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ToggleWHY HIRE AN ARCHITECT IN LISBON?
In Portugal, any complete remodeling, building rehabilitation, or new construction that alters the structure, facade, or area of a property requires an architectural project signed by an architect registered with the Order of Architects. Hiring an architect in Lisbon from the initial phase guarantees three things:
- Correct legal framework — knowing if your project requires licensing, prior notification, prior information request, or if it is exempt from prior control.
- A project designed for execution, not just for municipal approval — avoids budget and project overruns.
- Real property appreciation — a well-designed and well-documented project facilitates financing, licensing, and future resale.
Meet the Spacelovers team of architects in Lisbon
Spacelovers is an architecture studio founded in 2018 in Lisbon, led by Sofia Silva and Rui Rabaça. Together, they have developed a working method that combines technical rigor, creativity, and close client relationships—from the first sketch to the final delivery of the project.
Our team originated in academia and grew through joint projects in housing, rehabilitation, and new construction, accumulating collective know-how that we apply to each new challenge.
Architecture that creates value.
Thoughtfully designed projects delivered with rigor, vision, and meticulous attention to detail — from concept to completion.
SPACELOVERS ARCHITECTS IN LISBON
Sofia Aleixo Silva, Arquiteta
Sofia Silva is an architect and co-founder of spacelovers, a studio she has led with Rui Rabaça since 2018. Her work focuses on developing architectural and interior design projects, with a particular sensitivity to sustainable and mixed-use solutions.
Sofia is responsible for ensuring that each spacelovers project balances aesthetics, functionality, and construction feasibility, closely guiding clients in defining the program and choosing materials and finishes.
Recognized by clients for her attention to detail, friendliness, and ability to translate ideas into concrete architectural concepts, Sofia has developed interior remodeling, house renovation, and building rehabilitation projects in Lisbon and Greater Lisbon.
Rui Rabaça, Arquiteto
Rui Rabaça is an architect and co-founder of spacelovers, an architecture studio based in Lisbon since 2018. He is the team's main point of contact with clients, overseeing each project from the initial meeting to completion.
Specializing in apartment and house renovations, building rehabilitation, and new construction, Rui is recognized by clients for his availability, technical rigor, and ability to transform complex requests into clear and viable architectural solutions.
Throughout his career, Rui Rabaça has worked on dozens of housing projects in Greater Lisbon, paying particular attention to municipal licensing, construction management, and communication with national and international clients.
ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES
- [Architectural Projects]
- [Apartment Remodeling]
- [House and Villa Remodeling]
- [Building Rehabilitation]
- [New Construction]
- [Licensing/Planning | Prior Notification of Works | Request for Prior Information | Works without a license]
- [Custom Furniture]
We develop and coordinate all phases of an architectural project, from the Preliminary Study, Preliminary Design / Licensing / Prior Notification, Execution Project and Technical Assistance to the work.
We promote the coordination of specialty projects with the architectural project, and we perform project management. For initial investment phases, we have a Real Estate Technical Due Diligence service that promotes the legal and urban planning framework of the existing property and land, and advances strategies for feasibility solutions to explore in that investment. We develop the Execution Project in parallel with complementary specialties and Interior Design, whenever the project requires it.
We design with the aim of bringing your projects to life and creating high-quality architectural solutions. We are an architecture studio with strong expertise in the area of rehabilitation and new construction, especially in the residential sector, developing personalized/bespoke projects with integrated and transversal solutions.
LISBON AREAS WHERE WE WORK
LISBON
Alfama, Alcântara, Chiado, Avenidas Novas, Estrela, Campo de Ourique, Restelo, Arroios, Baixa Chiado, Alvalade, Avenida da Liberdade, Olivais, Parque das Nações, Alcântara — and the rest of the Lisbon metropolitan area, including Cascais, Oeiras, Amadora, Odivelas, Loures and Sintra.
SETÚBAL
Setúbal, Almada, Sesimbra, Palmela, Seixal, Montijo, Moita, Alcochete, Grândola, Alcácer do Sal, Santiago do Cacém, Sines.
OTHER MUNICIPALITIES
Alandroal, Alcanena, Alcobaça, Alenquer, Arraiolos, Arruda dos Vinhos, Benavente, Bombarral, Cadaval, Caldas da Rainha, Cartaxo, Constância, Coruche, Évora, Figueira da Foz, Golegã, Guarda, Leiria, Mafra, Montemor-o-Novo, Óbidos, Olhão, Peniche, Pinhel, Santarém, Tomar, Torres Novas, Torres Vedras, Vendas Novas, Vila Franca de Xira, Vila Real de Santo Antônio and Viseu.
ARCHITECT IN LISBON - SPACELOVERS
If you are looking for an architect in Lisbon, be sure to contact us. Our team of architects in Lisbon develops residential architecture, building rehabilitation and contemporary projects, with due respect to pre-existing structures - closely monitoring all phases of the project and construction supervision.
As an architecture office registered with the Ordem dos Arquitetos, we handle planning directly with the City Halls. We also promote, if necessary, the appropriate external consultations for projects with associated easements, so that your project progresses within serious and realistic timelines.
FAQ - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How much does an architect cost in Lisbon?
An architect's fees in Lisbon typically range from 8% to 15% of the project value, depending on the project's complexity, the area of intervention, and the type of contracted support (project only, or project + construction supervision). Request a personalized, no-obligation quote.
How long does an architectural project take?
An architectural project for remodeling usually takes between 2 and 4 months, from the preliminary study to the execution project. Projects subject to municipal licensing may take longer, depending on the response time of the City Council.
Do I need an architect for an interior remodeling project?
It depends on the type of work. Alterations that do not affect structural walls, facades, or area may be exempt from prior control, but they will still have to comply with applicable legislation, and the law states that all works must be preceded by a project, even those not submitted to the relevant entities for evaluation. We always recommend confirming with an architect before starting construction to avoid future injunctions or legal problems.
What is the difference between an architect and an interior designer?
In Portugal, only those who have completed an Architecture degree (5 years † internship) and are registered with the Order of Architects can practice as architects. Only an architect can sign projects subject to licensing, prior notification, and qualified PIP (Preliminary Information Plan). An interior designer works primarily on the decoration and ergonomics of spaces, without the legal responsibility to design in accordance with all current construction laws and for the type of use.
Does spacelovers work outside of Lisbon?
Yes. In addition to Lisbon, we regularly work in Lisbon, Cascais, Oeiras, Sintra, Almada, Sesimbra, Setúbal, as well as other municipalities in the country, provided the project justifies our involvement.
WHAT CLIENTS SAY ABOUT OUR ARCHITECTURE STUDIO
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