REFERENCES
11+ years of professional experience across London and Portugal
Rui Fernando Nepomuceno,
Architect at Funchal City Hall, Studies and Strategy department
(2026)
It is with great pleasure that I write this recommendation for my colleague and dear friend, with whom I had the privilege of closely sharing the journey of our Architecture studies at Lusíada University of Lisbon, between 2003 and 2009.
We had the opportunity to work together on various academic projects, and in particular on an ideas competition for the design of an artist hotel, for which the chosen site was a small islet adjacent to the island of Porto Santo.
Throughout the entire process, she proved to be a dedicated and visionary professional. In addition to her commitment, I would highlight her ability to develop solutions that successfully integrate spaces for artistic creation.
I recall the long hours we spent working on multiple projects, refining proposals in a constant pursuit of the solution that best reflects a strong sense of pride and rigor.
I believe her greatest strength lies in her ability to collaborate—maintaining open dialogue, respecting different ideas, and contributing in a way that ensures the final result surpasses the sum of its parts.
I recommend her with full confidence that she will bring the same rigor, the same passion for the discipline, and the same care that she devoted to our project on the Porto Santo islet.
Filipe Montenegro Guterres,
Architect at Odivelas City Hall
(2026)
Ana Costa Paiva is a highly motivated and dedicated architect who has demonstrated strong commitment to the field from an early stage. Coming from a family with a background in construction, she developed a natural understanding of building processes and techniques, which has consistently set her apart.
She quickly showed excellent proficiency in architectural and construction software, combining technical skills with a practical mindset. Ana is known for being determined, focused, and results-driven, always approaching her work with clarity and purpose.
Her ability to stay committed to her goals, along with her strong work ethic, makes her a valuable asset in any professional environment.
Robin Foote,
RIBA Project Architect at Blair Associates Architecture Ltd
(2026)
Ana worked directly with me on The Cadogan Hotel project, during which time she was an invaluable contributor. She helped produce construction drawings during a particularly high-pressure period with the contractor, and her commitment and professionalism were greatly appreciated.
Iain McLellan,
Associate at Studio PDP London
(2022)
Ana joined PDP London and worked with my team for a high-end complex heritage project in London to deliver information for a Stage 4 tender.
She performed her design tasks within the team very well and diligently to the programme. Her key role was supporting an envelope sub-group and producing successful town planning discharge documents with technical details.
We wish her well for the future and would recommend her for projects within a team.
SJ Hirani,
IT Manager at Studio PDP London (2022)
I had the pleasure of working alongside Ana at Studio PDP, and I can confidently say she is an exceptional architect. Her work ethic, creativity, and technical expertise consistently stand out. Ana approaches every project with dedication, attention to detail, and a strong sense of responsibility, ensuring both design excellence and practical execution.
She is not only highly talented but also collaborative and solution-oriented, making her a valuable asset to any team. I wholeheartedly recommend her for any architectural project—clients and collaborators alike will benefit from her professionalism and commitment to delivering outstanding results.
Michael Blair, DipArch RIBA Director at Blair Associates Architecture Ltd
(2021)
Ana Paiva has been in full time employment since the 15th January 2018.
Ana Paiva has worked diligently on a number of major projects which started with the Cadogan Hotel, successfully completed at the beginning of 2019, Ana then moved onto 6 Grafton Street a Grade I listed building. Ana also worked on Thomas Goode a Grade II* listed building developing the scheme with the team leading to successful Planning and Listed Building Consent at the beginning of 2019. Since then, Ana has been working on Claridge's vertical extension where she has been involved in the interior fit out of corridors and suites.
Ana is dedicated and hardworking and continued to do so during the COVID-19 crisis.
German,
Architect at Blair Associates Architecture Ltd
(2021)
I had the opportunity to work along with Ana in London. She was a great team player and also a very talented, conscientious and dedicated colleague, so it was a pleasure to work with her.
Samiur Rahman,
Architectural Designer at Midgard, part of JRL Group
(2017)
Excellent and hard working architect. Very good at technical drawings and understanding the construction side of projects.
Previous employers
