Sofia has been expressing her creativity through drawing since she was a child in Portugal. From an early age, she was interested in fine arts and aesthetics. Over time, she discovered that architecture could also be a source of beauty. “At a certain point, I began to find walks down museum aisles as fascinating as the works of art themselves. The organization of space and the way light came through windows became subjects of reflection that still accompany me today.”

Trained at the Porto school

She joined the University of Porto and became fascinated with the teaching she received at this school, renowned for the influence of two famous architects, Álvaro Siza and Eduardo Souto de Moura. There, she learnt to use drawing as an essential tool in the creation of a project, and particularly appreciated the school’s approach, which values the history and identity of places.

“My approach to architecture is eclectic, rooted in a synthesis of multiple influences. What motivates me is the possibility of translating profound ideas into sensitive forms that respect their environment.”

An internship opportunity in Switzerland prompted her to move to Geneva, where she began her career broadening her experience in various architectural offices. She contributed to competitions, the design of flat blocks and interior design projects. She then took on a new challenge when she joined the Office des Autorisations de Constructions (Building Permits Office). There, she was responsible for verifying the compliance of building permit decisions, giving her a thorough understanding of the legislation governing Geneva’s territory.

Designing space as a continuum of the self

Recruited in July 2024 by the Valentine Bärg agency, Sofia is responsible for a major renovation and extension project on a mansion. She is rediscovering the pleasure of designing a project for a specific client, where the study above all explores more intimate dimensions: adapting the space to the identity of its inhabitants, paying attention to detail and creating made-to-measure solutions. “That’s one of the reasons I chose this profession: to be able to design space as a reflection of the personal essence of its occupants.”