Architecture studio in Barcelona

architecture, interior design

Nomadas Architecture is an English-speaking firm with experience in foreign clients that aim to build or renovate in Spain

Nomadas Architecture caters to an ever-growing flow of people that is highly mobile and at the same time wishes to have a place to settle down in the country of the sun. Combining almost a decade of foreign experience in the field of Architecture with the local know-how of the Spanish construction sector, this architecture firm provides on the ground technical solutions to ease the processes of architecture and interior design in Spain. Based in Barcelona, Nomadas Architecture, offers flexibility, proximity, and adaptability to the specific needs of each client.

Our Architectural Services

Apartment renovations

Personalized client support from the initial design phase through to the construction execution stage, including budget monitoring and financial oversight. Preparation of all necessary sets of drawings for each stage of the project.

Interior Design

We maximize the functionality and aesthetics of your space. Enjoy a turnkey project with us as we transform your space into an impressive reality. This service includes: spatial planning and furniture layout, supply of materials, furniture and textiles, and the design and production of custom-made elements.

Historic Home Renovations

In projects involving existing heritage elements, we recover and enhance the material remains, giving them new significance within a contemporary architectural program.

Planning Permissions & Building Permits Management

We simplify the licensing process. We understand the challenges of obtaining permits and licenses for your architecture or renovation projects. We guide you through the entire process, from the initial application to the final approval. Finally, we ensure compliance with building regulations, urban planning rules, and other associated legal requirements.

New-Build Home Design & Construction

We offer a comprehensive new construction service that ensures full compliance with current regulations, providing personalized support to the client from the initial design stages through to the delivery of the completed home.

Office and workspace renovations

We handle spatial planning and interior design, the selection and supply of materials, furniture, and textiles, as well as the design and production of custom-made elements. In addition, we facilitate the obtaining of activity licenses and other necessary permits to ensure your project progresses smoothly.

Commercial and retail renovations

We provide space planning and interior design for any commercial project. Additionally, we manage the selection and supply of materials, furniture, and textiles, as well as their customization. We also handle and facilitate the procurement of business licenses and other administrative procedures.

Custom restaurant renovations

We develop comprehensive projects for your restaurant or bar, incorporating custom-made furniture designed to optimize space, reinforce the venue’s identity, and enhance the customer experience.

Architecture consultancy

We offer advisory and support services for real estate buying and selling processes, reviewing the available documentation and verifying that it meets all technical and administrative requirements. We also carry out visual inspections of properties to assess their current condition and identify any necessary interventions, providing a clear and well-founded report to facilitate decision-making.

How We Work

“One dedicated contact to guide you through the entire process”

KICK-OFF MEETING:

Preliminary session with the client to understand personal needs. Completion of the project brief questionnaire, listing guidelines, requirements, and conditions for the project to be developed. Conclusions applicable to the space, definition of styles, and development of the overall concept.

ANALYSIS OF CURRENT CONDITIONS AND REGULATIONS:

Evaluation of the characteristics of the property, review of current regulations, and execution of a site survey, i.e., precise measurement and documentation of dimensions, layout, and existing elements to produce an updated and detailed plan.

DESIGN PROJECT DEVELOPMENT:

Presentation of different layout options to the client and validation of the final proposal. Functional and spatial design, as well as selection of materials and finishes. Preparation of the lighting design and a compliance report ensuring adherence to current regulations.

ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT:

Includes preparation of the bill of quantities covering all project items, management and proposals of contractors, detailed monitoring and analysis of their budgets, and financial guidance throughout the process to ensure informed and controlled decision-making.

PERMITS AND LICENSING:

Submission and delivery of the architect-signed and endorsed project according to current regulations. Management of procedures with the local authorities to obtain construction permits.

CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT:

We assume construction management by the architects, coordinating meetings with the client’s chosen contractor team for the delivery and explanation of the executive project. Continuous supervision of the construction is carried out through site visits with the site manager, ensuring correct execution according to the project, quality control of materials, and compliance with health and safety regulations. Meeting minutes are prepared for each visit. Finally, we manage the issuance of the final construction certificate and the occupancy permit once the work is completed.

Marta Catalán, your architect in Barcelona

Marta is a Phd. Architect by the University of Hong Kong. Previously, she studied in Madrid and Japan where she obtained her Masters.

Marta began her career co-founding the architectural collective Zira02. She has developed her architecture practice in Spain, Hong Kong and Japan. She has worked and collaborated with several architecture firms including Andres Jaque Office for Political Innovation, Abe Hitoshi Atelier and Izaskun Chinchilla Architects. Her projects have been awarded with the Europan, IDOM and the Hong Kong Jockey Club Design for Innovation prizes.

Laia Martínez Sitjà, your architect in Barcelona

Architect graduated from UPC BarcelonaTech, where she obtained her Master’s Degree in Architecture, and from the “Ion Mincu” University of Architecture and Urbanism in Bucharest. She has developed her education and professional practice in an international context, working across Spain, China, Hong Kong, and the United Kingdom.

Laia has built her professional career in renowned architecture studios such as Neri&Hu Design and Research Office and Bean Buro, contributing to architecture and interior design projects in sectors including residential, office, hospitality, and retail spaces. She currently practices as an architect in Barcelona, focusing her work on architectural design, refurbishment, and interior design projects.

Mar López Prat, Interior Designer & Architectural Technologist

Associate

Graduated in Architectural Technology from the Escola Politècnica Superior d’Edificació de Barcelona (EPSEB) in 2008, with a Master’s degree in Retail Design from Elisava (2014). She has extensive experience in interior design, residential and commercial renovation, and spatial transformation, combining a strong design sensibility with solid technical and construction expertise.

She specialises in converting commercial premises into residential spaces, with particular expertise in resolving damp-related issues and structural interventions that maximise natural light. Her approach focuses on transforming challenging spaces into bright, functional homes with a distinctive architectural identity.

Her professional profile combines creativity and design with extensive knowledge of urban planning regulations, technical feasibility, and construction management, allowing her to oversee projects comprehensively, from initial concept through to final execution.

Anna Izquierdo, Architect (ETSAB)

Associate

Licensed architect graduated from UPC BarcelonaTech – ETSAB, with a professional career beginning in 2004 and more than ten years of experience as an independent architect in Barcelona. Her background encompasses restoration, renovation, and new-build projects, as well as changes of use and commercial spaces.

She specializes in end-to-end project management, with extensive experience handling urban planning procedures, building permits, and on-site construction coordination and supervision.

Her deep understanding of Barcelona’s architectural, urban, and regulatory environment allows her to bring a local, multidisciplinary perspective to every project, seamlessly integrating design vision with the technical and administrative requirements essential for execution.

Explore Some of Our Projects

BADALONA

This former printing workshop has been transformed into a bright industrial loft. Original brick walls and wooden windows are preserved, while a new patio and sculptural staircase bring light and contemporary character to the space.

Badalona

2025

GARDEN FLAT

Interior renovation of a historic apartment in central Barcelona, combining the recovery of 19th-century original elements with a contemporary industrial style. The project enhances natural light and the connection to an interior garden, integrating recycled materials and design solutions that balance functionality with historical character.

Ciutat Vella, Barcelona

2024

GOTIC

Complete interior renovation of a historic ground-floor apartment, creating a cozy family home that highlights original features such as high ceilings, stone walls, and Catalan vault, combined with industrial-style metal beams. The project maximizes the sense of space through interior patios, an open-plan kitchen, strategic lighting, and reclaimed materials that connect past and present.

Ciutat Vella, Barcelona

2022

Why Choose Us?

International Experience and Local Know-how:

Our studio combines nearly a decade of international experience in architecture with deep knowledge of the construction and interior design sectors in Spain. We speak English fluently, facilitating communication with international clients.

Personalized Attention:

Every client and every project is unique, and we treat them as such. We guide our clients from the initial contact through to the final delivery of the project, covering all phases: design, cost assessment, and construction management.

Comprehensive Services:

We work closely with a trusted team of professionals, allowing us to offer turnkey solutions and manage all aspects of the project to ensure a smooth and efficient process.

Comprehensive Services:

We work closely with a trusted team of professionals, allowing us to offer turnkey solutions and manage all aspects of the project to ensure a smooth and efficient process.

3D Desing and Visualization:

We incorporate 3D design and visualization as a working tool throughout the entire process, not just as a final deliverable. This allows us to maintain a fluid and transparent dialogue with each client, where design decisions can be understood at a glance without relying on the interpretation of technical plans.

From the earliest stages of the project, we generate three-dimensional images and volumes that help visualize spaces, materials, light, and proportions before construction even begins. This translates into:

Faster decision-making: The client understands and evaluates each proposal with greater speed and confidence.
Fewer misunderstandings: We reduce misinterpretation errors between technical blueprints and real-world space.
A more participatory process: The client can actively share feedback and refine the design at every stage, not just at the end.
Consistency between design and execution: By visualizing the final outcome from the start, technical and aesthetic decisions align more seamlessly.

This tool is an integral part of how we approach architecture: as a shared process where the client is an active participant in the design, rather than just a recipient of the final result.

What Our Clients Say

Nomadas Architecture

4.9

Based on 18 reviews

review us on

Olivia Everal

4 months ago

ES: It was a real pleasure working with them: fast, communicative, and reasonably priced. I'm so grateful to have found Nómadas early in my search! ----- EN: Absolutely wonderful to work with, fast, communicative, and reasonably priced. Very grateful to have found Nómadas early in my search!

Ouissal Chairi El Jaanin

4 months ago

Having Marta and Laia on board has given us so much peace of mind and security. They are truly outstanding professionals. They are undoubtedly my go-to architects in the province of Barcelona. Thank you so much!

CARLOS ERAZO MOLINA

5 months ago

Marta guided me from the initial search to obtaining the occupancy permit for my apartment, including the complete renovation that transformed a combined commercial and residential space into the home I now happily call home. The project involved a construction company, the architects' association, the homeowners' association, and much more. In Marta, I found not only competence and creativity, but also the adaptability and tenacity that such ventures demand. I can only recommend her and wish her the success she undoubtedly deserves.

Teresa Estelles

7 months ago

Impeccable! They're a 10!

Adrià Blanc

7 months ago

After two projects with Nomadas Arquitecture, I can confidently say they are an excellent partner for architectural and renovation projects, both residential and industrial. A professional and dedicated team. I highly recommend them!

Christine Parat

9 months ago

It was such a pleasure working with Marta and Mar. From the very beginning, we felt supported, heard, and confidently guided through the process. They are professional, up to date with the latest design concepts, and truly lovely to work with. We look forward to collaborating with them again and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them.

Thomas L

10 months ago

We did a full renovation project with Nomadas. What we really liked: - The creative proposition during the drawing phase - The proposition for the plan and room proposition - The good vibe of the team - The fact they can speak English and French They also took over the entire documentation process, and this is a big relief in such a project. We knew everything was in order, and we didn't have to fight with the administration, especially when documents are not in our native language. Finally, the constructor they proposed was flexible, creative, and listened to our needs and was very friendly. A few points of improvement could be to have a 3D rendering of the validated plan to help the customer to picture the final render.

victoria orozco gicquiau

11 months ago

Marta accompanied me on all my viewings for a potential apartment until I found the perfect one. Marta is very professional and has extensive market knowledge, which allowed me to get quick and clear answers to my questions.

Basanta K. Rai

2 years ago

Excelent work done with the limited budget destined to our small project of renovation. Immense source of ideas she has. Very professional architect and very much recomendable to get your ideas to be tranformed into reality. Thank you Marta and Nomadas Architecture.

Marc Mercade

2 years ago

Marta helped me renovating my apartment in Barcelona and she is professional and full of nice ideas.

Nick O'Brien

2 years ago

Marta was the architect and project manager on our bajo redevelopment. Her work was incredibly thorough and her management exceeded our expectations. Would recommend!!

Zainab Hess

2 years ago

We had the pleasure of working with Marta Catalan on our home renovation project between 2022 and 2024 in the old town of Barcelona,and we cannot recommend her highly enough. Marta made the impossible possible, transforming a disastrous property into a spectacular home. Throughout the design and building process,Marta led us with the utmost professionalism. She communicated every aspect that an owner wants to get addressed and was always on site when needed, coordinating with builders,carpenters, electricians,tilers,plumbers,locksmiths and other professionals.Her detailed knowledge of all these disciplines,combined with her excellent taste and style,guided us in choosing the right materials and furniture. Marta 's expertise extends beyond design and construction,she is also highly skilled in handling the necessary paperwork to obtain legal permissions,even in the most challenging situations. Her dedication went as far as searching archives and documents dating back more than a century to assist us with specific restorations and problems. There is no better architect in Barcelona,and perhaps not in all of spain,working with such enthusiasm and commitment to her clients. Marta Catalan is simply outstanding. Folke Hess & Zaza Hess June 19 ,2024 Carrer Nou de sant Francesc, Barcelona, España

We design and deliver projects in Barcelona and surrounding areas

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