The Practice
The Practice
Atelier Daniel Florez is an international architecture practice based in Brazil and Spain, dedicated to creating contemporary spaces that dialogue with the landscape while exploring construction methods for a decarbonized future. We define our architecture through the balance between technical precision —inherited from large-scale practice— and an artisanal sensitivity toward local materials and tradition.
Our approach focuses on authentic sustainability and a deep respect for context, transforming climatic and geographical challenges into design opportunities. We are committed to architectural excellence that preserves the planet by delivering MORE with LESS: more comfort and beauty with fewer resources, lower energy consumption, and reduced emissions.
We seek highly efficient solutions by avoiding costly, high-maintenance technologies, instead approaching design with pragmatic intelligence and poetic emotion. Embracing the Think Global, Act Local philosophy, we have extensive experience in solving complex challenges through simplicity, Whether in landscape interventions, experimental residences, or bespoke renovations, the Atelier seeks an honest beauty built to endure."
Selected Awards & Recognition
The office’s work has been widely recognized by the international architectural community for its innovation, sustainability, and design excellence
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2026 | Créateurs Design Awards (Paris): Finalist in the Landscape category for the Kilombo Vilas Hotel intervention. (Often referred to as the "Oscars of Architecture").
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2025 | Créateurs Design Awards (Paris): Selected among the 9 finalists in the Residential category for Gutter House.
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2025 | Dezeen Awards (London): Gutter House Shortlisted (Finalist) as one of the 4 best rural houses worldwide and among the 82 best architectural projects globally.
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2025 | Built by Nature Prize (London): Honorable Mention for excellence in timber construction and the use of bio-based materials.
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2024 | MCHAP5 Selection: Selected by the Mies Crown Hall Americas Prize among the best-built works in the American continent.
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2019 | Wallpaper Emerging Practice: Named by Wallpaper magazine as one of the most promising architectural practices of the year.
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2017–2025 | ArchDaily Building of the Year: Five-time nominee with five different projects across multiple editions.
Daniel F. Flórez | Founder & Director
In 2014, Daniel established his first practice in the North-East of Brazil—the seed of what would become the current Atelier—focusing on architecture rooted in decarbonization and landscape integration. Since 2017, he has led Atelier Daniel Florez, translating the technical rigor of his international background into a unique, sustainable architectural language., bringing a global perspective to local challenges.
Daniel Florwz was graduated with the highest distinction from E.T.S.A. Madrid and E.P.F.L. Lausanne, receiving the X Spanish Architecture Biennial Prize for the best Final Degree Project in Spain.
His professional DNA was shaped in some of Europe’s most influential creative hubs. In Paris, he collaborated with François Roche (R&Sie(n)) and contemporary artists such as Pierre Huyghe, Philippe Parreno, and Mathieu Lehanneur, merging art and research.
Later, he spent five years at the world-renowned firm Herzog & de Meuron in Basel, Madrid, and Hamburg. As part of their design and execution teams, he contributed to landmark projects of immense complexity, including the Elbphilharmonie Hamburg, the BBVA headquarters in Madrid, the Wood Wharf Tower in London, and the Gasklocka Tower in Stockholm.
In 2014, Daniel transitioned from large-scale European infrastructure to the North-East of Brazil, establishing a practice rooted in decarbonization and landscape integration. Living for a decade in remote environments and often self-building alongside local craftspeople, he has translated the technical rigor of his background into a unique, sustainable architectural language. His work has been featured in leading international media such as Arquitectura Viva, Summa, Projeto, Wallpaper, Dezeen, Designboom, ArchDaily, Domus, Arquine, Trama, Dwell, and Archello.
Today, the Atelier operates from bases in both Spain and Brazil, where he continues to develop and oversee works currently under construction.
