“Each project is shaped by a unique combination of factors.”
Working in various aspects of the real estate sector, Gonçalo Nobre da Veiga, Founder of GV+Arquitectos, values himself for the uniqueness with which he signs each project. With a presence in Portugal and Angola, he reveals in detail the details behind the construction and management of some of his works.
“Each work of architecture is a unique work. Unique." What is at the origin of this premise?
This premise is rooted in architecture as a form of artistic and functional expression. Each project is shaped by a unique combination of factors such as location, cultural context, program and client needs, budget, and available technology. Therefore, no two projects are the same. The uniqueness of each work derives from the need to respond in a unique way to these variable factors.
Are there any projects you would like to highlight?
So far, the project that has impacted me the most has been a residential building in Campo de Ourique, Lisbon, where for the first time we acted simultaneously as developers with Elevation Real Estate, as architects with GV+Arquitectos and as builders with Speisse – Space Reinvented. Contrary to what one might think, being in three positions brings added difficulties because we must defend the various aspects of a project simultaneously, where decisions and biases are often contradictory. However, the result was fantastic, and this building ended up being nominated for the five finalists of the national architecture awards and for the “building of the year”, by Archdaily, one of the largest architecture portals in the world.
Your projects adopt a contemporary language, where the experience of space is as important as aesthetics. How does the creative process unfold to make “the client’s dream” come true?
All projects at GV+Arquitectos begin with a deep understanding of the client's needs and desires. This involves detailed conversations, research, and analysis of the project context, and I would say even some extra sensitivity or empathy to understand what is often left unsaid. From there, the design evolves, incorporating this information and exploring different concepts and ideas. Aesthetics are important, but so are the functional and practical aspects of the project. The aim is to create a space that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional to meet the client's needs. I often say that we are as much “artists” and creatives as we are consultants. Professionals with experience in the area who help direct the client towards what is functional and feasible within what they want, maintaining a sense of balance and aesthetics that reinforces the result.
What role does or could a company like Speisse play in realizing what the client envisioned, whether private or corporate?
Speisse is a company specializing in fit outs, both corporate and residential. We play a fundamental role in making our clients' dreams come true, as we can offer a wide range of services, from initial design to construction and project management. We help translate the client's vision into concrete plans, deal with regulatory aspects and provide specialized technical knowledge to create pleasant living spaces. The difference we aim to achieve is the ability to deliver high quality projects within a budget and on time, through specialized knowledge, anticipating expectations and maintaining a very close relationship with the client.
In which areas does your work stand out most?
Our operations extend to the various facets of real estate, through several companies that complement each other, responding to the market in general. GV+Arquitectos is an architecture firm, present in Portugal and Angola, where we seek a contemporary and appealing but always functional approach to the challenges presented to us. Speisse is a fit-out company, which carries out work for both offices and stores as well as housing, in a mid-high-end and luxury market, focusing on attention to detail and quality in execution. At Elevation Real Estate we continually look for investment opportunities in the real estate market that provide above-market investment returns and with controlled risk. These investments are made by groups of small private investors, presenting themselves as a “boutique” company, with a close connection to their investors.
What vision do you have of sustainable architecture and how does it materialize in your projects?
Sustainable architecture aims to limit the impact of construction and maintenance of buildings on the environment, improving people's lives and their impact on the community and the environment. This is a continuous process that begins with conception and goes through the design and planning of the work, the choice of materials, the construction and has strong continuity throughout the life of the building – something that must be foreseen in the project. The topic of sustainable architecture is ambitious but urgent, especially because the real estate industry is one of the most polluting on the planet. Hence, in recent years efforts have been made on several fronts towards increasingly sustainable architecture and construction. Still, one of the biggest problems we face is the fact that it is agreed that it is more expensive and therefore only possible for those who can afford this type of “extras”. However, in the medium and long term it is easy to demonstrate the profitability of these investments. The initial investment to create a thermally comfortable house or building is easily recovered, which is why it is always advised.
Your activity extends to real estate development through Elevation. Who is your offer aimed at and what distinguishes (or what do they have in common) the projects that make up your portfolio?
Elevation Real Estate is a real estate development company, targeting clients looking for exclusive, high-quality projects, both in the residential and commercial markets. What sets our projects apart is careful attention to design and construction quality, as well as a commitment to sustainability. We seek to create projects that stand out for their quality and exclusivity, with contemporary designs and harmonious integration with the surroundings. Our vision is to offer our investors opportunities with above-market returns at a controlled level of risk and our clients an exceptional lifestyle or work environment.
Your professional path took you to Angola. It is there, in fact, that you created your atelier, which you later replicated in Portugal. How was this experience? What did it bring to Portugal? And what differences do you highlight between these two markets?
My experience in Angola was enriching and challenging. Working in a different cultural and geographic environment allowed me to expand horizons, both creatively and in terms of the soft skills needed to succeed in a country where a lot is still missing, and which will be one of the most difficult in the world to develop new businesses. It was necessary to learn the way of working, local customs and adapt projects to existing conditions. I brought to Portugal a deeper understanding of cultural diversity, of different architectural practices but also a great capacity for improvisation and adaptation. Key differences between these markets include regulatory issues, availability of materials and resources, and specific customer needs.
