Founded in 1920, RAFAEL DE LA HOZ was one of the drivers for the modernization of Spanish architecture. As pioneer and leader in the development of sustainable design and architecture, the Firm has been a source of inspiration for designers, engineers and architects for their building projects.

As the result of exclusive know how and experience in the development and application of construction techniques and technologies, Rafael de La-Hoz Arderius (1924-2000) created and promoted the NTE (Technical Building Standards) in 1971, an essential resource for architects and engineers, which provided rules, guidelines and technical specifications for construction details undertaken in the industry.

Claiming a position as a prime figure in the downtown streetscape of Madrid, designed in the early 70’s, the Coca Bank Tower was the first project to look beyond the forces of gravity, with its structure as identity and a revolutionary vocabulary. Pushing boundaries and using highly advanced construction techniques, the building crated a promising opportunity to maximize internal space using the building façade as a load bearing element.

As a consequence of the long-standing professional track record, Rafael de La-Hoz Arderius was elected as President of the International Union of Architects for the period 1981-1985, representing more than 1,300,000 architects in more than 100 countries.
Given in recognition of a lifetime’s work, Rafael de La-Hoz Arderius was named as the recipient of the 2000 Gold Medal, the Spanish most prestigious architecture award, given by the CSCAE.

In the 2000’s, RAFAEL DE LA-HOZ entered a new period with innovative, large-scale projects. Involved in significant opportunities to re-think the workplaces of the future, increase efficiency and adaptability, one of our most influential projects was District C-Telefonica Headquarters. The complex is celebrated for its creativity and the understanding of the evolving challenges of a mobile, virtual 21st century workforce.

Focused on sustainable innovation architecture, RAFAEL DE LA-HOZ is constantly investigating into the way we think about how buildings and communities are designed. Recognizing that sustainable design practices have become a mainstream design intention in the architectural community, the new Repsol Corporate Headquarters achieved LEED Platinum rating, and considered a pioneer project on accessibility, sustainability and security.

Rey Juan Carlos Hospital is the forerunner of a new Hospital typology that has changed the way we think about health and health-care. It furthered national awareness of the failure of traditional health systems and showed the extraordinary effectiveness in its exceptional design and design process. It proposes a different approach to the hospital physical environment focusing on public spaces as socialization areas, providing nature and distractions, improving the amount of natural light & ventilation.