How did you decide to become an architect and set up your business in Tavira?

I'm not an architect. I am a designer, with about 30 years´ experience of working in Architecture. My father is an architect. In 1974, the year of the Revolution, I joined the army for two years. Then I tried to take a course in Architecture in the School of Fine Arts in Lisbon, but it was closed. I started to work with my father.
I came to Tavira to do some project work in 1981/2. I liked Tavira and returned in 1986 to stay. There was a good quality of life here which I didn't find in Lisbon. I sometimes do project work there, but then long to come back to Tavira.

What style of architecture do you prefer personally and what do you like about the architecture of Tavira?

I like modern buildings but then I also like some of the 18th Century buildings in Tavira. The styles are no so important. It is the way concepts are integrated that determines if they are successful or not. Modern architecture has found interesting solutions to questions of proportion, and utilization of space to suit man's requirements. I don't like big buildings on top of hills, claiming to be monuments, with no attempt at integrating them into their surroundings. I try not to look at them.

What is the best way to design a house in your experience?

Firstly, of course, you have to have a client, secondly a plot, and thirdly the money for a project. By talking to the clients I try to understand their needs, aspirations and their budget options. A site visit is particularly important. Then I present some designs to discuss with the client to gain a better understanding of these initial ideas. A lot of time is spent at this stage, because agreement at this point can prevent problems further into the project. If clients came to me with their own plans and designs, commercially for me it would be good, but I like to give them something better than they have imagined on their own.

How do you handle those clients who keep changing their minds about what they want?

I make a real effort to sell my original idea to the clients. We exchange ideas to reach an understanding. I try to explain the pros and cons of each modification and how it will affect the process or the design. However, if they still feel strongly about a change, then a change will be made by common agreement. It is my responsibility to make sure that the final outcome of the project is to the full satisfaction of the client.

Can you describe the different stages of a house build project and where your part begins and ends?

Contact with the client, ideas, plans, designs, legalities, and construction, are all stages where I am normally involved. Sometimes I am invited to a house warming for the official handing over of the keys. It is very important for me to be involved in the project until its completion, to ensure that materials are used correctly, and that plans are followed. I would estimate that 10% of my time is spent on design work and 90% on the work that goes with the project, coordinating the plans and being involved in the construction.

Do the planning departments (people, rules and regulations) vary from region to region in Portugal as to how strict or flexible they are?

The process is the same. It is the people who make the difference. The build conditions can also vary. Developing a good working relationship with the people in the planning departments can help overcome problems.

Do different nationalities have different ideas about designing a house?

Generally, I find that it is just people with their own different ideas and cultures. You could say perhaps that the French tend to like big houses, that the Dutch perhaps have more ideas about outside areas, that the Germans like lots of wood, and kitchens are important for the English. But these are just impressions I have had at times.

How do you keep up to date with changes in building materials, planning requirements, latest legislation, new styles and design concepts?

I update myself as much as possible by visiting other countries, visiting exhibitions and reading the latest information. I receive a lot of literature every day on new technology, improved materials and new construction methods. I also regularly communicate with the planning departments and other offices with whom I work.

Is there any building you have designed that you are particularly proud, of and why?

This is a very difficult question. I have no one building that I think is the best. A sense of personal pride in my ongoing achievement is more important to me. There is a part of my heart and soul in every project I do. A new idea, an improvement in the utilization of space, problems overcome, these are sufficient reasons to feel proud. Each project has its own set of circumstances, conditions and limitations which dictate the final result.