Sergei Kuznetsov, Former Moscow Chief Architect, Joins VEB.RF Team
Sergei Kuznetsov joins VEB.RF as 'Architect of the Future' after Moscow exit
Under his leadership, Moscow's Zaryadye Park was built and Luzhniki Stadium was renovated ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Industry experts see these moves as a step toward broader adoption of cutting-edge solutions in comprehensive urban spatial development and improving residents' quality of life.
Architect of the Future
On April 14, Sergei Kuznetsov joined VEB.RF, the development institution confirmed to Expert. His new role at VEB.RF is titled "Architect of the Future." Additionally, Kuznetsov will serve as managing partner at Strelka KB (part of the VEB.RF group), an expert center specializing in urban planning and public space design.
At VEB.RF, Kuznetsov will oversee the preparation and implementation of projects in urban economics, master planning, and holistic city development, with a focus on enhancing quality of life, the institution noted.
In early April 2026, Kuznetsov stepped down as Moscow's chief architect, a position he had held since 2012.
"As part of the mayor's team, Sergei Kuznetsov played a key role in transforming Moscow into one of the world's most attractive and dynamic megacities," said Igor Shuvalov, Chairman of VEB.RF. "We are pleased that his expertise in architecture and urban planning will now strengthen VEB's initiatives in modern urban development, master planning, real estate projects, and Strelka KB's work."
Background: Under Kuznetsov's leadership and direct involvement, major projects were completed, including the renovation of Luzhniki Stadium for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, the construction of Zaryadye Park, the Irina Viner Gymnastics Palace, the Lomonosov Cluster at MSU's Innovation Science and Technology Center, and the Skolkovo Innovation Center.
Before his work in Moscow, Kuznetsov spent 12 years leading and partnering with architectural firms. He is an academician of the Russian Academy of Arts, an honorary professor at the Moscow Architectural Institute, and holds a PhD in Architecture.
Kuznetsov himself emphasized that joining VEB.RF presents an opportunity for professional growth and participation in large-scale projects on a federal level: "It is crucial to scale best practices for the development of cities and regions."
According to Kristina Ishkhanova, CEO of Strelka KB, Kuznetsov's systemic vision, combined with the consultancy's expertise, enables a consistent approach to master planning and integrated territorial development.
Capital Best Practices
Urban and key settlement development is one of the strategic priorities of VEB.RF. The institution provides support through a range of financial instruments—both conventional, such as debt and syndicated financing and bank guarantees, and those involving state participation, including public-private partnerships, investment protection agreements, and subsidies for single-industry towns.
Russia faces a unique challenge: its population is increasingly drawn to major urban centers, particularly Moscow, noted Georgy Ostapkovich, academic supervisor at the Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge at HSE University. High demand in the capital drives up housing prices, but it also generates tax revenues that fund infrastructure and public spaces, improving quality of life. Nationwide, the goal is to make other cities equally livable by scaling up Moscow's best practices wherever possible.
"Territorial development depends heavily on leadership—how well those in charge understand the city's economic landscape and where to focus expansion efforts. The more knowledgeable the people involved, the stronger the local economy grows," Ostapkovich said.
At VEB.RF, Sergei Kuznetsov will oversee urban planning and integrated city development. As an experienced professional, he is expected to elevate existing urban projects to a new level, according to Yury Kulchitsky, head of a project group and senior lecturer at the HSE Graduate School of Urbanism named after A.A. Vysokovsky.
"Kuznetsov can now apply the expertise he gained in Moscow at the federal level. He has a real opportunity to scale up the best practices he implemented in the capital to benefit cities and regions across Russia. While comprehensive urban improvement is already well-established in Russian master planning, the combination of environment and landmark projects—such asZaryadye ParkandLuzhniki Stadium—along with the creation of unique complexes, remains a diverse and evolving practice," Kulchitsky noted.
Kuznetsov's background includes volumetric and urban design innovation in architecture—an approach previously used in shaping the urban ensemble of Skolkovo Innovation Center, as recalled by Anna Turgeneva, Skolkovo's chief architect.
However, Kulchitsky cautioned that simply transplanting Moscow's model to the regions is not enough. Success depends on integrating local identity and cultural references into urban architecture so that developments resonate with residents. Here, the role of high-level experts is crucial.
