Vera

Vera Sanches Osório graduated in Architecture from the Faculty of Architecture of Lisbon, having also studied at the Escuela Técnica Superior de Arquitectura del Vallés in Barcelona. She loves Lisbon, but her preferred place is Cascais, her hometown, with its family rhythm of life and meeting points near both the sea and the mountains. She is passionate about the Sintra mountains, the smell of trees, the sound of water running through the fountains, and the vibrant colors of the palaces in contrast to the greenery.

For Vera, architecture shows her “how a ‘place’ can be appropriated by Man in all its aspects, ultimately leading to the ability to touch it, as if it transmits such significant sensations that make each person want to become part of it.”

She started her career at the Frederico Valsassina atelier, where she worked for six years. She mainly collaborated on projects for the rehabilitation of buildings in Lisbon, such as those on Avenida da República, Rua Rosa Araújo, the Mendonça Palace, Rua das Janelas Verdes, and the conversion of the former CUF Infante Santo hospital into a private condominium, among others.

Rehabilitation challenges her both technically and symbolically. Through rehabilitation, she is able to understand the essence of a place and almost feels empowered to overlay the past, present, and future. Vera believes that the architect’s role is to make each person feel like they are part of the place, that this is “their home.”

A nature lover, Vera enjoys walking with her family, having picnics, and horseback riding. The movement of the horse and the contact with nature bring her calm and freedom.