Solar Orientation and Mediterranean Villa Design

The Grandfather Approach and Nuca I thought you might be interested to read what Domingo Cardenas, our head architect, recently wrote to one of our clients. It gives you a great insight into how we work and who we are. I have corrected only the odd spelling so, apart from that, these are Domingo’s exactContinue reading
Amusing Architect’s Quotes

FUNNY ARQUITECT QUOTES “I understand that, today, some developers are asking architects to design eye-catching, iconic buildings. Fortunately, I’ve not had that kind of client so far.” Fumihiko Maki (not a Marbella architect!!!) “Less is a bore.” Robert Venturi (dour yes but also not a Marbella architect) “In my experience, if you have to keepContinue reading
The Top 7 Qualities Essential in an Architect who is Going to Build Your Marbella Home

1. Presence on Site during the Build I bet you thought I was going to say Design Ability first. Of course design ability is really important (it’s on the list don’t worry) but I want to draw your attention to the importance of the architect being present on site. A new build is made ofContinue reading
Can Architect’s Fees be Totally Transparent?

The other day I was telling my sister about our business and I said something like ……. “We are building a brand based on honesty: there are no hidden commissions, no posturing….we don’t pretend to be who we are not or make exaggerated claims about what we have done or can do, and…….. we areContinue reading
Do you need a project manager when you are building a house in Spain?

The short answer is no you don’t. What you need is an architectural practice that offers a wrap-around service. Let me explain………. When I say you don’t need a project manager what I mean is you don’t need someone who sits above the architect and the professional team coordinating and communicating. This is because inContinue reading
Architects in Spain: what you need to know before you hire one

When hiring an architect in Spain, you need to do plenty of research to make sure the one you hired is the best for your project. If you’ve decided to build a house in Spain, you’ve probably worked out that things aren’t quite the same as in your native country and that hiring an architectContinue reading
Eco Vida Homes Ethical Code of Practice

Eco Vida Homes is a “company of Chartered Surveyors” by way of the fact the John Wolfendale is a qualified RICS member. We are also architects, technical architects, and a contractor. John still carries out valuations and building surveys to RICS standards as an independent professional. Eco Vida Homes is therefore regulated ethically by theContinue reading
How to Write an Architect’s Brief for Marbella Spain

Remember Mr Spock from Star Trek? He was able to exchange minds with someone so that both he and they had a complete understanding of what is happening in each other’s mind: a mind meld. Having melded they join forces to defeat the common enemy. Mr Spock would have made a good architect because whatContinue reading