Architecture (MSc Arch)
Waseda University – Tokyo, Japan
2018 – 2023
Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture (BArch)
UPC (ETSAB): Polytechnic University of Catalonia – Barcelona, Spain
Five-year program.
* Honours Degree
* Bachelor’s thesis awarded a Mention of Excellence
* Graduated first in class (2018-2023 cohort)
* RIBA Norman Foster Scholarship 2023: Selected as one of 20 finalists from 504 schools worldwide
2016 – 2018
Technological Baccalaureate
SAFA Horta: Sagrada Família-Horta – Barcelona, Spain
* Distinction
ADDITIONAL EDUCATION
2023
RCR XVI International Workshop of Architecture and Landscape
RCR Arquitectes – Olot, Spain
2022
Sustainability and Urban Quality through Urban Transformation
BAU: Bahçeşehir University International – Istanbul, Turkey
2021
Design and Construction of Environmental High Performance Hybrid Engineered Timber Buildings
TU Wien: Technische Universität Wien – Austria
CERTIFICATES
2026
Chartered Architect
COAC: Col·legi d’Arquitectes de Catalunya – Spain
2022
TOEFL iBT
100/120
2018
JLPT N4: Japanese-Language Proficiency Test N4
EOI: Escola Oficial d’Idiomes – Barcelona, Spain
LANGUAGES
Catalan
Native
Spanish
Native
English
Full professional proficiency
French
Intermediate
German
Intermediate
Japanese
Intermediate N4
Italian
Intermediate