Architecture & Interior Design — Lisbon, Portugal

Architecture
that earns
its place

Studio A+1 is an award-winning architecture and interior design practice based in Lisbon. We design homes, workplaces and spaces that belong exactly where they are — for clients who expect nothing less.

Explore Our Work Get in Touch
London Design Awards — Winner
Costa Terra — Luxury Residential & Architecture
EY · BCG · BP · Sinopec — Corporate Projects
English · Spanish · French · Portuguese
Est. 2015 — Lisbon, Portugal

The Studio

A practice built on rigour, care, and genuine curiosity.

Studio A+1 is a Portuguese architecture and interior design studio founded in 2015 by Cristina Vieira de Matos Fonseca and Emanuel Valente de Sousa. With a multinational team of architects and designers, the studio brings together diverse cultural perspectives on every project.

Our track record spans private residences in Lisbon, luxury developments at Costa Terra, and corporate headquarters for global firms including EY, BCG, BP and Sinopec across Portugal and Angola. We are also pioneers in patented sustainable timber prefabrication systems.

We work with international clients who are building, buying or renovating in Portugal — guiding them through every step with clarity, expertise and full fluency in English, Spanish and French.

Cristina Vieira de Matos Fonseca and Emanuel Valente de Sousa, founding partners of Studio A+1

Selected Work

Projects that define a practice.

01 Costa Terra Comporta, Portugal Architecture · Interior Design 2025–2026
02 EY Headquarters Luanda, Angola Architecture 2025
03 BCG · BP · Sinopec Luanda, Angola Architecture · Interiors 2023
04 Ajuda House Lisboa, Portugal Architecture · Interiors 2023
05 Avenida da Liberdade 177 Lisboa, Portugal Interior Design 2024
06 Edifício Lapa Lisboa, Portugal Architecture · Interiors 2023
07 Ministry of the Interior Luanda, Angola Architecture 2025

What We Do

From concept
to completion.

Studio A+1 offers a complete range of architectural and design services for residential, corporate and institutional clients — in Portugal and internationally. Every project is guided by the same rigour, from first sketch to final handover.

01

Architecture

Full-service architectural design for residential, corporate and institutional projects — from concept to construction completion. We manage the entire process, including licensing, contractor coordination and site supervision.

02

Interior Design

We extend architectural thinking into the interior — working with space, light and material to create environments that feel considered from the inside out. Furniture, finishes and lighting selected with precision.

03

Corporate & Workplace

Design and delivery of high-performance corporate spaces — from global headquarters to boutique professional offices. Experienced in delivering international-standard workplaces in challenging environments.

04

Renovation & Rehabilitation

Transforming existing buildings and apartments — particularly relevant for international clients investing in Lisbon's historic urban fabric. We navigate the regulatory process and manage the full renovation.

05

Sustainable Prefabrication

Patented timber prefabrication systems for residential and modular architecture — precision-engineered, environmentally responsible, and built to last. A growing priority for clients who value design and sustainability equally.

For International Clients

Why international clients choose to build in Portugal — and with us.

Everything you need to know about working with us.

Frequently Asked Questions

Whether you're planning a new home in Lisbon, renovating an investment property, or developing a corporate space — here are the questions we hear most from international clients.

Does Studio A+1 work with international clients? +

Yes. We regularly work with clients from the United States, Brazil, Asia, the United Kingdom and across Europe. The team communicates fluently in English, Spanish and French, and is fully set up to guide international clients through every stage of a project remotely — from initial design to construction handover.

Can you manage a project if I am not based in Portugal? +

Absolutely. We manage the full project lifecycle on behalf of our clients — design, licensing, contractor coordination and construction supervision. International clients receive regular updates, site photography and clear documentation throughout, so you are fully informed without needing to be present on site.

What types of projects do you work on? +

We work across architecture, interior design, corporate spaces and renovation. Our portfolio includes luxury residential projects in Lisbon and at Costa Terra, corporate headquarters for EY and BCG in Luanda, Angola, and interior fit-outs for prestigious addresses across Portugal. We work on both new builds and the rehabilitation of existing properties.

What makes Studio A+1 different from other Portuguese architecture studios? +

We combine international award recognition (London Design Awards), multilingual communication, and a track record that spans luxury residential developments, global corporate clients, and private homes. We have worked on projects across two continents and understand the expectations of international clients who are accustomed to the highest standards.

How do I start a project with Studio A+1? +

The first step is to get in touch through our website at amaisum.com. We begin with an initial consultation — in person or remotely — to understand your project brief, location, timeline and objectives. From there, we outline the process, fees and scope clearly before any commitment is made.

What languages does the team speak? +

The Studio A+1 team works in English, Portuguese, Spanish and French. All project documentation, communications and meetings can be conducted in whichever language works best for you.

Has Studio A+1 worked on luxury developments in Portugal? +

Yes. Studio A+1 has completed two projects at Costa Terra, one of Portugal's most exclusive luxury residential and resort developments in the Comporta region. One project involved full interior design and execution; the other was a complete architecture project from concept to completion.

Is Lisbon a good place to invest in property and architecture? +

Lisbon continues to attract significant international investment in the luxury segment. American buyers now represent the fastest-growing segment of Portugal's premium property market, with average transaction values rising substantially year-on-year. Portuguese architecture offers a compelling combination of quality craftsmanship, design heritage, and competitive project costs relative to Western European markets.

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Ready to build something exceptional?

Visit amaisum.com to see the full portfolio and get in touch.

Visit amaisum.com