Gonzalo Villares joined the firm in 2004, and his career path as an architect and leader at Pope Design Group has included becoming a Team Manager and Director of Operations, Principal, Chief Operating Officer and Managing Principal.

As the company’s Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Gonzalo manages business operations and the strategic direction of the firm. He oversees the company’s Education, Community and Commercial studio, supporting the management of client relationships and projects.

Gonzalo grew up in Uruguay, but decided to make the Twin Cities home after completing the Master of Architecture program at the University of Minnesota. He enjoys the daily challenge of finding architectural solutions that best meet his clients’ goals.

If he’s not at the office, you can find Gonzalo going for trail runs or training for his next marathon on the streets of St. Paul.

Gonzalo is an Architect and is licensed through the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards Accreditation.

Gonzalo is a registered Architect in the following states: Minnesota, Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri,  Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wisconsin.