The New Court of Public Opinion: A. Alberto Lugo on the Eastchester Pickleball Revolution

Biography

 When A. Alberto Lugo walks through the streets of Eastchester, NY, he sees more than just buildings and roadways. As the CEO and Founder of Framing Futures Architectural Firm (FFAF), his trained eye usually scans for structural integrity, sustainable materials, and the interplay between light and space. However, recently, a different sound has caught his attention—the distinct pop-pop-pop of a perforated plastic ball hitting a paddle.

Pickleball has swept through Westchester County with the force of a tidal wave, and for Alberto, it represents something profound. It is not just a sport; it is a lesson in community architecture.

"In my line of work, we spend years designing 'Third Places'—spaces that aren't home and aren't work, where society naturally gathers," Lugo explains. "I’ve spent decades designing sustainable commercial hubs in Greenwich and public structures in Newark, but I’ve realized that sometimes, the most effective community center is simply a net, a ball, and a court."

For residents of Eastchester and the broader Westchester area, A. Alberto Lugo is becoming a familiar face not just in town hall planning meetings, but at the service line. His latest passion project involves merging his architectural expertise with the region's exploding demand for recreational space, advocating for facilities that are as environmentally responsible as they are fun.

The Westchester Wellness Boom

The rise of pickleball in New York and New Jersey mirrors a shift in how suburban communities utilize public land. In towns like Eastchester, where space is at a premium, the compact nature of a pickleball court (fitting four into the space of one tennis court) is an urban planner's dream.

Lugo, who holds a Master of Architecture from Cornell University and has spent over 20 years managing complex design workflows, sees the sport as a solution to modern isolation.

"We are seeing a 'wellness boom' in the tri-state area," Alberto notes. "People want to be active, but they also crave connection. You go to the courts near Lake Isle or over by Leewood, and you see a cross-section of our town. You have retirees playing doubles with high school students. You have veterans from the local post mixing with young professionals who just moved from the city. That intergenerational mixing is rare, and it’s precious."

However, as an architect who specializes in sustainable design and "green" initiatives, Lugo also sees the challenges. Noise complaints, drainage issues, and lighting pollution are real concerns for residents living near these buzzing hubs. This is where his professional background at FFAF comes into play.

A Family Affair: The Lugo Team

For A. Alberto Lugo, the connection to the sport is deeply personal. While his professional resume boasts tenures at prestigious firms like Parkins and Rhodon in New York and Fentrell Architects in San Francisco, his weekends are decidedly more grounded.

Alberto, his wife Genevieve (his partner of 18 years), and their two sons have become fixtures on the local circuit. "It’s the one place where my kids actually think they have a chance at beating me," he laughs. "And to be honest, they’re getting close."

Even the family's three Alaskan Malamutes are often seen trotting along the perimeter of the parks (though his goldfish, Lou, thankfully stays in his tank). This focus on family time drives his advocacy. He wants Eastchester to be a place where families can access top-tier amenities without needing a country club membership.

Philanthropy on the Court

Lugo’s charitable spirit—long demonstrated through his work with Habitat for Humanity and Homes for Veterans—has found a new outlet. He is currently organizing "Design & Dink" fundraisers. These events combine architectural networking with round-robin pickleball tournaments, with proceeds going toward upgrading public parks in underserved areas of Newark, NJ, and the Bronx.

"We have projects in Newark where we are trying to revitalize community blocks," Lugo says. "We realized that putting a high-quality pickleball court in the middle of a revitalization project changes the energy immediately. It brings people out of their homes. It makes the street safer because there are eyes on the street. It’s urban renewal through play."

He is also working to ensure that these facilities are accessible to everyone, including veterans and those with mobility challenges, applying the same principles of inclusive design that he uses in his commercial buildings.

The Future Serve

As Framing Futures Architectural Firm continues to expand its footprint across Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey, A. Alberto Lugo remains committed to his roots in Eastchester. He believes that the legacy of a town isn't just in its historic buildings, but in the vitality of its public spaces.

"Architecture is about the future," Lugo concludes. "And right now, the future looks like a community gathering together, paddling in hand, enjoying the fresh air in a facility that respects the Earth. That’s a future I’m proud to help build."

Whether he is drafting a multi-million dollar sustainable commercial complex or sketching a layout for a neighborhood park, A. Alberto Lugo brings the same level of passion, precision, and care. Eastchester isn't just where he works; it's where he plays.