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Alexander Smaga is the Founding Director of AS Architects and a Chartered Member of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), having received his RIBA Part 3 qualification in the United Kingdom. Living and working between London and Vienna, he brings a distinctly European sensibility to contemporary architecture — one that unites cultural heritage, design innovation, and environmental responsibility.
Born in Vienna, Austria, Alexander studied architecture at the Vienna University of Technology under Professor William Alsop, graduating with distinction. He continued his education at the École d’Architecture de Versailles in France, and later pursued postgraduate master studies at the University of Applied Arts with Professors Wolf Prix and Hernan Diaz Alonso, deepening his expertise in generative architectural and computational design.
With over 15 years of practice, Alexander has led projects across Europe and internationally. His extensive study trips to America, Asia, and the Middle East have broadened his architectural vision, shaping a global understanding of how culture, technology, and climate influence the way we live. His work reflects a belief that architecture must respond to the human and ecological challenges of the 21st century — creating spaces that are innovative, authentic, and emotionally resonant. Through AS Architects, Alexander continues to explore how design can connect people, place, and purpose in a rapidly changing world.
Professional Experience
Alexander Smaga gained early experience through internships at Coop Himmelb(l)au and L’AUC Paris, where he developed a passion for experimental and context‑driven design.
He later worked as a project architect with Berger Parkkinen, Baumschlager Eberle, and Chalabi Architects, contributing to a range of high‑profile international projects before founding his own studio — AS Architects — in Vienna (2012) and Kraków (2015). His practice offers comprehensive architectural services, from site consultancy and concept design to technical implementation and project delivery.
In 2013, Alexander won the International Competition for the Polish WWII Resistance Memorial at the foot of the Royal Castle in Kraków — a project of deep personal significance, inspired by his Polish heritage and family history of service during the Second World War.
In 2015, his proposal for the Museum of Science Fiction (MOSF) in Washington D.C. was selected among the finalists and received the People’s Choice Award, further establishing his reputation for visionary, culturally resonant design.
Ribbon of Memory Foundation
He is chairman President of the Ribbon of Memory Foundation founded in 2016. The Foundation promotes free arts, history and the memory of the forgotten heroes of WWII. It organizes events and features and supports music, sculpture, art exhibitions and publications.
Competitions
2024 London Design Festival – Reimagine London’s Highrise Spaces Shortlisted Finalist
2022 Shortlisted Winner Award International Bridge Competition in Jiaxing, China
2020 Vienna Creatives Award
2018 Winner of the International Competition for a PAF -RAF Allied Air Force Memorial in Plumetot, Normandy, France
2016 Lamborghini Road Sculpture, Italy
2015 Competition Finalist People’s Choice Award Museum of Science Fiction in Washington DC, USA
2013 Winner of the competition for Poland’s WWII Resistance Memorial at the foot of the Royal Castle in Krakow, Poland – Riverside Intervention
2012 Pylon Design Competition for the British National Energy Grid, shortlist
2011 Roeben Company price for sculptural beauty in Brick Design