We are Architects
We specialise in practical, sustainable and innovative people-centered Architecture. With a focus on quality spaces, the dialogue with the context and sustainability, we design with people at the heart of every project.
What we do?
As a RIBA Chartered Practice, CIAO offers a wide range of services across every project phase, tailored to meet the unique requirements of homeowners, property developers, and retail clients. In 2022, we expanded our portfolio by launching our design-led property development division, dedicated to crafting exceptional homes for the vibrant London real estate market.
Whether you seek to improve your home, redevelop a site or design your new commercial space, we are here to assist you. Our team's proficiency in sustainable and innovative design ensures that your project not only fulfills your requirements but also aligns with your values and ours.
Working alongside a trusted network of consultants and contractors, we ensure you have the optimal team for your project and offer a 360-degree service from inception to completion.
Discover more about our process
How we do it
Whether you are a homeowner, property developer, or retail client, we serve as your dedicated representatives, leading you through every project phase. Our streamlined process leverages advanced BIM technology, granting us complete control over every design aspect and enabling faster, more efficient project delivery.
Meet the team
Our team is diverse, united by the same passion for intelligent design.
London is our home, but our roots are in Northern Italy, where we also operate as a Practice.
Dario Caccamisi | Project Architect Dario joined CIAO in 2022 after completing his Master Degree in Architecture and Urban Planning at the Politecnico di Milano. Whilst studying, he collaborated with a number of Architecture Practices in Milan, working on private residential projects and competitions. Dario is passionate about every aspect of architecture, from large scale developments to interior design details. He has a special focus on the use of innovative materials, as demonstrated by his thesis in which he studied the application of ETFE to Architecture. Dario has a passion for cooking, wine tasting, travelling and working out in the gym. Toghether with Federica he is one of the representatives of CIAO in Milan.
Laura | Senior Architect Laura joined CIAO in 2022 after working as an Architect In Italy, Spain and UK, across a range of residential, educational, and research projects, including being involved in an exhibition for the Biennale of Architecture in Venice. Holding a degree in Urban Planning and a Master in Architecture, she is passionate about the relationship between city, public spaces and architecture, and how these elements can work together to make a positive contribution in people's lives. Outside working hours, Laura loves to spend her time doing pottery and playing with different materials creating colourful surfaces.
Diego Dalpra | Director Diego is a passionate and skilled Architect. Before Co-founding CIAO in 2016, he previously worked at award winning practice NEU Architects. Diego takes a hands-on approach to each projects and directly oversees much of the work delivered by the London office. He is Sustainability lead, having been passive house trained in Italy and has a meticulous attention to detail. Diego continues to lead the office's design ethos in high-end residential refurbishments with a focus on developing the reputation of CIAO as an international practice.
Rozkar Ali | Architectural Assistant Rozkar joined CIAO in 2023. She graduated at the London Metropolitan University, holding a portfolio price award. Prior to joining CIAO, she worked for several London Practices on a wide range of residential, commercial and mixed-use schemes, covering all RIBA Stages. Outside CIAO, she enjoys immersing herself in photography, crafting and painting.
Anna Cova | Project Architect Anna joined CIAO in 2021 and has since contributed to a variety of residential and mixed use schemes in London. After completing her Part I and II at Politecnico di Milano she has been recently qualified as an architect in London. She previously worked in Milan on a combination of residential, commercial and mixed-use projects at different work stages including the renovation of Torre Velasca, one of the city's most famous tall buildings. Outside CIAO, Anna loves backpacking around the world, cooking, cycling and exploring the city to find a new design piece to be added to her collection. Back home in Italy she also enjoys making wooden sculpture with her father.
Federica Capelli | Architect Federica joined CIAO after completing her Master Degree at Politecnico di Milano. She has always been very keen and passionate about interior design and the relationship between architecture and psychology, especially how the spaces that we live in can affect our lives. Working at CIAO gave her the opportunity to explore different scales and project stages, from new-built design to technical packages. She previously worked in Milan at ZDA Architecture Office and OFA Design Studio, where she had the opportunity to work on some interior renovations from inception to completion. Federica is really passionate about art and photography and she likes to spend her free time doing sport, travelling and exploring every aspect of life. Together with Dario she is now one of the firm’s representative in Milan
Alessandro Penna | Director Alessandro Co-founded CIAO in 2016 with Diego Dalpra. Prior to this he worked at Ash Sakula and Douglas & King Architects, specialising on the design of medium scale residential and mixed use developments. At CIAO, he has been leading a number of multimillion pound mixed use schemes as well as smaller private residential projects from inception to completion. Alessandro has extensive project experience through the different stages as well as superb detailing knowledge and thrives on the realisation of projects on site. He provides guidance on planning policies and building regulations compliance as well as managing the relationship with clients and stakeholders.