With more than a hundred architects on staff, HCP Arquitectos approaches each project as a unique challenge
HCP, founded in 1986 and headquartered in Málaga, is a multidisciplinary consulting firm specializing in architecture, engineering, and urban planning, with more than 2,700 projects in over 40 countries. With partner offices in Morocco, Romania, Cape Verde, and Cairo, the firm is renowned for its iconic buildings and its commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainability in design.
Collaboration is a guiding force at HCP; they approach each project as a unique challenge that brings together experts in architecture, interior design, engineering, and urban planning to create innovative solutions.
How do you manage a firm with nearly a hundred architects on staff?
HCP is like a family where, when a problem arises, everyone pitches in—and that’s a real blessing that makes managing the team so much easier. We’ve managed to combine experience with youthful energy to build a multidisciplinary, dynamic, and committed team with the skills and knowledge to develop competitive, reliable, and honest projects that speak for themselves. Furthermore, given our long, uninterrupted experience since HCP was founded, we have developed systems and work methods that allow us to manage many projects simultaneously, meeting deadlines and under rigorous internal quality control.
How would you describe the architecture of HCP? Is there a common characteristic that defines it?
HCP is a firm dedicated to its clients. It was founded at a time when architects were viewed—and viewed themselves—as demigods on earth. From the very beginning, we have sought to place the client, their needs, and the needs of the people who will ultimately use our projects at the core of our vision, never putting our brand first. Today, we are focused on what we consider the true purpose of architecture: “Architecture is the art of planning, designing, and constructing buildings by modifying the human habitat and studying the aesthetics, proper use, and function of spaces.” Giving value to the true meaning of architecture involves adhering to three principles: Beauty, Strength, and Utility, which, when executed with professionalism, allow us to be not just a studio, but an architecture and engineering consulting firm.
HCP Arquitectos is known for its iconic buildings around the world. Which three projects would you highlight as the most compelling?
There are many projects we could highlight. From the past year, we could single out the following: first, Nereidas, a beachfront residential project in Torremolinos in which Metrovacesa has placed high hopes and which has served as its cornerstone during these years of consolidation in the real estate sector.
The Terminal is a parking garage we completed this year in Bahrain. It stands out above all for the uniqueness of the project—since it is uncommon to design parking garages in Europe—and because it is becoming an icon for the city of Adliya, where it is located.
And finally, the Al Salam Hospital we are currently building in Khobar, Saudi Arabia—a truly exciting challenge for us, through which we have once again demonstrated that HCP is not just another architecture firm. We are a comprehensive architecture and engineering consulting firm whose sole focus is on every project we undertake. We listen, analyze, advise, and create with our clients’ satisfaction in mind, because that is the only way to ensure the satisfaction of the people who will ultimately bring each of their projects to life.
What is the latest project you’re working on? Future challenges.
We’re currently working on many projects, with about 40 construction sites underway, in addition to numerous projects in various stages of design. One project worth highlighting is a master plan we’re developing in Colombia’s Piojo region, located between Cartagena and Barranquilla. It’s a tourism development comprising a 200-room luxury hotel, 80 villas, 230 apartments, a restaurant, a café, a shopping area, a small pier, green spaces, and sports facilities. We are excited about its excellent beachfront location and the architectural style we are proposing—Colombian and Caribbean colonial architecture reinterpreted in a more contemporary way—and both we and our clients are very satisfied with the product being created.
Our platform was born out of the need to connect architects with businesses. Do you think the relationship with businesses is important when developing a project?
In our opinion, the relationship with companies when developing a project is not just important—it is essential. Architecture is an art form that is constantly enriched by diverse contributions, and the company must be one of them. Seeking functionality in a building can be likened to seeking functionality in a company, to give a simple example.
