Elegant foundations
– April 15, 2025 | Text Beatriz Maio | Photos Fernando Guerra
Born in Odiáxere, Lagos, Vítor Vilhena is renowned for his remarkable ability to turn architectural concepts into stunning realities, seamlessly blending modern design with the natural elements of the Algarve.
From luxurious homes to educational and hospitality infrastructures, his projects stand out not only for their aesthetic appeal but for their integration into the surrounding environment.
His exposure to the world of design came at an early age – growing up with a father who was a builder allowed him to gain a unique insight into the construction process, laying the foundation for his future success.
At just 12 years old, he loved drawing what he observed and his thoughts. “I’ve always enjoyed drawing trees; it’s a fascination,” Vítor reflects, highlighting that the natural world has always held a special place in his heart and work, which is why so many of it features green elements.
His formative years were filled with experiences that shaped his approach to architecture. Whilst still in secondary school, he gravitated towards the arts, honing his skills in drawing and design.
In an era before computers revolutionised the industry, Vítor relied on rOtring pens “with very fine tips to produce strokes of different thicknesses”, mastering the art of producing intricate designs by hand on tracing paper. “It was a very rudimentary way of working, but I really enjoyed it,” he remembers fondly.
During his early university years, Vítor ventured to Lisbon to attend the ‘Year Zero’ programme at Lusíada University.
It was here that his journey towards becoming an architect began to solidify, as he immersed himself in practical experiences and developed the technical skills necessary to bring his ideas to life.
Throughout his time in the capital, he lived in Almada with his aunt and uncle, a couple originally from the Algarve. “They are two people for whom I have enormous respect,” Vítor says, reflecting on the support he had from family and friends with whom he grew up and got to know along the way.
His pursuit of independence led him to various jobs before officially entering the world of architecture.
He worked across several industries, including a glass company owned by his wife Liliana’s family. “Family is the backbone of everything I’ve done to this day,” he states, acknowledging the support he’s received from his parents, his wife, and his daughters.
Throughout his career, he had the opportunity to work alongside experienced architects. In his third year at university, Vítor secured a summer experience at a studio in Pêra, Silves, where he worked alongside architects Jorge Guerreiro, José Pedro Nascimento, Paulo Simões, and Margarida Simões Gomes, for whom he says he has “immense respect”, describing how they worked together in a variety of projects.
However, it was architect Paulo Simões who had the greatest influence on him. “His projects fascinated me, from his ideas to his drawings, which were extraordinary,” Vítor recalls, highlighting how he was inspired by the senior architect’s “structured, balanced and detailed drawings and the brilliance with which he did everything”.
Vítor’s first professional project came in 1996, during his fourth year of university, when he was commissioned to design a two-storey family home in Odiáxere. “It was interesting and not at all easy, but it went well,” he recalls. With the support of his colleagues, he gained the confidence to pursue his own vision of architecture. From there, his journey was set in motion, and he began building relationships with other professionals that would shape his career. “Everything just fell into place,” he reflects.
In his final year of university, Vítor took night classes whilst working full-time. “Those were the best years of my life; five years of fun, learning, and friendship. It was amazing and fascinating. I learned a lot.” It was during this time that he was offered the opportunity to coordinate the project by an architect from Pêra for the historic Fábrica do Inglês in Silves, a pivotal moment in his career, he recalls, having turned down an offer from the company he was working with in Lisbon to oversee projects in Cape Verde.
As his career progressed, the Lagos architect expanded his portfolio with various projects, including the Feira Nova hypermarket in Sintra and other supermarket buildings.
However, his heart remained firmly in the Algarve, and despite offers to work for other architects in the region, Vítor’s ambition was clear: to establish his own studio. He renovated his father’s warehouse, transforming it into a modern workspace decorated with kitchen furniture and complete with a glass front, a workbench and a desk, as well as a large printing press. It was here that Atelier Vítor Vilhena was born.
The studio began with a small team, starting with Hugo Pereira, who was studying Architecture in Portimão at the time. Two years later they were joined by architect Marco Costa, who Vítor had met in Pêra. The team grew and the space required constant changes. Within six years, they had a team of eight people, many of which were studying Architecture in Portimão.
In 2019, he moved the studio to his dream location: Lagos Marina. The new space, with its sleek modern design and expansive glass front, was a perfect reflection of Vítor’s approach to architecture, where light, space, and harmony reign supreme.
Today, the studio’s team includes a group of talented architects – João Simões, Nuno Gonçalves, Guilherme Santos, and Dina Serrão – as well as trainees Catarina Augusto and José Pereira and administrative assistant Cloé Costa, “all of whom play an important role in the development and progress of each project”, says Vítor.
The architect acknowledges the importance of the collaborations that have allowed his firm to thrive, saying that the contributions of everyone involved have been “crucial” to the studio’s development. The studio’s current projects span both the Algarve and Alentejo, with several awaiting council approval.
For Vítor, architecture is an art form, and his work is infused with a sense of passion and purpose. His approach to design is deeply personal, especially when it comes to creating bespoke homes.
“Every house has a story,” he says, explaining that his focus is always on “the people that will use it, and their aspirations”.
Whilst he takes pride in all his projects, there are two that stand out: Plot 62 at Palmares Resort and Plot 19 in Meia Praia, both located in Lagos.
Vítor believes these projects are notable for their “natural features and implementation complexity within the urban surroundings”. He adds that both are extremely well located and represent unique and complex projects that required careful planning in order to be “intregrated within the landscape, and more refined and elaborate solutions to achieve a perfect symbiosis”. A consistent theme across his projects is the emphasis on glass, modernity, and comfort. His designs seamlessly combine these elements, creating spaces that are as functional as they are visually striking.
For Vítor Vilhena, success lies in the commitment to his craft and the drive to continually evolve both professionally and personally, underscoring his unwavering love for architecture and the “deep connection” he feels with every project he undertakes.
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