Portuguese Architects

When discussing Portuguese architects, many names immediately come to mind. However, there are many others who also deserve to be highlighted and acknowledged for their work carried out outside Portugal.

Alongside Álvaro Siza Vieira, an indispensable figure in Portuguese architecture who will be discussed below, there are other Portuguese architects who stand out for their bold and innovative projects. In addition to Portugal, the architects mentioned in this list have works in countries such as France, the Netherlands, Germany, and China.

From the most established names in Portuguese architecture to the new generation of architects, there are professionals who deserve to be distinguished and recognised for their body of work. Would you like to know who they are? Continue reading our article.

When speaking of Portuguese architecture, it is impossible not to mention Álvaro Siza Vieira, born in Matosinhos, who is the most awarded Portuguese architect in the history of architecture in Portugal.

Among his most notable awards are:

• Pritzker Prize;

• UIA Gold Medal;

• RIBA Royal Gold Medal;

• Wolf Prize in Arts – Architecture;

• Alvar Aalto Medal.

However, beyond the awards, what truly distinguishes the career of this 88-year-old architect are his works, which have become major landmarks in Portuguese architecture.

Some of his most significant projects include:

• Piscina de Marés, Leça da Palmeira;

• SAAL Housing, São Vítor, Porto;

• Bonjour Tristesse Housing, Schlesisches Tor, Berlin, Germany;

• Urban study for the expansion of Macau, China;

• Urban plan for Schilderswijk-West, The Hague, Netherlands.

More recently, in early 2021, Álvaro Siza Vieira’s project developed with COR Arquitetos in Gallarate, Italy, was nominated for the Mies van der Rohe Awards.

Gonçalo Byrne

Another prominent name in Portuguese architecture is Gonçalo Byrne. With an extensive portfolio that includes works in Portugal, Italy, and Belgium, Gonçalo Byrne Arquitectos is characterised by a generalist, multidisciplinary, and convergent architectural approach. Beyond architecture, fields such as engineering, landscape architecture, sustainability, and archaeology contribute to the many successful projects developed by this practice.

Among his most notable works are the Headquarters of the Government of the Province of Vlaams-Brabant in Leuven, Belgium; the conversion of the Palace of Estoi into a Pousada hotel in the Algarve; and Casa nel Parco, in Jesolo, Venice, Italy.

Diogo Aguiar

In 2016, this architect founded Diogo Aguiar Studio in Porto, bringing together a team responsible for projects recognised beyond national borders.

The studio develops bespoke buildings and interiors, as well as special installations, working across both public and private contexts. Its primary objective is the creation of immersive and sensorially engaging spaces.

This emerging practice has received several publications and nominations for international awards. In 2018, the studio was selected to be part of the Official Representation of Portugal at the 16th Venice Architecture Biennale – Public Without Rhetoric.

Aires Mateus: Portuguese Architects Responsible for Several Projects in France

Brothers Manuel and Francisco Aires Mateus, founders of the Aires Mateus studio, have among their works the headquarters of EDP in Lisbon. Their work has also crossed borders, notably with the creation of the Olivier Debré Contemporary Creation Centre in Tours, France.

In 2016, the studio’s project in France was nominated for the Mies van der Rohe Awards, a surprise for Manuel Aires Mateus, who stated at the time to Diário de Notícias that it was “the first building” completed outside Portugal.

Similarly to 2016, the Aires Mateus studio has once again had two projects nominated for the same awards. One, by Manuel Aires Mateus and Vincent Parreira, is located in Clichy-sous-Bois, France. The other, designed by Francisco and Manuel Aires Mateus, is a house in Monsaraz.

João Luís Carrilho da Graça

This Lisbon-based architect has received numerous awards throughout his career, including the Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres from the French Republic in 2010 and the Prémio Pessoa in 2008.

His most emblematic works include:

• Adaptation of the Monastery of Flor da Rosa into a Pousada, Crato;

• Pavilion of the Knowledge of the Seas, Expo ’98, Lisbon;

• Theatre and Auditorium of Poitiers, France;

• Lisbon Cruise Terminal, Lisbon.

MJARC Arquitetos – Architecture Studio in Porto and Lisbon

Founded in 2006 in Porto, with a branch in Lisbon, by architects Maria João Andrade and Ricardo Cordeiro, MJARC Arquitetos is dedicated to creating sustainable architecture, using environmentally responsible materials and construction methods, and promoting the integration of nature into the urban environment, contributing to biodiversity and well-being.

With a holistic approach and meticulous attention to detail, the studio combines low- and high-technology solutions to reduce carbon footprint without compromising aesthetics. The result is durable, timeless projects that harmonise beauty, functionality, and sustainability.

Technical Recognition and Certifications

The studio includes Qualified Experts (PQII) certified by ADENE (2009), holds nZEB Design certification (2016), and recently obtained LEED Certification (2025), reinforcing its commitment to technical and environmental excellence in every project.

National and International Recognition – MJARC Arquitetos

MJARC Arquitetos has received national and international recognition for its commitment to sustainable, innovative, and high-quality architecture. Among the most significant awards are the European 40 Under 40 Award by the European Center, the prestigious House of the Year – Archello Awards 2025, and multiple distinctions at the World Architecture Festival.

2018

• Casa Vale do Douro – Finalist World Architecture Festival, Amesterdam.

2021

• Casa Vale do Douro e Nordeal Hospital Unit, Mirandela – Winner 40 Under 40 Prize European Center, Atenas.
• Casa Vale do Douro – Winner World Architecture Community Award.

2022

• Hotel Vínico Douro – Finalist Architizer Awards, New York, and World Architecture Festival, Lisbon.

2023

• Casa Saramagayo – Finalist World Architecture Festival, Singapure.

2024

• Riverside – Winner Loop Design Awards, People’s Choice Award.
• Riverside – Winner Muse Design Awards, Architectural Design – Residential.

2025

• Douro Wood House – Winner Loop Design Awards, Small Architecture.
• Douro Wood House – Winner Prémios Construir, Prémio Sustentabilidade.
• Riverside – Honourable Menion Prémios do Imobiliário Sic Notícias | Expresso.
• Douro Wood House – Jury Winner House of the Year, Rural Small Archello Awards.
• Cicioso Boutique Hotel – Architecture MasterPrize Awards 2025, Hospitality.
• Douro Wood House – MasterPrize Awards 2025, Small Architecture.
• Riverside – Architecture MasterPrize Awards 2025, Multifamily Residencial Architecture.

In addition to these awards, the studio’s projects have been widely featured on leading international platforms such as Architizer, ArchDaily, Amazing Architecture, and Archello, reflecting the relevance and impact of its work worldwide.

We invite you to discover the projects of MJARC Arquitetos.
Explore our portfolio and experience architecture that combines sustainability, aesthetics, and innovation. Contact us.