First walk to the keys.

A house usually takes us between two and three years. Here is how that time is spent, what you receive at each stage, and how our fee follows the work.

Typical length: 24–36Months, for a new house
Site visits: WeeklyA partner on site through the build
Phases: 06Each with clear outputs
First visit: FreeWithin Portugal

Phases

Six phases, one partner.

The same partner leads every phase, from the first site walk to the return visit a year after handover.

01
1–2 weeks
011–2 weeks
First visit
Walking the site together.
We meet you on site, ideally twice: once in the morning and once late in the day. We listen, measure, photograph and draw the sun. There is no fee for the first visit within Portugal.
What you get
- Site notes and photographs
- Initial light study
- A written brief in your words
The shore wall, Dunas Pavilion
02
3–6 weeks
023–6 weeks
Feasibility
What the site allows.
We review planning rules, heritage constraints, ground conditions and budget, then test three different approaches in quick massing models.
What you get
- Planning and heritage review
- Three massing options
- Rough cost plan
Window slots, Biblioteca Norte
03
6–10 weeks
036–10 weeks
Concept
One idea, drawn well.
We develop a single direction in plans, sections and card models, and bring material samples to the table. This is where the building finds its character.
What you get
- Concept drawings and model
- Material samples
- Updated cost plan
Pool terrace, Casa do Arco
04
3–9 months
043–9 months
Planning
Making the case.
We prepare and submit the planning application, meet the municipality, and respond to consultations. Timing depends mostly on the authority, and we tell you honestly what to expect.
What you get
- Planning application
- Heritage statement
- Consultation responses
Courtyard, Museu da Luz
05
3–5 months
053–5 months
Technical design
Every joint, resolved.
With engineers and consultants, we detail the building fully: structure, services, joinery and finishes. Then we tender the work among builders we trust.
What you get
- Construction drawings
- Specifications
- Tender report and contract
Stair and light well, Escada House
06
10–20 months
0610–20 months
Construction & handover
On site, every week.
A partner visits site weekly, chairs progress meetings and inspects the work. At handover we walk the house with you, and we come back a year later to see how it lives.
What you get
- Weekly site reports
- Handover manual
- One-year return visit
The pool at handover, Hotel Salina

What it costs

A fee that follows the work.

Our full-service fee is a percentage of construction cost, usually between 9% and 13%, divided across the phases below.

01First visit
No fee
—Within Portugal; travel charged abroad
02Feasibility
€6,500
FixedCredited against the full fee if you continue
03Concept
€14,000
20%Includes one round of changes
04Planning
€10,500
15%Excludes municipal fees
05Technical design
€24,500
35%Includes tender and contractor selection
06Construction & handover
€21,000
30%Billed monthly through the build

Example: a new house with a construction cost of €700,000 at a 10% fee (€70,000 in total).
Phase	Share	Example	Notes
01First visit	—	No fee	Within Portugal; travel charged abroad
02Feasibility	Fixed	€6,500	Credited against the full fee if you continue
03Concept	20%	€14,000	Includes one round of changes
04Planning	15%	€10,500	Excludes municipal fees
05Technical design	35%	€24,500	Includes tender and contractor selection
06Construction & handover	30%	€21,000	Billed monthly through the build