RAFAEL DE LA-HOZ, arquitectos

THE STUDIO

	The Rafael de La-Hoz architects’ studio, CASTELLANA 90 SL., currently employs more then 65 architects, designers, model-makers, technical architects and computer programmers. Ever since the architectural firm was founded in 1919, we have experimented with different management methods and working techniques. The Studio has undergone many transformations in this time. In 1990, the firm was registered as a Limited Company, as it remains to date. Initially established in Cordoba, it is currently situated at Paseo de la Castellana Nº 82, in Madrid, in a two-floor 1,200-m2 office. The projects performed in the studio in its more than 80 years of existence have covered almost every type of architectural enterprise, from distribution and civil construction to town planning and renovation works.

The Rafael de La-Hoz architects’ studio, CASTELLANA 90 SL., currently employs more then 65 architects, designers, model-makers, technical architects and computer programmers.

Ever since the architectural firm was founded in 1919, we have experimented with different management methods and working techniques. The Studio has undergone many transformations in this time. In 1990, the firm was registered as a Limited Company, as it remains to date. Initially established in Cordoba, it is currently situated at Paseo de la Castellana Nº 82, in Madrid, in a two-floor 1,200-m2 office.

The projects performed in the studio in its more than 80 years of existence have covered almost every type of architectural enterprise, from distribution and civil construction to town planning and renovation works.

The principal objective, which dominates every project, from its inceptive preliminary design stages right through to the execution and construction, is to meet the requirements of the client, whilst providing the most efficient and effective service, with the technological quality our clients have come to expect, all in keeping with the assigned budgets. This is achieved through efficient planning schemes and by tailoring each solution to the client’s needs and adapting to each situation. This ensures that the project will develop in the best global conditions and be a success.

A Manager is assigned to oversee each project. The Manager participates actively in the preliminary designing phases and subsequently manages and monitors the technical development of the project.

Likewise, the Project team is backed by a sub-structure of technicians from other disciplines.

MODEL MAKERS:

The Firm places a lot of importance on the scale models, as they fulfil two essential functions: they are used as a work tool and as a means to convey ideas to the client.

Apart from the scale models, larger models are also built in order to study the technical details of each construction and perform an in-depth, specific analysis.

The model makers occupy a large part of the Studio and their role is central in our work.

ARCHIVES, AUDIOVISUAL MATERIALS AND LIBRARY:

Each Project generates graphic materials and visual documents that are very useful when it comes to developing other projects.
The updated documental archiving system –the photographic library- allows the Studio to analyse tried and tested solutions, and helps the client to understand them.

Likewise, any new materials that are obtained, and the latest publications on technical construction, are all filed in the archives.

COMPUTERS

All personal computers operate on a complex CAD network system.

2D and 3D programmes are used for designing with computers. 3D programmes are used to prepare the models.

The plotters, copiers and scanners are constantly being improved and updated, to ensure we have the latest technology. Various units are currently in use in the Studio.

DESIGN COMPETITIONS

Because tenders have particular characteristics and need to be specially developed and scheduled, there is a specific department assigned to them.

This ensures that the tenders can be handled appropriately and with the required speed, whilst not upsetting or affecting the scheduled development of other works in progress.

INTERIOR DESIGN

We believe that architecture and interior design are inseparable specialities, and consequently, we monitor even the tiniest details in our buildings.

This special consideration for interior design means that we may also implement it with regards to areas as diverse as town planning, graphic art and design, and general fitting and equipment projects.