In this interview, Madalena reflects on her passion for education, exploring how teaching, learning, and design come together to shape her approach to architecture.

Can you tell us about your background?

I originally studied music and ballet, which gave me a deep appreciation for art from an early age. I later studied science, including geometry, and discovered my passion for spatial design. This naturally evolved into my love for drawing and, ultimately, architecture.

What I enjoy about architecture is the balance between creativity and structure. It reminds me of playing the piano – there is artistic freedom, but also a framework of rules that shape the outcome. You can begin with a free-flowing creative process, but at some point it needs organisation, so in many ways music and architecture are surprisingly alike.

An exchange program during university cemented my desire to pursue architecture professionally. It opened my eyes to new ways of designing spaces with the user in mind, and helped me start shaping my architectural perspective.

I previously interned at a small interior design practice, but I wanted to build a broad foundation before specialising, so I joined Broadway Malyan Lisbon as a graduate architect to work across a variety of projects. Over the past year, I have greatly enjoyed the scale of opportunities here, but above all, it’s the people who make BM special. The collaborative atmosphere allows me to ask questions freely, regardless of hierarchy, and to learn alongside my colleagues without judgment. That openness makes a real difference, both in the creative process and in professional growth.

What kind of projects are you working on?

I’m currently working on two hospitality projects, one focused on architecture and the other on interiors. Working across both projects has helped me understand the importance of harmonising both disciplines to enhance a seamless guest experience.

I also have the pleasure of working alongside Margarida Caldeira on Hotel Mundial, a landmark Lisbon hotel that we’re renovating. It has been incredibly rewarding to learn so much from someone with extensive experience. The project can sometimes be stressful, but I think it's a healthy pressure – it pushes me to step up and learn as much as I can. It has also been very hands-on, involving a lot of logistical planning behind the design. We’re always considering how design decisions will shape the way guests interact with and experience the interior architecture.

How has your experience studying abroad influenced the way that you think about and approach design?

As part of my university degree, I joined the Erasmus exchange programme and chose to study in Finland because I wanted to challenge myself to learn something new in a different culture. This experience completely transformed my perspective on how architecture is taught and designed.

When I arrived in Finland, one of the first buildings I visited was the Helsinki Central Library Oodi. From the outside, it’s a striking landmark with a bold, distinctive design. What truly impressed me was how people used the space, with various areas to learn, interact, and explore in whatever way felt most comfortable. That experience reinforced the importance of designing spaces that adapt to the user, rather than expecting the user to adapt to them.

In Finland, all our projects were user-centred, and the teaching style encouraged constant questioning. In every class, we were asked for our opinions, whether positive or negative, on a design. This process pushed me to form my ideas rather than simply accept established views of what constitutes good architecture. It made me more curious, more critical, and more thoughtful in how I approach learning about architecture.

How has working with children and teaching influenced the way you approach your own architectural projects or design thinking?

I think my passion started when I decided to say yes to joining a volunteer group that organised architecture workshops for children. At first, I just thought it would be interesting to help out for a weekend. Five years later, I’m now on the organising committee, running workshops for 200 children!

Working with children has shaped the way I think about design. Children are free spirits; their imagination is bold and limitless because they haven’t yet learned to think within strict rules. They have taught me to question the limitations we often place on ourselves as designers. As an organiser, it’s important for me to curate workshops that let them think this way and nurture their mindset from a young age. In many ways, teaching has become a way of learning for me too – I feel like I gain just as much from the experience as the students do.

Later, I started tutoring in geometry, which eventually led me to join an academic research group focusing on the role of education in architecture. It was there that I became increasingly aware of how physical space can support or restrict learning outcomes. This realisation shaped my master’s thesis, which explored how design can create more inclusive, adaptable, and engaging learning environments. For me, this was also a deeper reflection on the social role of architecture, particularly its potential to influence not only how we learn, but also how we relate to one another within shared environments. It reinforced my belief that architects have a responsibility to design with intention, especially when creating spaces that impact future generations.

What advice would you give to young professionals who are beginning their careers in architecture?

Be open to the unexpected. Architecture is such a broad field, and trying to master everything at once can feel overwhelming.

Be curious about everything, and value not only your own knowledge but also what you can learn from others. Explore your interests and don’t be afraid to try new things – even failure eventually brings you closer to your goals.

Feel free to explore, take risks, and go with the flow of life while holding on to your values. For me, that means creating spaces that serve and inspire those who use them, and recognising that my work will have a lasting presence in the lives of others. Always design as if you were the one living or working in the space you create.

Photographer: Ricardo Oliveira Alves