Sofia

Education and Early Career

Sofia Nobre Costa is 47 years old and from Portimão. She completed her Architecture degree at Universidade Lusíada de Lisboa and later pursued postgraduate studies in City, Landscape, and Territory at the University of Seville, began her professional journey in Lisbon at PM-Arq Palma de Melo (1997–1998), followed by a position at António Marques – Architecture and Planning in Lagos (1998–1999). She also holds training and experience as an expert evaluator for the Portuguese Tax and Customs Authority.

Professional Development

Since 2000, Sofia has worked independently as a senior architect, specialising in housing, commerce, services, and urban planning. Based in Portimão, Algarve—a region she values for its natural beauty, gastronomy, and cultural heritage—she brings a personal approach to each project.

Sofia chose architecture out of the joy of bringing ideas to life and designing meaningful, functional spaces. Her practice reflects her commitment to designing for everyday life, creating solutions that respond to how people truly live, work, and move.

Approach and Values

Housing has been the core of Sofia’s work, but her interest in urban planning is equally strong. It is at the intersection of these two domains that she sees architecture’s most powerful social role: shaping cities through regeneration and thoughtful development. In addition to housing, she also works in commerce, services, hospitality, tourism, and land use planning.

Sofia’s day-to-day work includes regular site visits and close contact with clients, reinforcing her belief that architecture is a human-centred discipline. Her approach is grounded in real experiences, and her projects aim to serve communities with long-term impact—always designing for everyday life.

Personal Inspirations

Travelling plays a significant role in Sofia’s personal growth. Among her favourite destinations are Paris, Barcelona, and Buenos Aires, as well as the Patagonian National Parks in Argentina, which deeply impressed her with their beauty and sense of scale. She finds great joy in family life, exploring the trails and beaches of Costa Vicentina with her daughter. These shared moments of discovery are among her most treasured experiences.