SOFIA ALEIXO SILVA
Co-founder of the architecture studio spacelovers.
She developed expertise across various types of residential and educational projects, ranging from residential developments — including specialized housing for the elderly — to university residences and schools, serving as coordinating project architect at several prestigious architecture firms in London and Lisbon. With extensive technical knowledge, she is an excellent resource for the studio in building reuse and rehabilitation projects.
With prior experience at IPPAR / DGPC, her particular skill lies in assessing the potential of existing buildings and historic sites, working closely with clients and end users to produce customized, contextual, and efficient design solutions.
Her experience spans all forms of housing, with an emphasis on urban regeneration projects, ranging from residential and mixed-density buildings to specialized housing for the elderly. She has extensive experience in design & build contracts, both for rehabilitation/remodeling projects and new construction projects.
The skills she has acquired are also highly relevant in today's market, given the growing emphasis on rehabilitating existing buildings to meet contemporary habitability standards.
At the spacelovers architecture studio, she leads financial and operational management, marketing, and strategy.
Sofia has been an architect since 2004 (Faculty of Architecture of Lisbon), graduating in Lisbon, and earned her master's degree in rehabilitation and conservation of the built heritage in 2008 (Instituto Superior Técnico, Lisbon).
RUI RABAÇA
His experience in large-scale projects spans a range of sectors and roles, including housing, education, hospitality, retail, mixed-use, and cultural and arts buildings, demonstrating in each project his interest in sustainable construction.
He previously held the position of associate architect at Foster+Partners in London for nearly 8 years, where he developed an extensive portfolio of projects, specializing in high-end projects and the creation of designs with considerable complexity worldwide.
His involvement in award-winning projects spans masterplans and institutional buildings located in China, India, and Portugal.
Rui specializes in understanding the complex relationships involved in developing a commercially viable project, working with his clients to create designs with distinctive, buildable spatial content.
His innovative vision drives the execution of high-quality, cost-efficient architectural solutions that balance clients' budgets with high standards of quality.
His leadership and negotiation skills enable him to work effectively with major public and private bodies, achieving the best design at an affordable cost, even within extremely detailed and complex programs.
At spacelovers, Rui is the director of projects and construction, serving as the interface with clients and specialist teams and consultants.
Rui has been an architect since 2003 (Universidade Lusíada), graduating in Lisbon, and earned his master's degree in rehabilitation and conservation of the built heritage in 2008 (Instituto Superior Técnico, Lisbon).
WHAT IS IT LIKE WORKING WITH THE SPACELOVERS ARCHITECTURE STUDIO?
Choosing us as your project team means having trusted architects by your side throughout the entire process. We believe in comprehensive, ongoing support, because built architecture should be closely connected to the client's personality and way of life, creating harmony with its context.
