Who are we?
Rural Futures is a research center and an international study abroad institution that develops academic and research programs in Italy for international students and partner universities. We design courses and summer schools, promote studies, research and scholarly exchange; organize conferences, exhibitions, and cultural initiatives, and support partner institutions in the development of tailored educational pathways.
Our Core Team
Luca Guido (see more) is the founder of Rural Futures. Dr. Guido is an Italian licensed architect, critic, and historian of contemporary architecture. He earned a Ph.D. (2013) and has held teaching appointments at several universities in Italy and the United States. His professional practice centers on the conservation, enhancement, and adaptive reuse of cultural landscapes and architectural heritage. He holds Italy’s National Scientific Qualification (Abilitazione Scientifica Nazionale) for the rank of Associate Professor in the History of Architecture.
Clark Stevens (see more) is a teacher, conservationist, and architect specializing in design for culturally and ecologically critical places. Ecological restoration to create recreational, educational, economic and spiritual value is at the core of his design practice. He is Project Architect/Director of the Southern Los Angeles County Nature Connectivity Plan, architect of the Malibu Lagoon Restoration Project and the Liberty Canyon Wildlife Overpass, which will be the largest of its kind in the world. In addition to his architectural practice, New West Land Company, Inc., Clark serves as Director of Resource Design of the Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains.