'A place is a space which has a distinct character. Since ancient times the genius loci, or 'spirit of place', has been recognized as the concrete reality man has to face and come to terms with in his daily life. Architecture means to visualize the genius loci and the task of the architect is to create meaningful places, whereby he helps man to dwell.' Norberg-Schulz, Christian. 1976
SOP Studio is an architecture studio led by Agnes Sol and Eva Florindo. We see architecture as an artistic, environmental, social and political practice. The act of building is for us one of respect and generosity.
We are a small practice with a focus on residential design and small-scale commercial projects. Our process is guided by constant research and exploration of ideas, always in permanent dialogue with clients, builders and collaborators. The aim is to create spaces that ultimately are claimed by their users.
We work as an autonomous design team or in collaborations, as design and/or sustainability consultants.
Sustainability and Passive design principles are part of all of our projects.
Agnes
Agnes Sol completed her Masters in Architecture at the Polytechnical University of Catalonia (ETSAB - UPC). As part of her Masters, she also studied at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT). Agnes gained valuable experience across all phases of the architectural process and various project types after working in different architecture studios across Brasil, Andorra and Melbourne. Agnes has a strong interest in sustainability which led her to develop her skills further and become a Certified Passive House Designer, she has also completed a postgraduate degree in Bioclimatic architecture and certifications LEED, WELL and BREEAM from the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC). Agnes is a registered Architect in Victoria (ARBV #20592) since 2020.
Eva
Eva Florindo completed her Masters in Architecture at Faculdade de Arquitectura da Universidade do Porto. She also studied at Ecole Polytechnique Federal de Lausanne, in Switzerland. Before funding SOP studio with Agnes Sol, she collaborated with different architecture studios in Melbourne, Barcelona and Zurich. She has also been a tutor and guest critique at RMIT School of Architecture and Urban Design, in Melbourne. Eva is a member of the Portuguese Architects Association Board since 2014 (OA #22152) and a registered Architect in Victoria (ARBV #800745) since 2022.
Eva is passionate about good design and architecture and is also a ceramic artist.