VMSA Arquitectos is a Portuguese architecture studio based in Lisbon, founded in 1997
Over the years, the studio has established itself as a national reference in contemporary architecture, with a strong focus on the rehabilitation and enhancement of the built heritage.
With a cultural, social, and ethical approach, VMSA Arquitectos develops projects that respect the identity of places and collective memory, combining technical rigor with contemporary architectural solutions. The studio’s work spans multiple scales — from constructive detail to the urban context — always seeking sensitive and innovative responses to the specific challenges of each project.
The studio is specialized in consultancy services and elaborates attentive Preliminary Reports for interventions in listed cultural assets, or assets in the process of classification, ensuring full compliance with legal and heritage requirements.
VMSA Arquitectos operates across a wide range of fields, including new building projects, rehabilitation and heritage conservation, interior architecture, as well as furniture and object design. The studio develops projects for cultural and civic spaces, housing, healthcare, education, and leisure, offering integrated solutions tailored to the specific needs of each client.
VMSA Arquitectos combines experience, research, and creativity to transform meaningful spaces, delivering solid, responsible, and long-lasting architectural solutions for its clients.
Awards and Recognitions
Recognition of its work is reflected in several national and international awards
most notably the European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage – Europa Nostra Award. Key projects include the rehabilitation of Passos Manuel High School in Lisbon, the Islamic Baths of Loulé, the Solar da Música Nova in Loulé, as well as projects in Golegã and at Quinta Alegre in Lisbon.
Quinta do Marquês do Alegrete – Conservação e restauro da Casa Nobre e Jardim Romântico, Lisboa
Prémio Nacional de Reabilitação Urbana – Categoria Restauro, 2018
Valorização e percurso de visita do Convento dos Capuchos de Alferrara, Setúbal
Habitar Portugal 12-14, Ordem dos Arquitectos/Mapei
Restauro, Requalificação e Ampliação do Liceu Passos Manuel, Lisboa
Distinguido pela OCDE/CELE como Edifício Escolar Exemplar, 2010
Menção Honrosa do Prémio Municipal de Lisboa – Prémio Valmor, 2010
Prémio Europa Nostra – Categoria Conservação, 2013
Núcleo Expositivo da Alcáçova do Castelo de São Jorge, Lisboa
Prémio Informação Turística/Visitante APOM, 2011 (incluído em)
Quinta do Vale Formoso – reabilitação, adaptação e ampliação a Centro de Dia e Lar, Funchal
Prémio Municipal de Arquitectura Cidade do Funchal, 2010
Quinta da Ramalha - Reabilitação e Ampliação para instalação de Creche e Jardim de Infância, Almada
Prémio Municipal de Arquitectura 2008-2010 Cidade de Almada
Reabilitação e Ampliação de edifício residencial tradicional - Mouraria, Lisboa
Menção Honrosa do Prémio Municipal de Lisboa - Prémio Valmor 2008
Conservação e Restauro do Estúdio Fotográfico Carlos Relvas a Casa-Museu, Golegã
Habitar Portugal 03-05, Ordem dos Arquitectos
Quinta do Alamal - reabilitação, adaptação e ampliação a Turismo em espaço rural, Gavião
Habitar Portugal 00-02, Ordem dos Arquitectos
Seleccionada para a III Bienal Iberoamaricana de Arquitectura e Engenharia Civil (Chile), 2002
Team
co-founders
Victor Mestre
Lisbon, 1957.
Architect | PhD in Heritage Studies | Specialist in Vernacular Architecture & Architectural Heritage Rehabilitation.
I am an Architect and Researcher with over four decades of experience dedicated to the study, preservation, and rehabilitation of architectural heritage, in Portugal and elsewhere. My practice is rooted in the belief that contemporary architecture must engage deeply with historical context and vernacular traditions when introducing the contemporary life requirements and environments.
Professional Legacy:
As a Founding Partner of VMSA Arquitectos, I have led landmark rehabilitation projects across Portugal and its former territories. My work has been recognized internationally, notably receiving the Europa Nostra Award (Liceu Passos Manuel) and the National Urban Rehabilitation Award for Best Intervention (Islamic Baths of Loulé). My practice bridges the gap between meticulous historical research and modern architectural functionality. Preserving relevant and significant listed monuments since the 1990's the experience gained is a reinsurance that architecture interventions is a continuing learning process.
Academic & Research Contributions:
I hold a PhD from the University of Coimbra specializing in the Vernacular Architecture of Goa (India), and a Master’s degree completed under the mentorship of the master Fernando Távora in the Vernacular Architecture of Madeira Islands. My research focuses on the "spirit of the place" (genius loci) and the technical evolution of traditional construction methods, such as those applied in Portuguese Alfarge ceilings and colonial housing typologies.
Global Engagement:
A frequent international lecturer, I have shared my expertise on heritage conservation and vernacular architecture across four continents. My role as a curator at the Triennale di Milano, my ongoing independent research, and the continuous publication in books and articles, reflect my commitment to promoting Portuguese architectural identity on the global stage.
Expertise:
Heritage Conservation | Vernacular Architecture | Strategic Rehabilitation | Architectural Theory | International Curatorship | Cultural Heritage Studies
Victor mestre
Lisboa, Portugal: Argumentum
Victor Mestre
Lisboa, Portugal: Imprensa Nacional
Sofia Aleixo
Lisbon, 1967.
Architect | Associate Professor with Habilitation | Cultural Heritage Specialist
I am a dedicated Architect and Academic with over 30 years of experience focusing on the intersection of architectural design and heritage conservation. My career is defined by a commitment to the rehabilitation of historic structures, balancing the preservation of cultural value with the evolving needs of modern society.
Current Roles & Leadership:
Associate Professor (with Habilitation) at the University of Évora, where I have taught in the Integrated Master in Architecture since 2002, focusing on Design Studio and Theory.
Elected Member of the National Governing Council of the Ordem dos Arquitectos (2023–2026), contributing to the strategic direction of the architectural profession in Portugal.
Founding Partner at VMSA Arquitectos, working alongside Victor Mestre on award-winning projects (including the Europa Nostra Award for Liceu Passos Manuel) and other complex rehabilitation works.
Research & Education:
I hold a PhD in Architecture (Heritage Conservation) from Oxford Brookes University (UK), where my research explored the impact of rehabilitation in cultural values, focusing on historic secondary schools and the new learning environments requirements. As an Integrated Researcher at CHAM (NOVA-FCSH) and colaborator of IHC in Évora University, I continue to publish and investigate the role of architecture in contemporary rehabilitation and on architectural heritage education.
Expertise:
Heritage Rehabilitation | Architectural Design | Academic Research | Architecture Education | Cultural Values Assessment | Theory of Change
coordenação: Sofia Aleixo
Lisboa, Portugal: Ordem Arquitectos
Team
Senior Architects
Nuno Gaspar
Daniel Pires
junior architects
Laura Moncaixa
Previous collaborators
Mariafrancesca D’Andria
Sara Korżyńska
Stefani Romani
Paulina Sołowiej
Ana Vazquez
Nicoletta Gutu (arquivo)
Maria Leonor Gomes
Sofia Amaral
Beatriz Carrancho
Catarina Gonçalves
Rita Sampaio da Nóvoa
Carlos Alberto da Silva Loução Graça
Joana Botas
Raquel Canelas
Carla Santos
Carlos Miguel Campos
Heloísa Carvalho
Ana Catarina Serrano
Rui Cunha
Tomé Dinis Gouveia
António Santos
Ana Filomena Mateus
Sérgio Torres
Andreia Castro Pinto
Clara Viana
Nuno Óscar Fernandes
Pedro Durand
Joana Bastos
Sílvia Barreira
Francisco Tristão
Pedro Hébil
João Filipe Fernandes
Cláudia de Sousa Ramos Barata de Almeida
Raúl Sánchez Tena
Alexandra Filipa de Matos Vieira Rebelo Vieira
Rui Filipe Coelho de Sousa
Filipe Fonseca da Costa
Catarina Andreia São Bento Martins Ferreira
Ana Amélia de Resende Abrantes
Ana Rita Carvalho Santos
Nuno Miguel da Cruz Teixeira Dias
Mónica Gomes Pereira Caldas
Andrea Lehmanna
Paulo Chuvas Martinho
Patrícia Horta
António Eguerev Ribeiro da Silva
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