Franco Ferraro

Placemaking & Urban Design Manager

Email: franco@downtownsf.org

Born and raised in Lima, Peru, Franco Ferraro brings a global perspective shaped by his architectural background and international education. With a degree in Architecture from Peru and studies in Business for Architecture & Design in Spain, his career has spanned educational, institutional, and civic projects across South America and Europe. His thesis, focused on how informal spaces and spontaneous interactions shape learning and human relationships, continues to inform his approach to activating public spaces.

At Downtown SF Partnership, Franco aligns his fascination with the interplay between architecture and human behavior with the organization’s mission to create inviting, whimsical urban environments. His design philosophy is rooted in empathy, prioritizing human-centric solutions while addressing diverse community needs. Franco values collaboration and meaningful engagement, believing that great design starts with understanding people.

Outside of work, Franco enjoys exploring and Sonoma County’s scenic outdoors on bike or foot with his family, discovering the best Peruvian restaurants in the Bay Area, and capturing everyday moments through watercolor.