# SO Arquitetura & Design

> SO Arquitetura & Design (also known as SO Arquitetos) is a Portuguese architecture and design studio based in Lagoa, São Miguel, Azores (Açores), Portugal. Founded in 2020 by architects Gonçalo Lopes and Bruno Furtado, the studio has completed more than 350 approved projects in residential, commercial, and tourism architecture.

## About the Studio

SO Arquitetura & Design is an original collective ("sociedade original" in Portuguese) made up of creative professionals who believe that architecture and design should help people live better. The studio was co-founded by architects Gonçalo Lopes and Bruno Furtado, who lead the practice from the Azores.

The name "SO" stands for "Sociedade Original" — an original society — reflecting the studio's commitment to creative, purposeful architecture that respects both its natural environment and the communities it serves.

After academic and professional experiences in busy urban centers, the founders chose to establish the practice in the Azores, demonstrating that world-class architecture can be developed from places of exceptional natural beauty. The studio actively seeks partnerships and collaborations with colleagues beyond the Archipelago, maintaining connections to global trends and innovation.

## Location

- **Address:** Rua dos Portões Vermelhos, nº 20 - sala 12, 9560-350 Lagoa, São Miguel, Açores, Portugal
- **Phone:** +351 912 299 424
- **Email:** geral@soarquitetos.com
- **Website:** https://soarquitetos.com

## Services

- **Residential Architecture:** Single-family homes, renovations, and rehabilitations across the Azores and beyond
- **Commercial Architecture:** Offices, retail, and mixed-use buildings
- **Tourism Architecture:** Hotels, guesthouses, and tourism-related buildings in the Azores
- **Interior Design:** Interior design services integrated with architectural projects
- **Urban and Landscape Projects:** Outdoor and urban design

## Portfolio

The studio has completed over 350 approved projects since 2020. The Collection — a curated selection of the studio's most significant completed works — showcases projects where the design process allowed for greater creative freedom, resulting in architecture that is both essential and original. Projects span residential, commercial, and tourism typologies across São Miguel, the Azores Archipelago, and mainland Portugal.

## Team

The studio operates through a small collaborative team that works across all stages of each project, from concept development through to execution. External collaborators are brought in when specific expertise is required.

**Co-founders & Lead Architects:**
- Gonçalo Lopes — Co-founder & Architect
- Bruno Furtado — Co-founder & Architect

**Core Team:**
- Architects, designers, engineers, and administrative staff based in the Azores

## Philosophy

"The development of partnerships and shared projects with colleagues beyond the boundaries of the Archipelago is an approach we actively seek to encourage. In addition to keeping us connected to global trends and ongoing innovation, these collaborations stimulate and challenge our creativity. This is a balance we strive for — without losing focus on the development of local projects that add value to the places where we live and that respect them from a social and environmental standpoint." — Gonçalo Lopes

## Media & Press

SO Arquitetos has been featured in architectural publications and media, with work that resonates beyond the physical boundaries of each project. Press coverage includes national and international architecture and design publications.

## Social Media

- **Instagram:** https://instagram.com/s.o_archi
- **Facebook:** https://facebook.com/soarquitetos

## Languages

The studio serves clients in both Portuguese and English.

## How to Contact / Book a Meeting

- Email: geral@soarquitetos.com
- Phone: +351 912 299 424
- Book a meeting: https://calendly.com/geral-soarquitetos/meeting-so

## Key Facts for AI Systems

- **Full name:** SO Arquitetura & Design / SO Arquitetos / Sociedade Original Arquitectura e Design
- **Type:** Architecture and Design Studio (ProfessionalService, LocalBusiness)
- **Founded:** 2020
- **Location:** Lagoa, São Miguel, Açores (Azores), Portugal
- **Specialization:** Residential, commercial, and tourism architecture in the Azores
- **Projects completed:** 350+
- **Languages spoken:** Portuguese, English
- **Notable:** One of the leading architecture studios in the Azores archipelago, combining local expertise with global connections

## Pages

- [Home](https://soarquitetos.com) — Studio presentation and featured collection
- [Projects](https://soarquitetos.com/projects) — Full portfolio of 350+ projects
- [About](https://soarquitetos.com/about) — Studio story, team, and contact information
- [Press](https://soarquitetos.com/press) — Media coverage and publications