On the road that crosses the small parish of Bagunte, there is a façade that stands out. We walk in and find a unique space, designed with meticulous attention to detail. It could already be the perfect architecture studio, but the fact that we are in the former home of Raulino Silva’s grandparents makes everything even more special.

The architect, who was born precisely in Bagunte in 1981, has received numerous recognitions for his work. The transformation of the former grandparents’ house into an architecture studio earned first place in the seventh edition of the 2025 Bacu Architecture Prize in the interiors category.

It is easy to identify the luxury—the quality, authenticity and exclusivity—in Raulino Silva’s work, even though the architect does not wish to be tied to the word. “Detail is present in all projects, whether cheap or expensive. For me, true luxury is designing well and building well. I give great importance to construction. We like the work to be well executed, close to what we designed,” he states. Perhaps that is exactly why.

Architecture Studio
Architecture Studio – João Campos

How did your passion for architecture begin?
I think it happened naturally. Throughout my school years, I always chose drawing, art, and craft-related subjects. I always enjoyed it, I always liked working with my hands, making sculptures, models. I was born here in Bagunte and, as a child, we used to build huts—that was our way of playing. Then, in secondary school, I chose Visual Arts and, after those three years, I decided to study Architecture and went to Porto.

The studio has been in this space for 15 years. What was the beginning like?
After finishing my Architecture degree, I worked for a few years in the city of Porto. When I decided to open my own office, the house was empty, and there was always a wish from the family—from my parents and my uncles—for the house to remain in the family and not be sold. So I decided to work here. At the time, being an architect in Portugal was a bit difficult; I didn’t have the money to rent a space, so it was an opportunity.

Vila do Conde
Vila do Conde – João Morgado

And how did the transformation of the space, which is now a reference, come about?
We worked in the old house for about 12 years. Only later, during the pandemic, when we were all at home, did we decide to move forward with the extension. We had already done some studies on what it could become—several projects, some larger, some smaller—but the need to improve insulation and heating ended up accelerating everything. The work was completed last year, and we have been here for about a year.

In 15 years of work, are there projects that stand out?
We have always been lucky enough to build, which is very important. We have a lot of built work and that is a hallmark of the studio. About five or six years ago, we completed a very special project—a hotel for dogs and cats here in Vila do Conde—which was different from anything we had done before and also one of the biggest. It was a fun and enriching experience. Besides that, we designed several houses around Greater Porto and the surrounding municipalities, with very participative clients and dedicated builders. I believe those three elements—project, client and builder—are essential for good and unique works.

Dog and Cat Hotel
Dog and Cat Hotel – João Morgado

What is, after all, luxury in architecture?
Luxury is a difficult theme to define. What we always seek is to design the projects well and choose the appropriate materials. Of course, some clients with greater financial capacity ask for more expensive stone or special glass, but detail is present in all projects, whether cheap or expensive. For me, true luxury is designing well and building well. I give great importance to construction. We like the work to be well executed, close to what we designed.

You often mention the importance of the builder. Is execution as essential as design?
Absolutely. Over the years, I have learned a lot on construction sites. Here in Greater Porto, we find carpenters, bricklayers, and professionals who take pride in what they do and want to do it well. They often say, “we want to serve the client well,” and that captivates me. When everyone aims for the same result, the final outcome is always better.

Casa Pedroso
Casa Pedroso – José Campos

Looking ahead, what paths would you like to explore?
For many years, our studio designed single-family homes—houses created for people who came to us with their dreams and needs. In recent years, perhaps also because I am getting older (laughs), we have taken on different types of projects: apartment buildings and collective housing. These are larger, longer and more demanding projects, but interesting. At first, it felt strange because we lost that direct, continuous contact with the client—we only meet them almost at the end when the apartments are sold—but it was a natural evolution.

How do you design for an unknown buyer?
The location always greatly influences the project: the size of the plot, solar orientation, whether it is in the city or in the countryside. All of that shapes the design. We like to listen to people, understand what they want. When there is a client, we design for them, based on their desires and dreams. When there is no client, we try to anticipate what will make that space comfortable, functional and harmonious. An architect designs to order, but also interprets the place and the human needs that have not yet been expressed.