Eleonora Srugo, record-breaking real estate broker and star of Netflix’s Selling the City, joins internationally acclaimed architect Gianpiero Pugliese to explore a growing movement in luxury real estate: the return to timeless design principles in modern practice. The conversation is anchored in Pugliese’s philosophy of “Human Architecture.”
Thursday, May 15th, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Officine Gullo New York Showroom
157 Hudson St, New York, NY 10013, USA
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Gianpiero Pugliese, Founding Principal, Audax
Gianpiero Pugliese is a licensed architect, designer, and master builder renowned for his exceptional contributions to the field of architecture and design. He holds a Master of Architecture from Harvard University and a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture from the University of California, Berkeley. His academic journey also includes a study abroad experience at IUAV in Venice, Italy, where he immersed himself in the rich architectural heritage of Europe.
Gianpiero’s distinguished career encompasses a diverse portfolio of high-profile projects across luxury residential, commercial, and hospitality interiors, as well as boutique condominiums. His work is celebrated for its elegance, innovation, and meticulous attention to detail, earning him numerous awards and accolades. He has worked both nationally and internationally, bringing a global perspective to his projects.
As an educator, Gianpiero has taught at the University of Toronto, sharing his expertise with the next generation of architects and designers. He is also a regular speaker and expert presenter at industry events, contributing to the broader discourse on architecture and design.
Gianpiero is the originator of the term “Human Architecture,” a philosophy dedicated to restoring timeless design principles to contemporary practice. He is currently writing a book on this philosophy, further exploring its implications for modern architecture. Gianpiero’s work continues to inspire and influence, reflecting a deep commitment to the enduring principles of beauty and functionality in design.
Eleonora Srugo, real estate agent and star of Netflix’s Selling the City
Eleonora Srugo is an industry veteran and New York native with 15 years of record-breaking real estate broking transactions in her portfolio. Featured as the star and anchor of Netflix’s much anticipated ‘Selling the City’ she leads Eleonora & Co, a team of distinguished female entrepreneurs as they navigate the dynamic social and professional world of ultra-high end real estate in the city.
She has consistently ranked as a top 10 agent at Douglas Elliman, Real Trends, and The Real Deal, brokering the number one single transaction of 2023 for $75,000,000 and having represented 20 new development projects including the sales and marketing for Gramercy Square, 100 Franklin Street, The Beekman Hotel and Residences, and the historic Belnord Condominium. Raised in SoHo and currently residing in Flatiron, Eleonora has a distinct edge with her encyclopedic-like knowledge of Manhattan’s inventory.
She has woven herself into the fabric and identity of the city, serving as Vice President of the Alumni Association of her alma mater Stuyvesant High School. In that role she founded the SHSAA Mentoring Program for inner city kids. She also serves on the Hudson River Park Trust Playground Committee, Pre School of the Arts Foundation, and advises boards across various industry sectors.
Overview of Human Architecture
Audax developed a unique design philosophy known as Human Architecture. This philosophy arose from their realization that contemporary built environments often neglect the prioritization of beauty. Modern cities, buildings, and interiors frequently emphasize functionality and efficiency at the expense of aesthetic appeal. This shift, which began with the modern movement, has resulted in the unremarkable environments we encounter today.
Human Architecture is a deliberate response to this trend. The aim is to restore the enduring principles of design that have historically ensured beauty. These principles, or axioms, include symmetry, proportion, repetition, hierarchy, materiality, and the emotive qualities that resonate deeply with physical human nature. The innate appreciation for balance, rhythm, and harmony is rooted in how people perceive and interact with the world. By embracing these timeless principles, the goal is to create contemporary spaces that are both aesthetically pleasing and deeply meaningful. Beauty is viewed as objective and not merely a matter of personal opinion.
This approach involves a thorough study of historical architecture and design, drawing lessons from the past to inform contemporary practice. This historical insight allows for the creation of modern designs that are rich in character and timeless in their elegance. Rather than adhering to a single style, the Human Architecture philosophy guides a variety of design styles, ensuring that each project is uniquely suited to its context while maintaining the core principles of beauty and harmony. This methodology enables the creation of spaces that inspire and uplift, reflecting a commitment to restoring the true essence of beauty in the built environment.