Miguel Crespo’s journey into architecture began with a natural attraction to art and design from a very young age. This early passion led him to study architecture, where he discovered a way to transform creativity into something physical and impactful. For him, architecture is not just about structures; it’s about creating spaces that can shape lives and influence emotions. After graduating, he co-founded Zooco Studio alongside Sixto Martín Martínez and Javier Guzmán Benito, with the vision of developing a contemporary architectural language that remains deeply rooted in context and simplicity.
Miguel Crespo | Co-Founded | Zooco Studio
The studio became a place where flexible and thoughtful designs could take shape—designs that appeal to both functionality and emotion. At EliteX, we are proud to have Miguel Crespo as part of the edition: 05 Visionary Architects Reshaping the Future of Architecture in 2025.
For Miguel, the enduring power of architecture lies in its ability to turn ordinary spaces into something meaningful. Every project he takes on is more than a structure; it’s a new conversation between practicality and emotion, between the physical space and the people who will inhabit it. This constant challenge—this need to balance logic with feeling—is what keeps him engaged in the profession. It’s a path that continues to evolve, and Miguel remains deeply immersed in its development. His design philosophy is simple yet powerful: to find beauty through simplicity and to create functional spaces with soul. This approach guides every project, helping even the most complex ideas remain grounded and accessible. He believes in designs that are not overly complicated but deeply considered, reflecting a quiet strength and clarity.
“When a project works well, expresses honest materiality, and connects emotionally, it becomes inherently innovative and beautiful.”
Looking to the future of architecture, Miguel envisions a more sensitive and responsible approach. He believes the boundaries between physical and digital will continue to blur, creating new hybrid spaces. For him, sustainability must stop being a trend and become a fundamental part of the architectural process. The buildings of the future, in his vision, will not only adapt to their environment—they will embrace and enhance it.
A perfect example of this vision is the Cultural Center in Verín (Galicia, Spain), one of Zooco Studio’s projects. The building combines contemporary design with deep local roots. It uses regional materials and passive design strategies that reflect Miguel’s belief in sustainability and contextual design. The center is more than a space—it’s a reflection of the community and the environment it belongs to, showing how architecture can be modern and deeply connected to place.
Sustainability is not just a consideration in Miguel’s projects—it’s a core principle. His design process prioritizes passive strategies like natural ventilation and daylighting. He chooses local materials and favors low-impact construction techniques. By building strong relationships between architecture and its site, he works to reduce environmental impact while continuing to deliver beautiful, high-performance spaces. Community is also central to his design process. Before starting to design, he listens to people, observes their daily routines, and learns about their culture. This deep engagement allows him to create spaces that resonate on both a personal and collective level. For Miguel, good architecture should respond to the needs, stories, and habits of the people it serves.
“A good architecture should respond to the needs, stories, and habits of the people it serves.”
As for creative influences, Miguel finds inspiration in design studios like Norm Architects and Barozzi Veiga. He admires how they work with light, materials, and scale to create serene and poetic spaces. He also draws from contemporary art, especially works that experiment with scale and the concept of emptiness. These influences help him think beyond traditional boundaries and find new ways to express architectural ideas.
Looking ahead, Miguel sees several challenges facing the architectural profession. Architects will need to respond to the climate crisis with urgency and intelligence. Issues such as urban density, limited resources, and changing lifestyles will require fresh and adaptive design strategies. Old ways of building and planning won’t always work in the new world, and architects must be ready to evolve.
Balancing functionality, beauty, and innovation is one of Miguel’s core strengths. He believes that when a project works well in its use, shows honesty in its materials, and connects emotionally with people, it becomes inherently innovative and beautiful. Consistency is key—everything should feel like it belongs together, as if it was always meant to be that way.
To young architects just starting their journey, Miguel offers simple yet profound advice: stay curious. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, because those moments often lead to growth. He encourages them to listen carefully—not only to clients, but also to the land, to people, and to their peers. And above all, he urges them to design with passion, not ego. It’s not about being the loudest voice in the room, but the one that listens most deeply.
Miguel’s creative energy comes from many places—work, travel, books, cities, and above all, collaboration. His team at Zooco Studio is an essential part of his creative process. Each new project becomes a dialogue, an opportunity to think differently and push ideas further. For Miguel, creativity is not a solitary act, but a collective journey.
If given the opportunity to realize a dream project, Miguel would like to design a museum or cultural building in Cantabria. He imagines a space that not only displays art or culture but becomes an architectural experience in itself. It would be a building that harmonizes with the landscape, elevates its content, and stands as a symbol of thoughtful and contextual design. Through such a project, Miguel hopes to continue his mission of creating spaces with soul—spaces that are as beautiful as they are meaningful.
“Each project is more than a structure; it’s a new conversation between practicality and emotion.”
