Looking for trusted, English-speaking architects in Lisbon? Locallista connects you with vetted local professionals, ranked by reviews, not by who pays the most. Create a free account to see who they are, read real reviews, and get in touch.
Real, phone-verified reviews from the expat community.
10
Arianne
Lisbon, Dec 2025
Yana was introduced to me by a colleague. I needed someone to design a staircase for a small space. Her service a 100 percent, I give her ten stars. From the first moment we met, she was clearly focused and understood what I wanted. She is super flexible, I had many options and she knew what to do. The price was outstanding. She got the timings all the time. The deliverables were on time. She even recommended someone to construct the staircase. Even though we haven't met in person, I found her nice she knows what she was talking about. I have recommended her to my friends who need help in Northern Spain.
10
Ellen
Review of Ricardo, Feb 2026
We hired Ricardo after we bought a place in Zaragoza, and he drew the house and the building on it. I mostly spoke with him by email and he answers very quick - he’s nice, friendly, punctual, and he thinks with us and is creative. Everything was okay with the result and solid, and he helps me with a lot of questions. I don’t really know if it’s expensive or not, but when you are helped so nice and well, and you are satisfied, the price is less important - you have to pay for quality.
10
Anastasia
Review of Anastasia, Dec 2025
Anastasia consulted me on renovation works in my mother's apartment, mainly the bathroom renovation, and guided us with measurements, materials, and all kinds of things. She was working with us online - she was in Portugal, I was in Russia, and the place is in an old building - and she was very efficient and professional, quickly picking the situation, analyzing the measurements and condition of the walls, and advising on locally available ceramic, paint, and prep maneuvers. I was very, very happy with the result, price felt fair, and I already plan to work with her again after a major flood damaged the 70 meter apartment and she has already asked me for the cadastre plans. I recommend her to friends, and the fact that she is fluent in three or four languages is super helpful.
How much do architects cost in Lisbon?
Real price ranges from the jobs our vetted architects actually do. Prices updated August 2026
Private house design
Also covers: Commercial & office design, New building design, Turn-key project coordination
How much does designing a house cost in Lisbon?
Fees are commonly a percentage of the build cost, so a €280,000 build implies roughly €14,000 in architecture fees. Ask which stages that covers.
Fee basis
around 5% of the works
Per project
€1,500 to €20,000
Public building design
How much does public building design cost in Lisbon?
Public work is usually tendered rather than quoted, and priced per project at the top of the range.
Per project
from €10,000
Fee basis
around 5% of the works
Apartment design
How much does an architect cost for a flat in Lisbon?
Apartment projects are priced per project or per square metre. Older Lisbon buildings add work, since what is on the plans and what is in the walls rarely match.
Per project
€550 to €20,000
Per m²
€8 to €2,850 per m²
Hourly
€50 to €150 an hour
Building permit plans
Also covers: Building extension design, Interior design, Landscape architecture
How much do permit drawings cost in Lisbon?
Câmara submissions are their own body of work, and the timeline is the council's rather than the architect's. Ask what happens if the council asks for changes.
Per project
€550 to €20,000
Hourly
€50 to €150 an hour
Renovation planning
Also covers: Construction drawings
How much does renovation planning cost in Lisbon?
Drawings and specification before the builders start, which is what stops a renovation drifting. Often a percentage of the works rather than a flat fee.
Fee basis
around 5% of the works
Per project
€550 to €20,000
Architectural consultation
How much does an architect consultation cost in Lisbon?
A first visit and quote is often charged and sometimes credited against the project. Worth having before you commit to anything structural.
Visit and quote
€25 to €80
Average
around €39
Hourly
€50 to €150 an hour
Architectural project management
How much does architect project management cost in Lisbon?
Overseeing the works on your behalf, normally a percentage of the build on top of the design fee. Ask how many site visits that buys.
Fee basis
around 5% of the works
Hourly
€50 to €150 an hour
Frequently Asked Questions
What expats want to know before hiring architects in Lisbon.
Are there English-speaking architects in Lisbon?
Yes, and more do as the expat community grows. The hard part is knowing who is reliable before you book, so every one we list is reviewed by other expats who have actually used them.
What should I check before hiring architects in Lisbon?
Read recent reviews, be clear about exactly what you need, and agree the scope and an estimate in writing before any work starts. For anything regulated, check they hold the right credentials for the job.
Do architects need to be registered in Lisbon?
Yes. Architects must be registered, with the Ordem dos Arquitectos in Portugal, which also matters for getting your project licensed.
What should I avoid when hiring architects in Lisbon?
Avoid paying the full amount up front (a deposit can be fair), anyone who will not give a clear quote, and unusually cheap prices that get padded with extras later. And never use someone who cannot show the right certification.
How do I explain what I need if my Portuguese is limited?
A photo, a short video or a written list does most of the talking, and the professionals we list are used to international clients. Booking an English-speaking one takes the stress out of it entirely.
How do you say architects in Portuguese?
In Portuguese, architects are usually called arquitetos. That is the word to search for or to ask a neighbour, though many professionals here are used to the English term too.
How do I find architects I can trust in Lisbon?
Check the reviews and any credentials before you book. On Locallista the reviews are phone-verified and the ranking is based on real expat experience, not who paid the most.