Architecture, engineering and construction in the Algarve
Since 1999, FRAME has helped people build, extend, renovate or legalise property in the Algarve. From the first sketch to handing over the keys, with the same team.
One team, from design to construction
We are a practice based in Loulé that brings together architects, engineers and our own construction team. The people who design your house know the building site — and the people who build it know the design.
We also handle everything in between: surveys, prior information requests, planning applications with the Municipality, engineering projects and technical follow-up until the occupancy permit is issued.
Services
Architectural design
Villas, apartment buildings and commercial premises, designed for the Algarve's climate and light.
Learn more →Planning permission and PIP
Prior information requests (PIP), planning applications and prior notifications with the Municipality.
Learn more →Legalisation
Legalising buildings, annexes and alterations, and changing the authorised use of a property.
Learn more →Renovation and extensions
Renovating, extending or transforming existing houses and buildings while keeping their best features.
Learn more →Engineering
Structures and all the engineering projects required, coordinated with the architecture.
Learn more →Construction and project management
Construction with our own team, site management and supervision, time and cost control.
Learn more →Holiday lets, tourism and retail
Design and permits for holiday lets (AL), tourist developments, restaurants and shops.
Learn more →Pools, annexes and walls
Design, permits and construction of swimming pools, annexes, garages, pergolas and walls.
Learn more →Land division and feasibility
Subdivisions (loteamentos), plot separation (destaque) and land feasibility studies.
Learn more →Recent projects
Villa Citrina — 9 villas with pools
Gated community of 9 terraced villas with private pools.
View project →
Contemporary villa with pool
White volumes, timber and a pool facing the garden.
View project →
Tourist development with pools
Terraced villas, a clubhouse and pools set in the landscape.
View project →
Town house with pool
Urban plot with a private courtyard, pool and contemporary interiors.
View project →How we work
Meeting and site visit
We listen to what you want, visit the plot or property and check the municipal plan (PDM) and other constraints.
Concept and design
We develop the concept design, refine it with you and prepare the architecture and engineering projects.
Planning permission
We submit and follow the application with the Municipality and other bodies, answering every request for information.
Construction and handover
We build or supervise the works, control time and costs, and obtain the occupancy permit.
Why clients choose us
Over 25 years in the Algarve
We know the local councils, the municipal plans and the particularities of building in the region.
Design and build under one roof
Fewer intermediaries, fewer surprises and clear responsibility.
Portuguese and international clients
We work with residents and with clients investing from abroad.
Straight talk from day one
We tell you what is possible on your plot before you spend money on design.
Where we work
We are based in Loulé and work throughout the Algarve: Loulé, Quarteira, Vilamoura, Almancil, Quinta do Lago, Faro, São Brás de Alportel, Olhão, Tavira, Albufeira and surrounding areas.
Articles
How long does planning permission take in the Algarve?
What affects how long planning permission for a house takes in the Algarve, the stages of the process and how to avoid delays. A practical guide from a Loulé practice.
Learn more →What is a PIP and when is it worth requesting one?
We explain the Portuguese Prior Information Request (PIP): what it is, what it is for, when it pays to request one before buying a plot and what it should include.
Learn more →How to legalise a building, annex or extension
A guide to legalising unlicensed buildings, annexes and extensions in the Algarve: when it is possible, which documents are needed and what the steps are.
Learn more →Do you have a plot, a house or an idea?
Tell us what you have in mind. We will make an initial, no-obligation assessment and tell you honestly what the simplest route is.