01
Idea & Preliminary Design
Analysis of the territorial, urban and regulatory context. Defining the brief, surveying the site and first concept proposals.
Rigour, form and function
Architecture, Design, Urban Planning and Engineering
STUDIO
Architecture with purpose
Founded in 1997 by Alexandre Sousa and Isabel Lopes, 1+1 Arquitectos is an Architecture, Design, Urban Planning and Engineering practice based in Espinho. More than 25 years turning ideas into spaces with rigour, identity and purpose.
Every project starts from a careful reading of the place, the brief and the people who will live in it, holding technical demands together with formal clarity.
We work in an integrated way, where concept, delivery and detail come together to create durable, functional solutions with real impact.
+200Projects
+25Years
4Areas
PROCESS
From concept to construction
Four phases that ensure rigour, clarity and quality in every project.
02
Design & Planning Permission
Development of drawings and specifications. Liaison with the competent authorities through to obtaining the necessary permits.
03
Engineering Coordination
Technical integration between architecture and engineering. Coordination of structures, services and the other engineering disciplines.
04
Construction & Site Supervision
Monitoring on site, quality control and checking compliance with the design. An active presence through to completion.
PROJETOS
Projetos em Destaque
Hillgarden
Multi-family housing
Hillgarden
Azores Retail Park
Retail and commercialUnder construction
Azores Retail Park
Nogueira da Regedoura Civic Centre Refurbishment
Public and urban projectsUnder construction
Nogueira da Regedoura Civic Centre Refurbishment
Casa 29
Refurbishment
Casa 29
APT
Multi-family housingIn design
APT
TEAM
The people behind the work
Alexandre Sousa
Founding Architect
Isabel Lopes
Founding Architect
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Senior Architect
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Interior Architect
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Civil Engineer
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Project Manager
CONTACT
Let's talk about your project
Fill in the form and we will reply within 24 hours.
Rua 19, n.º 231, 3.º andar / 4500-256 Espinho, Portugal
geral@ummaisum-arquitectos.com
+351 916 138 292
Monday to Friday, 09:00 – 18:00
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Answers to the most common questions about our process, the types of project we take on and how we work.
The process is divided into four main phases: Idea & Preliminary Design, Design & Planning Permission, Engineering Coordination, and Construction & Site Supervision. In each phase we keep close communication with the client so that the final result matches expectations.
We work on residential, commercial, industrial and urban projects. From the single-family house to the office building, from retail space to urban regeneration — every project gets the same attention to detail and technical rigour.
Timescales vary with the local council and the complexity of the project. On average, a straightforward application takes between 3 and 6 months. We follow the whole process with the competent authorities to keep delays down.
Yes. We can be appointed for specific phases — for example, the architectural design alone without site supervision, or the engineering coordination alone. We look at each case and propose what fits best.
Site supervision includes regular visits, checking compliance with the design, resolving unforeseen technical issues and keeping in regular contact with the contractor and the client. The aim is to make sure the works are built exactly as designed.