Luísa Teixeira Interviewed by the Pontos de Vista Magazine

“I define my leadership style as collaborative, motivating, and results-oriented.”

With history reflecting this reality, current Architecture seeks to demystify the masculine side of data from the past by highlighting more female examples in the sector, along with well-established projects. We went to meet Cria+ and Luísa Teixeira, CEO and Architect of this company based in Lisbon. Eighteen years after the creation of the project, the leader takes a deep dive into her highly positive experience which had a strong impact in the projects already developed — after all, Luísa Teixeira is a resilient and determined entrepreneur. Learn more!

How has your experience been as a woman in the architecture sector, and what challenges have you faced or still face in an industry that has historically been predominantly male?

In my experience of nearly 18 years leading Cria+, an architecture firm, I’ve always focused on the excellence of our work, building a strong team, and the positive impact of the projects we develop.

Although I work in a sector that has historically been male-dominated, my experience has been very positive. I believe this is partly due to how I’ve chosen to position myself—confident in my work and that of my team, focused on our goals, and committed to contributing to an inclusive and collaborative work environment.

Looking at the sector as a whole, I recognize that there are still challenges for women in architecture, as in many other fields, but we can see positive changes happening. For me, one of the biggest challenges is balancing the demands of leadership with the responsibility of keeping a team of 11 people motivated, while also keeping up with the constant evolution that the field of architecture demands. I am proud to lead by example and show that it is possible to build a solid career, regardless of gender, in such a demanding sector.

As a leader in your project, how do you define your leadership style?

I define my leadership style as collaborative, motivating, and results-oriented. I believe that good leadership starts with leading by example, and that’s why I strive to demonstrate daily the values I consider essential: ethics, integrity, dedication (and creativity, which is indispensable!).

One of my main focuses is to create an environment in which my team feels motivated, valued, and empowered to give their best. To achieve this, I try to create space for the sharing of ideas, encourage the exchange of knowledge, and work to align individual goals with the collective objectives of the company, all within a perspective of continuous improvement.

Furthermore, I invest time in listening, offering support, and building a relationship of trust with each team member. For me, leadership is less about controlling and more about inspiring and providing the necessary tools for everyone to grow together, both professionally and personally.

What essential characteristics are needed to pursue such a creative career as architecture?

Pursuing a career in architecture requires a unique combination of skills that blend creativity, technical ability, and management.

First and foremost, it’s essential to have a creative (and visionary) mind, capable of imagining innovative solutions to transform ideas into spaces that positively impact people’s lives – this, for me, must always be present in our work process!

However, creativity alone is not enough… it’s also necessary to have a strong sense of discipline and organization, because architecture involves rigorous planning, tight deadlines, and attention to detail.

Another essential characteristic is resilience, as the creative process is not always linear. There are challenges, revisions, and unforeseen circumstances that demand the ability to adapt and persist.

Finally, I highlight the importance of communication and empathy. We work with clients and multidisciplinary teams, and it is essential to listen, understand needs, and translate those expectations into functional and inspiring projects. For me, the combination of these skills is what makes architecture so fascinating and challenging.

How has your experience been in balancing the demands of a successful career with personal life?

Balancing the demands of a successful career with personal life is a constant challenge, especially in such a demanding field as architecture. I founded my company at the age of 29, and since then, it has been a continuous learning process in search of that balance.

Over time, I’ve learned that balance is not necessarily about dividing time equally, but about being present and giving quality attention to each aspect of my life.

In this sense, I try to organize my time strategically, prioritizing what is truly essential. For example, delegating tasks within the company and trusting my team are crucial so that I can focus on the most important decisions.

I also believe that it’s important to establish healthy boundaries, even if that means saying no to certain commitments. Additionally, I make a point of reserving time to recharge my energy, whether through spending time with my family, my fundamental pillar, or engaging in leisure activities and things that inspire me, like traveling or simply reading a book.

Although balance is not always perfect (it’s a constant challenge), I see it as an ongoing process of adjustments at every moment. More than just a matter of scheduling, it’s about finding purpose and satisfaction in both professional and personal life.

What advice would you give to women looking to pursue a career in architecture or any other creative field?

My main advice is to believe in your potential and not let insecurities or the expectations of others limit your dreams. Creative fields require courage to innovate, and that starts with confidence in your ideas and vision.

In addition, I emphasize the importance of continuously seeking knowledge and developing technical skills. Knowledge is power; I say this constantly to my team!

Another essential point is to build a support and collaboration network. The work of an architect goes far beyond creativity, as it involves coordinating various engineering specialties that require strong teamwork.

I also encourage maintaining resilience and patience. Challenging projects don’t always appear immediately, and the path may be full of obstacles. Persistence and determination are key to turning obstacles into success and learning.

Finally, don’t be afraid to be ambitious. Set high goals, believe in your ability to achieve them, and along the way, celebrate each accomplishment, no matter how small it may seem. It’s important to remember that the process is just as valuable as the destination.

Is innovation crucial in your work? How have you adopted new technological models, such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), in the practice of CRIA+ Arquitectos?

Innovation is a crucial element in our work, especially in such a dynamic sector as architecture, which is constantly evolving. At CRIA+ Arquitectos, we adopted BIM technology more than ten years ago through Archicad, which integrates the design process, anticipating issues and incorporating information from different specialties into a single model.

However, there is still a long way to go to ensure that all disciplinary teams are aligned. It’s becoming common for architects to work in BIM, but not for engineers, which can affect the process. Nevertheless, this demonstrates our commitment to technological evolution and the pursuit of more efficient and integrated processes.

For us, BIM is not just a tool, but a strategic approach that transforms the way we design and collaborate. It allows us to work more efficiently, reducing errors and improving communication across the project.

Sustainability is a central theme in contemporary architecture. How do you incorporate sustainable principles into your projects, and what importance do you place on this concept in the transformation of cities and spaces?

Sustainability is undoubtedly one of the pillars of contemporary architecture and a core value in CRIA+ Architects’ projects. Incorporating sustainable principles goes beyond just meeting regulations or following trends; it’s about taking responsibility for creating spaces that respect the environment, are more resource-efficient, and promote quality of life for people.

What once was something that developers wanted to appear to be, but weren’t necessarily practicing, has now become a true priority, as the end client has come to genuinely value it. This shift in awareness has made sustainability a key concern for our clients as well.

In our projects, we integrate sustainability in a comprehensive way. From selecting low-environmental-impact materials to energy efficiency solutions, such as maximizing natural light, cross-ventilation, and rainwater harvesting systems in the case of single-family homes. This holistic approach reflects our commitment to making buildings not only environmentally responsible but also spaces that contribute to a better quality of life for their users.

How do you see the architecture sector in Portugal?

We are in a phase of high demand, driven by the growing interest from companies and tourists in our territory, but we also face significant challenges. For example, there is a shortage of skilled labor and greater difficulty in retaining teams compared to previous years. Additionally, in relation to clients, there is significant pressure to reduce deadlines and costs, which often compromises the quality and sustainability of projects.

Despite these challenges, the sector continues to be dynamic, with many opportunities for innovation and growth, especially in the context of urban development and sustainability. However, it is crucial to strike a balance between meeting market demands and ensuring that the fundamental values of architecture, such as quality, sustainability, and long-term impact, are upheld.

Architecture is often seen as a functional art that directly influences social well-being. How can architects contribute to the development of spaces that promote greater inclusion and equity?

The architect plays a fundamental role in creating spaces that promote inclusion and equity by integrating principles of universal accessibility, sustainability, and respect for cultural and social differences.

I firmly believe that designing with empathy, involving our clients in the process, ensures that the spaces meet the real needs of people and the objectives to be achieved. When architects approach design with an understanding of the diverse communities that will use these spaces, they can create environments that foster social integration, equal opportunity, and a sense of belonging. This approach not only enhances the functionality of spaces but also their social impact, ensuring that architecture serves as a tool for positive change.

Could you highlight any project recently developed by CRIA+ Architects that you are particularly proud of, both for its social and environmental impact, as well as for the team and its leaders?

It’s hard to choose just one, but I would highlight the Palma Loft’s Development located in Palma de Baixo, Lisbon. It’s a rehabilitation project intended for housing, featuring small-scale residential units. The creation process, all the way through to the completion of the work, involved communication and collaboration among all parties involved, which is something we are particularly proud of.

What are the main challenges architects face today when it comes to incorporating sustainable solutions in urban and housing projects?

The main challenges we encounter in this area are budget constraints. Developers may want to adopt sustainable solutions, but they are often reluctant to pay extra for them. It’s a complex balance, but we believe we are at a turning point, as we are now seeing many end clients place greater value on sustainable solutions, which will lead to a paradigm shift.

While the initial costs of implementing sustainable features can be higher, the long-term benefits in terms of energy efficiency, reduced environmental impact, and improved quality of life are becoming increasingly recognized. As more clients prioritize sustainability, we believe the industry will evolve, with sustainability becoming a more integral part of the development process, rather than an optional add-on.

The magazine issue (136) can be consulted here