With over thirty years of experience, AGAS Arquitectos has forged a unique identity by combining technical rigor, artistic sensibility, and a constant drive to explore new design territories. Their versatility has led them to undertake projects as diverse as luxury homes, public infrastructure, and iconic residential developments. In this interview, we discuss with them their work philosophy, their commitment to innovation, and the importance of strategic collaborations such as the one they maintain with Gunni & Trentino on prominent projects in Madrid, Barcelona, and the Costa del Sol.
How did you get started in the world of architecture?
We've always been described as an "unconventional" firm. We started very modestly, with a trusted team and a clientele divided between government and high-end properties. From the beginning, we worked on diverse projects—social and luxury housing, schools, industrial buildings—without limiting ourselves to any one area. One of our first major commissions was the Spanish Embassy in Tunisia. Although we've also developed some very significant residential projects, such as the Asturias building in Canalejas, we've never been interested in advertising: we prefer that our 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 triviality. This attitude drives us to investigate and especially enjoy designing industrial pieces, like a Chillida-style artifact we created some time ago.
How do you ensure that each project has its own identity?
Each commission is an opportunity to create something unique. It's essential to explore and understand both the location and the client's desires and aspirations. This in-depth research allows us to give each project a completely personalized identity.
What types 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. Anything that involves exploring and learning has a special appeal for us.
How does BIM methodology relate to sustainability? What advantages does it offer you in your daily work?
AGAS has made a firm commitment to the use of digital tools. We have integrated BIM not only to support the ideation phase, but also as a key tool in defining the project. This 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 energy efficiency standards. The building includes solar panels for self-sufficiency in electricity, rainwater harvesting, electric vehicle charging, green roofs, and native flora.
Another prime example is our offices in Málaga, which incorporate a double-skin building envelope to improve thermal performance. This solution allows us to take advantage of the area's favorable climate, reducing energy consumption. Beyond its efficiency, this strategy opens a new paradigm for workspaces, connecting visually and sensorially with the surroundings and promoting well-being.
When tackling a project, what benefits does Gunni & Trentino offer you?
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 time with particular fondness. From there, we began a closer collaboration with the company's contract and retail team.
We have complete confidence in their expertise, reliability, 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 collaborated on numerous projects, but if we had to highlight a few, we would do so based on three key typologies—hotels, residential, and offices—and three main locations—Madrid, Málaga, and Barcelona. These examples reflect both the versatility of our studio and the global reach and adaptability of Gunni & Trentino.
In Madrid, one of our most significant collaborations has been with 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 most exclusive residential developments in the capital.
In Barcelona, we are currently developing the Córcega 331 residential project, a unique building that incorporates platforms connecting interior spaces and fostering an active relationship with the courtyards, in an effort to recover a way of living that the city is losing. The project also features a meticulously designed interior garden, 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 top-tier architectural and interior design.
To conclude, what are you most proud of in these more than 30 years of experience?
Undoubtedly, it's thanks to having kept the studio alive for more than three decades, and to having created a solid and human structure that has become a family.
We are also proud to have remained true to our approach to architecture, in which we are involved in every project from beginning to end. We consider ourselves the guarantors of the idea, ensuring that it is built with the same intention with which it was conceived.
The Student Experience project perfectly exemplifies 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.
