VASCO VIEIRA, ARCHITECT - «In architecture, simplicity and sustainability are the new luxury.»

Born in South Africa, it was in Portugal that his work as an architect bore fruit. Vasco Vieira is today one of the country's most renowned architects, recognized as one of the ten best architects internationally. It is in the Algarve that he designs most of his projects, all with a unique architecture that inspires dreams…

You were born in Johannesburg, South Africa, and moved to Portugal after graduating in 1994. What inspirations do you bring from your home country, and what motivated you to come to Portugal?
The climate in South Africa was very similar to that of the Algarve, and outdoor spaces were a fundamental part of the experience. It was this connection between the interior and exterior that set my early projects in the Algarve apart from many other architects. My parents always longed to return here, so as soon as I finished my degree, I came to Portugal.

Was working at the Vale do Lobo resort in the Algarve a significant boost to your trajectory and career?
Vale do Lobo was a crucial step in my development as an architect. It was there that I learned to deal with clients of all nationalities, most of them very demanding and seeking quality. During this period, I served as both the project's chief architect and construction director, learning to combine architecture with the art of building well—essential skills for my future career.

«Vale do Lobo was a very important step in my development as an architect.»

In 2003, he founded his own firm, Vasco Vieira Arquitetos, and shortly thereafter was considered one of the top 10 architects internationally. How do you define your work, and what sets it apart?
My architecture is very functional, within the concept of “form follows functional,” with all spaces relating and interacting in a natural and logical way, allowing occupants to easily interact with the building.

Is there any project that you particularly enjoy doing?
I have several standout projects, but the ones that give me the most pleasure are those where ecology and sustainability are the main concepts. Where nature and architecture are in perfect harmony, such as the Hotel Areias do Seixo (a pioneer in eco-friendly hospitality in Portugal) and the Moradia in Moraleja (Madrid).

Several decades of work later… would you do anything differently in your life, from a professional perspective?
I actually think very little about the past, I live very much day to day. So, I'm happy with my entire journey.

In your opinion, what should a home have to make you dream, regardless of its size and features?
The fundamental aspect of any project is the quality of the spaces and the diverse sensations a person experiences in the home. Owners who occupy and live in our homes say that our homes create a joyful experience. This has a lot to do with natural light and the connection between the interior spaces and the exterior.

The luxury real estate market is increasingly strong in Portugal. How do you view this situation, and how has it influenced your work?
From a very young age, I've worked in the luxury sector, both in housing and hotels, and in developments. I was invited to develop projects almost all over the world, in markets supposedly more luxurious than the Portuguese market at the time. It was on these trips that I realized that Portugal, and the luxury developments in the Algarve in particular, were superior in every aspect to these markets. It was only a matter of time before the international market understood all the qualities Portugal had to offer, which are now more than evident, making Portugal one of the most sought-after destinations for luxury real estate buyers.

Do you think there's a greater focus on well-being than material considerations when it comes to building a home? Is slow living a prevalent aspect of architecture?
Yes. The definition of luxury has changed significantly in recent years, and especially because of Covid, people have come to value the simple things in life much more, such as contact with nature, good weather, family, and good food. In architecture, simplicity and sustainability are the new luxury.

«My architecture is a very functional architecture.»

What's your daily routine like? What do you do to balance your personal and professional life?
During the week, my schedule is almost always packed with meetings, both with clients and with the various stakeholders involved in the projects. Weekends are dedicated to designing and developing new projects. So, in reality, I have very little time for other activities.

What are Architect Vasco Vieira's aspirations for the coming years?
As I've already said, I don't dwell much on the past, nor do I dwell much on the future. But I aim to continue evolving as an architect and as a person.

«The fundamental aspect of any project is the quality of the spaces and the various sensations a person experiences in the home.»

Text: Carla Martins
Photos: Marcelo Lopes