Manuela’s expertise spans a diverse range of typologies and scales, with a focus on large-scale masterplans and infrastructural projects, specifically urban regeneration and transit development. Since joining ZHA in 2002, she has directed major ZHA projects, setting industry milestones with developments like the Danjiang Bridge in Taipei, the longest single-tower asymmetric cable-stayed bridge upon completion. 

Over the years, she has led mixed use, hospitality and more recently cultural projects, whilst spearheading ZHA’s strategic focus on building renovation and adaptive reuse. Working closely with internal and external teams, she combines her design expertise with a collaborative approach and maintains design integrity throughout the project lifecycle.

Since directing the Dnipro Metro Stations project in 2017, Manuela has been actively supporting efforts to rebuild Ukraine as a member of the advisory board of the UK-Ukraine Trade and Industry Strategy Group (STIG).

Manuela received her Diploma in Architecture with Honours from the Instituto Universitario di Architettura di Venezia in Italy and her Master of Architecture and Urbanism with distinction from the Design Research Laboratory (DRL) at the Architectural Association (AA) in London. In 2002, she co-authored the book Negotiate My Boundary! – Mass Customization and Responsive Environments, which explores new architectural forms amid evolving social and cultural conditions.

Manuela has taught at the IUAV in Venice and the AA and has lectured at universities worldwide, including the University of Hong Kong, La Sapienza University in Rome, and Tel Aviv University.

Coming from Italy, Manuela speaks five languages and reads in Latin. Her passion for languages and history enriches her understanding and helps her to connect with people from diverse cultures. She enjoys skiing and music, with a particular fondness for David Bowie, whose lyrics she knows by heart.