With more than thirty years of experience, AGAS Arquitectos has forged its own identity by combining technical rigor, artistic sensitivity, and a constant drive to explore new design frontiers.Their versatility has led them to design a wide range of projects, from luxury homes and public infrastructure to landmark residential developments. In this interview, we discuss their working philosophy, their commitment to innovation, and the importance of strategic collaborations, such as their partnership with Gunni & Trentino on major projects in Madrid, Barcelona, and the Costa del Sol.
How did you get started in the world of architecture?
We have always been defined as a “quirky” firm. We started very modestly, with a trusted team and a clientele split between public administration and high-end projects. From the beginning, we have worked on diverse projects—social housing and luxury residences, schools, industrial facilities—without pigeonholing ourselves. One of our first major commissions was the Embassy of Spain in Tunis. Although we have also developed highly significant residential projects, such as the Asturias building in Canalejas, we have never been interested in advertising: we prefer to let the work speak for itself.
AGAS is known for anticipating the needs of its environment. How do you apply this forward-thinking approach to your projects?
We constantly question what we know. We see ourselves as technically trained explorers, which allows us to work rigorously without falling into the banal. This attitude leads us to research and to particularly enjoy designing industrial pieces, such as a Chillida-style artifact we created some time ago.
How do you make each project have its own identity?
Each commission is an opportunity to create something different. It is essential to explore and understand both the site and the client's desires and aspirations. That in-depth research is what allows us to give each project a completely personalized identity.
What type of projects pose the greatest challenge for you?
We are interested in challenges. We are motivated by facing the unknown, new typologies, or locations. We are also drawn to innovative construction techniques and unconventional programs. Everything that involves exploring and learning has a special appeal to us.
How does BIM methodology relate to sustainability? What advantages does it offer you in your daily work?
AGAS has firmly committed to the use of digital tools. We have integrated BIM not only as support during the ideation phase, but as a key tool in defining the project. It allows us to optimize costs, timelines, and processes, and to make more informed decisions from the outset.
Sustainability is a fundamental pillar of our practice, and BIM facilitates its implementation. A clear example is the Student Experience residence in Madrid, where we applied the highest standards of energy efficiency. The building includes solar panels for self-sufficient electricity, rainwater recycling, electric vehicle charging, green roofs, and local flora.
Another emblematic case is that of our offices in Málaga, which incorporate a double-skin envelope to improve thermal performance. This solution makes it possible to take advantage of the area's favorable climate, reducing energy consumption. Beyond its efficiency, this strategy opens a new paradigm in workspaces, visually and sensorially connecting with the environment and promoting well-being.
When approaching a project, what benefits do you get from Gunni & Trentino?
Our relationship with Gunni & Trentino dates back more than 30 years, when we began collaborating with Pilar, mother of José Manuel Moreno, the firm's current CEO, on the design of several homes. I remember that period with special affection. From there, we began a closer collaboration with the company's contract and home team.
We fully trust their delicacy, solvency, and good taste. For us, they are like a specialized external consultancy that provides assurance, peace of mind, and a high level of quality in every project.
In your most recent collaborations, which project would you highlight? Why?
We have worked together on numerous projects, but if we had to highlight a few, we would do so based on three key typologies—hospitality, residential, and offices—and three main locations—Madrid, Málaga, and Barcelona. These examples reflect both our studio's versatility and Gunni & Trentino's global reach and adaptability.
In Madrid, one of our most representative collaborations has been at the Autograph Hotel, part of the prestigious Marriott chain. This project involved a complex interior transformation, converting a residential building into a luxury hotel with a unique design aligned with Marriott Bonvoy standards. We have also collaborated on high-end single-family homes in La Finca, one of the capital's most exclusive gated communities.
In Barcelona, we are currently developing the Córcega 331 residential development, a very distinctive building that incorporates platforms connecting indoor spaces and encouraging an active relationship with the courtyards, in an attempt to reclaim a way of living that the city is losing. The project also features a carefully designed interior garden area, conceived as a small oasis in the heart of the city. Finally, in Málaga, we are working in Casares, one of the most promising locations on the Costa del Sol. There, we plan to develop two major luxury hotel projects: the first Conrad Hotel in Spain, belonging to Hilton's most exclusive division, and the future St. Regis, both with a top-tier architectural and interior design proposal.
To close, what are you most proud of after more than 30 years in business?
Without a doubt, having kept the studio alive for more than three decades, and having created a solid and human structure that has become a family.
We are also proud to have remained true to an approach to architecture in which we support each project from start to finish. We consider ourselves the guardians of the idea, ensuring that it is built with the same intention with which it was conceived.
The Student Experience project embodies all of this. It marked a turning point due to its scale, complexity, and level of commitment to sustainability. It encapsulates who we are today: an experienced, inquisitive studio, deeply committed to transformative architecture.
