My journey in architectural design

Discover the qualifications and experiences that shape my approach to creating innovative and life-enhancing home adaptations. Learn how my passion for design translates into practical, beautiful, and accessible living spaces.

I’m Susana da Silva BArch (Hons), MArch, Architect, Chartered member of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and the Architects Registration Board (ARB). I´m also member of the Architects Registration Board - Ordem dos Arquitectos (OA) in Portugal.

With over 27 years of experience across private practice and the public sector, I specialise in housing, accessibility, and regeneration.

My work has been recognised in 2021 and 2025 at the UK National Healthy Housing Awards, reflecting my commitment to creating homes that truly support the people who live in them.

My work is deeply personal.

Experience and expertise

Here, I share practical advice, design ideas, and guidance on support such as Disabled Facilities Grants (DFG) helping you create a home that is safer, more accessible, and built around your needs.

Because good design isn’t just about how a home looks, it’s about how it allows you to live.

Qualities that set me apart: 

Core skills & specialist areas

  • Design & project leadership: I lead projects from concept to completion, combining creativity with strategic oversight to deliver homes and spaces that are safe, functional, and life-enhancing.
  • Design leadership across RIBA Plan of Work stages; Housing, design, and residential regeneration expertise; Project and programme management (PRINCE2); client, stakeholder, and multidisciplinary team leadership; mentoring and team development
  • Public-sector frameworks & specialist expertise: I have extensive experience delivering projects within public-sector frameworks, ensuring compliance, governance, and inclusive design are at the heart of every solution.
  • Inclusive and accessible design for adults and children with diverse physical and cognitive needs; strategic evaluation and solution development for safer, independent living; residential project delivery: new builds, refurbishments, supported living, and extra care schemes; regulatory mastery: planning applications, building regulations, and approvals.
  • Technical & compliance expertise: Health, life safety, and regulatory compliance (RIBA-certified); commercial awareness and risk management; consultant and multidisciplinary coordination.