Architects & Design-Build in Lisbon

WALLNUT is an architecture and construction firm based in central Lisbon (Rua Nova do Almada 59, Chiado) that designs, licenses and builds under a single contract. One team of 22 architects and engineers is responsible from the first sketch to handover — no gaps between the architect’s drawings and the builder’s reality.

What we do in Lisbon

High-end residential projects — new builds, full apartment and building renovations in Lisbon’s historic fabric — alongside hospitality and professional spaces. We handle the Lisbon municipality licensing process end to end: architectural project, all engineering specialties, submissions and follow-up until approval.

Every project runs on a full BIM workflow with reality capture of existing conditions — which matters in Lisbon, where most premium work starts from an existing building with surprises inside the walls.

Why design-build

In the traditional model you hire an architect, then tender the work to a contractor, and spend the build refereeing between the two. In a design-build contract there is one responsible party: the team that drew it builds it. Decisions are faster, budgets are owned by the people who set them, and there is no “the drawings didn’t say that”.

For international owners this also means a single English-speaking point of contact through the whole project — including while you are not in Portugal.

How it works

1. Tell us about your project — we answer within 24 hours with a tailored next step.
2. Feasibility and fit review: program, site or building, licensing constraints, budget frame.
3. Design and licensing, with immersive visualization so you approve what will actually be built.
4. Construction by the same team, with transparent cost control to handover.

Frequently asked

Do you work with owners living abroad?
Yes — a large part of our clients manage their projects remotely. BIM models, reality capture and immersive visualization exist precisely so decisions don’t require flights.

How long does licensing take in Lisbon?
It varies by parish, building classification and project scope — typically several months to over a year for substantial interventions. We scope it honestly in the feasibility review, and design the calendar around it.

Do you take construction-only or design-only work?
Our model is the integrated contract — it is where the value is. We assess exceptions case by case in the intake.

Which areas do you cover?
Greater Lisbon as the core market, plus Comporta and the Alentejo coast and selected projects across Portugal. See also: what premium construction really costs in Portugal.